Prüfling A

You are applying for a traineeship at the European Parliament. Applications need to include a presentation (e.g. video, podcast) on a burning issue. You are inspired by a conversation you overhear. Comment on the conversation.

Student A:

Why are you looking so miserable?

Student B:

Because I can no longer undertake my dream Erasmus exchange programme at Cambridge University.

Student A:

European students can still spend a year abroad during the course of their university studies.

Student B:

Sure, but it is no longer possible to study at UK universities through the Erasmus programme. That's Brexit for you!

©SMK Together with your partner(s), discuss further burning issues in today's world. Agree on the content and form of your presentation.

Prüfling B

You are applying for a traineeship at the European Parliament. Applications need to include a presentation (e.g. video, podcast) on a burning issue. You are inspired by a conversation you overhear. Comment on the conversation.

Student A:

Why do you look so downcast?

Student B:

I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count over the weekend, and the findings weren't exactly something to tweet about.

Student A:

How so?

Student B:

I stood out there with my binoculars for a full fifteen minutes and didn't see anything more interesting than sparrows. lt turns out the bird population in Wales has been on the decline for decades. Urban expansion and pollution are not conducive to wildlife.

©SMK Together with your partner(s), discuss further burning issues in today's world. Agree on the content and form of your presentation.

Prüfling C

You are applying for a traineeship at the European Parliament. Applications need to include a presentation (e.g. video, podcast) on a burning issue. You are inspired by a conversation you overhear. Comment on the conversation.

Student A:

Let's go and hang out at the new mall. Why the long face?

Student B:

My Aunt lnga has had to close her grocery store.

Student A:

Ah! What a pity! lt's been in your family for generations, right? What gives?

Student B:

She couldn't compete with the large chains and new shopping malls that have opened up in our town. In fact, we've lost some small bookshops and clothing stores as well.

©SMK Together with your partner(s), discuss further burning issues in today's world. Agree on the content and form of your presentation.

Note:
Please note that these solutions are only suggestions. There are various possibilities for argumentation. Prüfungsteilnehmer A

• The dialogue highlights the negative consequences of Brexit for young Europeans, especially regarding educational opportunities.
• Student B is disappointed because they can no longer participate in an Erasmus exchange at a UK university.
• Although European students can still study abroad, the UK is no longer part of the Erasmus programme, which limits access.
• The conversation reflects frustration and a sense of lost opportunity caused by political decisions.
• It suggests that Brexit affects not only trade or politics but also personal dreams and cultural exchange.

Prüfungsteilnehmer B

• The conversation centres on declining bird populations in Wales, reflecting environmental degradation.
• Student B is saddened by the lack of bird diversity during a bird-counting activity.
• They mention that urban expansion and pollution have damaged habitats and harmed wildlife.
• The conversation raises awareness of biodiversity loss as a serious consequence of human behaviour.
• It shows that environmental changes are visible in everyday life, not just in scientific reports.

Prüfungsteilnehmer C

• This conversation deals with the decline of small, family-owned businesses due to competition from large chains and shopping malls.
• Student B explains that their aunt had to close her long-standing grocery shop after generations of operation.
• Other small shops — bookshops, clothing stores — have disappeared as well, signalling a shift in the local economy.
• The text highlights the loss of community identity, tradition, and diversity in local business.
• It reflects the broader issue of globalisation overpowering local structures.

Alle Prüfungsteilnehmer further burning issues in today’s world

• Climate change and loss of biodiversity.
• Cost of living crisis and economic inequality.
• Digitalisation, AI, and data privacy concerns.
• Mental health challenges among young people.
• Migration, war, and social integration.
• Access to education and equal opportunities.
• Housing shortages and affordability.
• Global supply chain challenges and sustainability.

content & form of the presentation Chosen topic: The decline of educational & cultural opportunities for young Europeans after Brexit

• Format: We will create a 5-minute video presentation.
• Reason:
  • Video allows us to combine spoken explanation, interviews, visuals, and statistics.
  • It is engaging and easy to share online (e.g. through the EU’s platforms).
• Content:
  • Introduction (30–45 sec): Short overview of Brexit and its impact on youth mobility. Personal motivation — inspired by the conversation overheard in Screenshot A.
  • Part 1 — Erasmus opportunities (1 min): Explain what Erasmus is and how it supported cultural exchange, language skills, and job prospects. Mention how young people lost access to UK universities.
  • Part 2 — Real-life consequences (1 min): Interview clip or spoken statement from a student who had planned to study in the UK. Describe emotional and academic disappointment.
  • Part 3 — Wider social impact (1 min): Without Erasmus, fewer cross-border friendships and fewer international research opportunities. Potential long-term division between UK and EU youth.
  • Part 4 — Solutions (1 min): Present alternative programmes (e.g. Erasmus+ replacements, online exchanges, new bilateral agreements). Suggest EU initiatives to keep cultural exchange alive.
  • Conclusion (30 sec): Call to action: urge policymakers to invest in youth mobility because cooperation strengthens European identity.
• Visual / audio elements:
  • Short statistics about Erasmus participation before/after Brexit.
  • Images of campuses + EU/UK flags.
  • Short interview or voice message from students.
• Goal:
  • Show that young people are directly affected by political decisions.
  • Demonstrate why youth mobility should remain a priority for the EU.