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1.3.5 Writing a speech

Writing a speech: understand the requirement

  1. Specification focus. speech
  2. Why it matters. The requirement is demonstrated through relevant decisions and developed evidence, not by repeating terminology or a memorised paragraph formula.
Key Idea
  • Translate the wording into an action: decide what you must identify, interpret, analyse, compare, evaluate, craft or deliver.

Writing a speech: practical method

  1. Set the purpose. Decide what the audience should understand and select material that directly supports that outcome.
  2. Organise for listeners. Use a purposeful opening, clearly signposted main points and a concise conclusion.
  3. Control delivery. Vary pace, pause and emphasis while using an appropriate register and audible Standard English.
  4. Respond actively. Listen to questions, answer directly and elaborate with a relevant example or qualification.

Writing a speech: apply the skill

  1. Worked approach. Begin with a precise claim, support it with a carefully chosen example, explain the reasoning or crafted choice, and connect the result back to the task.
  2. Improve through diagnosis. Name the exact weakness, such as unsupported inference, thin analysis, weak organisation or inaccurate expression, then revise that feature and compare the result.
Exam technique
  • For Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A, follow the exact component route and command words. Balance textual knowledge, developed analysis and controlled writing.
Common Mistake
  • Avoid generic effects and universal formulas. Every explanation or crafted choice must fit this task, text, purpose and audience.
Self review
  • Can I explain writing a speech in my own words?
  • Can I apply the method to an unfamiliar task?
  • Have I used precise evidence or deliberate crafted choices?
  • Can I identify and correct one likely weakness?
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Lesson

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Writing a speech means creating a purposeful text for listeners. The requirement is shown through the decisions you make about purpose, audience, evidence, organisation and language, not by repeating a memorised formula.

Translate the task wording into an action. Decide whether you must identify, interpret, analyse, compare, evaluate, craft or deliver something.

For example, if the task asks you to persuade young people to reduce food waste, your purpose is to influence their behaviour. Your examples, tone and structure should all support that purpose.

Questions

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49 exam-style questions

Practice questions

Question 1

45 marks

Your school is discussing whether official school photographs should be digitally altered to remove minor imperfections in pupils’ appearance. Write a speech for a meeting of pupils, parents and staff giving your views.

Your work will be assessed on communication and adaptation to audience and purpose (27 marks), and organisation and technical accuracy (18 marks).

Flashcards

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24 flashcards

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What should you decide before selecting material for a speech?

1.3.5 Writing a speech Revision Guide

  1. IGCSE
  2. /English Language
  3. /1.3.5 Writing a speech

Revision notes for Edexcel A IGCSE English Language 1.3.5 Writing a speech: explanations and worked examples.

Revision guides