Year 7 Masterclass English

CASTAWAY ISLAND
TASK 5 – ELECTING A LEADER

After all the squabbling over where the camp should be, everyone decides that
it would be a good idea to elect a leader to make important decisions and
organise jobs for everyone.

But who should it be? Someone fit and strong? Someone bright and intelligent?
Someone kind and sensitive? Someone with useful skills that can help us to
survive? Someone who was a leader before we were castaways?

You divide again into the same groups you were in when you explored the
island. Each group will choose ONE candidate from their group to stand for
election.

AFTER your group has chosen a leader, do the following things:

1. As a group, discuss what your policies will be:

 What does your group stand for?
 What are your future ideas for life on Castaway Island?
 How do you propose that we get ourselves rescued?
 What will we all do on the island every day?
 How will we be organised? Which people will do which jobs?
 What good things can you promise us for the future if your candidate is elected?
 What qualities does your candidate have which make them the best choice for leader?

2. After you have written down your policies, split your group into two teams:
 The first group (which should include the leader) will write a speech that the leader will
give to the rest of the class to persuade everyone to vote for them. The speech should go
for 2 minutes and should be both entertaining and persuasive. You should ensure that you
discuss your ideas and policies in your speech.
 The second group will design and election pamphlet which will be given to the other
groups to help persuade them to vote for your candidate as leader of the island. The
pamphlet should be A4 sized and should include:
o A heading
o A catchy slogan
o The name of your candidate and why we should vote for them
o Your policies
o A brief outline of your rescue plan
o Some pictures / artwork

3. After the pamphlets and speeches are ready, the candidates will give their speeches and
everyone can vote for who they want to elect as the leader of the island. You don’t have to
vote for your candidate – vote for who you think will be the best leader.

Remember, your survival on the island depends on you making the right choice!