how to write a speech gcse aqa

Speeches are usually designed to persuade the audience or sometimes even inspire the audience. Good speeches are not boring and will use lots of emotive language as well as rhetorical techniques.

What is contained in a speech?

• Addresses the audience directly (says ‘you’ or ‘we’ ) to motivate action or support.
• E.g. Rhetorical questions - ' Should you good people have to put up with this?' .
• Have one or two clear arguments that they link their paragraphs back to.
• A mixture of short and long sentences so that the listener keeps paying attention.
• E.g. ' Thank you for listening' .
• A strong conclusion to motivate action.

How to write a persuasive speech?

• Persuasive speeches need a structure that allows the audience to remember their message and be motivated to act upon it.
• Having a key message and a peak or climax in a speech can create momentum, which excites the crowd. Things that are emotive are remembered more easily.

Tips for writing speeches

• Speeches are presented, instead of read like a book.
• This makes the literary techniques like alliteration, rhetorical questions, sibilance, onomatopoeia, repetition, and rule of 3 more powerful.
• Try reading each paragraph in your head after writing it.

1 Key Terms

1.1 Key Terms

1.1.1 Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentence Types

1.1.2 Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language

1.1.3 Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood

1.1.4 Key Terms - Other Techniques

1.1.5 End of Topic Test - Key Terms

2 Language Techniques

2.1 Language Devices

2.1.1 Metaphors

2.1.2 Similes

2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning

2.1.4 Personification

2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy

2.1.7 Oxymoron

2.1.8 Hyperbole

2.1.9 Alliteration

2.1.10 Sibilance

2.1.11 Onomatopoeia

2.1.12 Emotive Language

2.1.13 All Language Devices

2.1.14 End of Topic Test - Language Devices

2.2 Writing Structure

2.2.1 Narrators

2.2.2 Paragraphs

2.2.3 Tense

2.2.4 Present vs Past vs Future

2.2.5 Foreshadowing

2.2.6 Structure

2.2.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure

3 Paper 1: Reading

3.1 Structuring Your Answer - Section A

3.1.1 Overview - Section A

3.1.2 Answering Question 1

3.1.3 Answering Question 2

3.1.4 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading

3.1.5 Answering Question 3

3.1.6 Answering Question 4

3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Section A

3.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading

4 Paper 1: Writing

4.1 Structuring Your Answer

4.1.1 Overview - Section B

4.1.2 Answering Section B

4.1.3 Answering Section B - Checklist of Techniques

4.1.4 End of Topic Test - Writing Section

4.1.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Writing

5 Paper 2: Reading

5.1 DAFORESTER

5.1.1 Direct Address

5.1.2 Alliteration

5.1.3 Facts

5.1.4 Opinions

5.1.5 Repetition

5.1.6 Exaggeration (Hyperbole)

5.1.7 Statistics

5.1.8 Triples (Rule of 3)

5.1.9 Emotive Language

5.1.10 Rhetorical Questions

5.1.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER

5.2 Structuring Your Answer

5.2.1 Overview - Section A

5.2.2 Answering Question 1

5.2.3 Answering Question 2

5.2.4 Answering Question 3

5.2.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading

5.2.6 Answering Question 4

5.2.7 End of Topic Test - Section A

5.2.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading

6 Paper 2: Writing

6.1 Structuring Your Answer

6.1.1 Overview - Section B

6.1.2 Answering Section B - Punctuation & Plans

6.2 Types of Writing

6.2.1 Article

6.2.2 Essay

6.2.3 Leaflet

6.2.4 Letter

6.2.5 Speech

6.2.6 Review

6.2.7 Travel Writing

6.2.8 Diaries & Journals

6.2.9 End of Topic Test - Types of Writing

6.3 Writing to...

6.3.1 Writing to Inform

6.3.2 Writing to Inform - Example

6.3.3 Writing to Explain

6.3.4 Writing to Explain - Example

6.3.5 Writing to Persuade

6.3.6 Writing to Persuade - Example

6.3.7 Writing to Argue

6.3.8 Writing to Argue - Example

6.3.9 Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue

6.3.10 Writing to Advise

6.3.11 Writing to Advise - Example

6.3.12 End of Topic Test - Writing to...

6.3.13 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing

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How to Write a Speech GCSE – Score 9 in English GCSE Exam

Ever pondered ‘How do I start my GCSE English speech?’ or ‘What should I write my GCSE speech on?’ Crafting a compelling speech can be daunting, especially when it’s for your GCSE English exam. This guide will help you navigate the nuances of the GCSE English speaking and listening topic ideas and master the art of speech writing.

What is the GCSE Speech Exam?

The Speech GCSE includes an assessment of students’ spoken language abilities. This assessment is an integral part of the English GCSE exam , where you are required to demonstrate your speaking and listening skills. Most students typically choose from a range of GCSE spoken language topic ideas and present a speech, followed by a discussion with the examiner. This assessment not only evaluates your knowledge of the topic but also the ability to structure your thoughts, use persuasive techniques , and engage the audience.

What’s the Good Starting Point for GCSE Speech?

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to structuring your speech, understanding the basic speech layout can provide a solid starting point. Typically, you’ll want to start with an engaging introduction, followed by 2-3 key points that support your topic, and a compelling conclusion to wrap things up.

