WEEK 4 - Performance Task

Performance Task: Effective Speech Writing

Given the situation/theme below, write a speech considering all the different
principles of effective speech writing. It should have at least between 600 to 800
words. 
Theme: (As a student)- How and what to prepare during a pandemic.

GRADE 147/150

    As we surpassed the 500,000 mark on the COVID-19 cases recently, it is evident that the pandemic is yet to be over. The feeling of uncertainty keeps creeping up on us, as the government fails to provide a long-term solution to stop the pandemic, while also recovering from the country’s economic recession. Despite practicing preventive measures, wearing face masks and face shields outside, still it is not enough to stop the pandemic. Even relying on the vaccines is just another band-aid solution, as it cannot really guarantee you immune from the virus. The government’s broken promise to return from the recession within the year just adds weight to the burden brought upon by the pandemic towards the community.
    This is not the first humankind has faced a challenge like this: there have been pandemics, epidemics and plagues that have passed. And in those times, despite the casualties brought on by the obstacles, humankind has managed to prevail in those dark times. Since then, people have learned what to do and what not to do at times likes this. 
In preparing ourselves for the pandemic, being aware towards recent events and issues is one of the crucial aspects that we should practice. As students, and even as members of the community, it is our responsibility to be informed of everything that is happening, since we are all directly affected by these circumstances, whether it may be about the COVID-19 vaccines, extra-judicial killings of innocent people, or the news about charter change being implemented.
    As we become more aware towards our environment, the pandemic does not only impact the people in terms of health, but it also affects their socio-economic aspects. Not everyone has the privilege to live a comfortable life during the pandemic. Some people, especially the informal sector, are forced to risk their lives just to “get by”, to have food to eat despite losing their 9 to 5 jobs. As students, it is important for us to be aware of these problems, and that it is our job to educate others as these problems also affect us, not only them. Just because it does not affect us directly, does not mean we should turn our backs and be ignorant.
    Besides that, the pandemic has also affected a lot of students since face-to-face classes are not allowed. A ton of students were forced to skip school since they cannot afford to go online classes or do modular learning, which is the effect of neoliberal education here in the Philippines. It is hard for us to accept this fact, as everyone deserves to have access to education, despite their economic status in society. Teachers are also affected by this. Because of this, as students, we always be critical of everything. Since we are “future’s hope”, we should call for a better education. We can only eradicate this neoliberal system if we are all aware of this problem and that the corrupt are overthrown.
    On a personal note, having online classes can be tiring, as the workload doubles, and that we can only understand our lessons by being in a real classroom. To prepare for online-schooling and modular-learning, we should all try to learn how to discipline ourselves. Time-management is an important practice that we must master, so that we would be able to do schoolwork without added stress. It is also important for students to take a break occasionally, since forcing yourself to work all the time can cause fatigue, which can greatly affect not only your physical health, but also mental health. 
As students and members of our community, it is our sole duty to continue learning and continue to criticize the wrongs and rights to achieve a progressive society. It is already the 21st century, we should not keep blind on the wrongdoings done, especially by the government. We should not be afraid to open our eyes and see reality. Being aware, able to educate fellow citizens, able to call for accountability, all the while disciplining yourself for online school and practicing self-care are essential to your growth and development not only as a student, but as an individual.