Group Discussion

Grade Level: X to Intermediate / A’ Levels

Theme: The current global economic meltdown

Suggested research areas may include readings with reference to Pakistan and other major world economies.

  • The role of the North (the Developed world)
  • The rise of the developing nations (India, China, Brazil etc.)
  • The role of the South (Developing and Under-Developed nations or Third World)
  • The role of the banking sector
  • The role of governments in the banking crisis
  • Lobbies and the role of the corporate sector in government
  • The role of International bodies such as the IMF, World Bank, WTO, UN etc.
  • The Arab Spring and the rise of organized people’s protests internationally
  • Income disparity
  • Agriculture and Food Security
  • The movement of the work force from rural to urban centres
  • The tax net
  • Unemployment
  • Education
  • Aging Populations
  • National debt and borrowing
  • The collapse of the Euro
  • Free trade areas and free trade agreements
  • Protectionism

Some Reference Links you might find interesting:

Ted Talks: www.ted.com

RSA animate: http://comment.rsablogs.org.uk/videos

Language: English

Rules:

  1. Each School may send ONE team.
  2. Each team will be represented by ONE participant.
  3. The discussion will be conducted in English.
  4. The first round of the competition will be divided into FOUR 25-minute sessions. Each session will have EIGHT participants.
  5. The TWO best speakers selected by the judges from each session will participate in the final round.
  6. Each participant will be invited to present his/her opening remarks on the topic for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. A buzzer will be sounded if the time is exceeded.
  7. Opening remarks will be followed by the Group Discussion.
  8. The Moderator will regulate the discussion.
  9. Participants will be judged on the basis of the expression of ideas, knowledge of the subject, soundness of the argument and overall presentation.
  10. Personal remarks about fellow participants will be expunged.
  11. Any impropriety, offensive language, ethnic or religious intolerance or racism is strongly prohibited.
  12. The ISEO committee reserves the right to withdraw any entry it deems inappropriate or unsuitable.
  13. Audio/Video recording at the ISEO venues is not allowed unless special permission has been requested for and given in writing in advance from the ISEO Committee.
  14. Attendance will be restricted to faculty members and enrolled students of participating schools.

Note: Entries will be limited to the first THIRTY TWO schools that register for the event.