To begin preparing a presentation, start by considering the topic. for this activity, you will select any topic connected to this unit and create a persuasive presentation. for example, you could choose a topic about postmodern literature or beat poetry, such as these examples:

motif became one of the most important elements of postmodern narratives, such as in john updike’s "the brown chest."
beat poetry emerged from the need to amend social injustices in society.
you can select any topic connected to the unit. make sure to pick a topic that you find interesting and wish to learn more about. choose a position on the topic. your presentation should persuade your audience about your viewpoint.

as you select your topic, consider two important aspects of any public speaking opportunity: purpose and audience. make sure you have a firm understanding of why and to whom you will be presenting. this information will determine your topic and the tone of your speech. obviously, a presentation on marine life would not be appropriate for an assignment on tragic heroes in your literature class, nor would it be appropriate for a group of experienced marine biologists who already know its contents.

type your chosen topic and notes about your position on the topic in the space provided.

Read the excerpt from the war of the worlds, which includes a description of setting shortly after the martians' first deadly attack.the undulating common seemed now dark almost to blackness, except where its roadways lay grey and pale under the deep blue sky of the early night. it was dark, and suddenly void of men. overhead the stars were mustering, and in the west the sky was still a pale, bright, almost greenish blue. the tops of the pine trees and the roofs of horsell came out sharp and black against the western afterglow. the martians and their appliances were altogether invisible, save for that thin mast upon which their restless mirror wobbled. patches of bush and isolated trees here and there smoked and glowed still, and the houses towards woking station were sending up spires of flame into the stillness of the evening air.what options accurately explain how the narrator's feelings are reflected in the setting? (select all that apply.)the war of the worldsthe narrator is comforted by the oncoming evening, as reflected in the setting details. for example, he says the martians are invisible.the narrator is distressed by the deceptive quiet of the evening, as reflected in the setting details. for example, he still sees smoke from the widespread destruction.the setting details to reveal the narrator's feelings of both relief and apprehension. for example, although the martians are not seen any longer, the remnants of the attack are still quite visible, and it's not clear whether the danger is over.the setting details reflect the narrator's feelings of both fascination and relief. for example, although one of the martians' odd tools is still visible, the creatures themselves no longer pose a threat.