The Test by Henry Slesar
Speaking and Listening Assignment 5:
‘Famous for Five Minutes’
The Context
‘Famous for Five Minutes’ is a networked U.S. radio show which each week
revisits and retells how an event in recent American history made someone
‘Famous for Five Minutes’. One show is going to focus on the famous
murder trial of Benjy Blesker which – some fifteen years ago – turned lawyer
Vernon Wedge into a high profile figure media figure (for a few short
weeks). The show – which is known for its punchy, entertaining style – will
remind listeners of the events of the trial, and through the comments and
recollections of those involved at the time, show how it made a temporary
‘star’ of lawyer Wedge. The show lasts four minutes.
Your task:
 You are an independent radio production team who have been
commissioned to produce this episode of ‘Famous for Five Minutes’
 You are to script and record the four minute show ‘Famous for Five
Minutes: The Story of Vernon Wedge’
 Remember this is being recorded 15 years after the events, so the show
needs to remind/retell some basic facts of the Blesker case
 You will need to include interviews/comments from relevant people,
focusing on their recollections of the trial, and specifically Vernon
Wedge’s role in the events
 Who you choose to include is your choice
 The show is known for its punchy and entertaining style, rather than
for its serious journalistic approach to famous past events