How to Choose the Right Topic For GCSE Speech? 

Before you even begin writing a speech, it’s crucial to have a well-defined topic. Your topic sets the tone for your entire speech, so it has to be something you are passionate about and can speak on with authority. Moreover, a well-chosen topic significantly impacts what makes a good speech.

While your GCSE English speaking topic should ideally be interesting to your audience, it should also resonate with your own interests and strengths. This is the time to brainstorm English GCSE speaking ideas . The right topic can not only engage your audience but also allow you to showcase your oratory skills effectively.

Knowing Your Audience

If there’s one factor that can make or break your speech, it’s the audience. Knowing who you’re speaking to allows you to tailor your language, tone, and content to resonate with them effectively. Ask yourself the following questions:

The better you understand these aspects, the easier it will be to connect and make a meaningful impact, thus further defining what makes a good speech.

Ideas for Speaking and Listening GCSE English

Choosing a topic that resonates with your audience is key. Given the requirements for GCSE speaking exam topics, you may want to consider issues like climate change, social media’s impact on mental health, or the importance of voting. These subjects are not only engaging but also provide ample scope for discussion and argument.

Here are some English Speaking Exam Topic Ideas to Consider:

• Climate Change and Its Global Impact
• Social Media and Mental Health
• The Importance of Voting
• Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
• The Future of Work in a Post-Pandemic World
• The Role of Education in Shaping Character
• Sustainable Living and Consumer Choices

To sum up, here are some tips to consider:

Choose a topic that excites you; your enthusiasm will be contagious.

Make sure the topic is relevant to your audience.

Opt for subjects that are neither too broad nor too narrow.

The Structure of a Good GCSE Speech

A successful speech is more than just a string of words; it’s a well-thought-out sequence designed to captivate your audience. Here, we’ll delve into the speech structure and discuss how to structure a speech for maximum impact. A typical speech will consist of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: Capture attention and state your main point.

Body: Build your argument or narrative with supporting evidence.

Conclusion: Summarise the key points and finish with a strong statement or call to action.

How do I start my GCSE English speech?

You have but a few precious moments to seize your audience’s attention. The way you start a speech can dictate whether your audience tunes in or zones out. The opening sets the tone and context for everything that follows, making it an integral part of how to open a speech effectively.

Dos and Don’ts of Starting Your GCSE Speech

• Open with a Provocative Question: Pose a question that challenges common beliefs or perceptions. For instance, “What if I told you that everything you knew about climate change was wrong?”
• Share a Personal Story: Relate an anecdote or personal experience that ties into your main topic. “Three years ago, I stood at the edge of a shrinking glacier, and that moment changed my perspective forever.”
• Use a Relevant Quote: Start with a powerful quote from a renowned figure that encapsulates the essence of your speech. “As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.'”
• Present a Shocking Statistic: Share a surprising fact or figure that grabs attention immediately. “Did you know that every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans?”
• Paint a Vivid Picture: Use descriptive language to create a vivid scene or imagery in the minds of your audience. “Imagine a world where forests no longer exist, where silence replaces the chirping of birds.”
• With an Apology: Avoid starting with phrases like “Sorry for…” or “I’m not an expert, but…”. It undermines your credibility from the get-go.
• Using Clichés: Starting with overused phrases like “Webster’s dictionary defines…” can come off as uninspired.
• Being Too Broad or Vague: Avoid generic openings like “Today, I want to talk about life.” It doesn’t give the audience a clear sense of direction.
• Overloading with Information: Avoid bombarding your audience with too many stats or facts right at the start. It can be overwhelming.
• Being Negative or Confrontational: Starting with a confrontational tone, such as “Most of you probably won’t agree with me…” can put the audience on the defensive.

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Types of Speech Starters

So, what makes an opening memorable? There are numerous speech starters that can serve as a strong foundation for your talk. Here are a few tried and true methods:

Start with a provocative question to engage your audience’s curiosity.

Use a relevant quote that encapsulates your message.

Kick off with a shocking fact or statistic that supports your argument.

for instance

• Start with a Provocative Question: Engage your audience’s curiosity right from the outset. For instance, “What if I told you that by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish?”
• Use a Relevant Quote: Begin with a powerful quotation that encapsulates the essence of your message. Consider using, “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'”
• Kick off with a Shocking Fact or Statistic: Share a surprising piece of information that supports your argument and grabs immediate attention. For example, “Recent studies reveal that an alarming 70% of young adults experience social media-induced anxiety.

Tailoring the Opening to GCSE Criteria

For students particularly interested in GCSE speaking exam topics, it’s crucial to note that examiners look for a range of specific elements in your opening. These can include clarity of expression, engagement with the audience, and a clear outline of what the speech will cover.

How to Structure My GCSE Speech?

A well-structured speech isn’t just a nicety—it’s a necessity. Especially when it comes to GCSE English, having a well-organised flow of ideas is pivotal to engaging your audience and making your points hit home. The way you structure your speech impacts not just its effectiveness but also how smoothly you can deliver it . When we talk about structure in the English language, we’re referring to the arrangement of your introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as the logical progression of your arguments.

Common Structural Techniques in GCSE English

There are several structural techniques in GCSE English that can amplify your speech’s effectiveness. For example:

• Repetition :Reinforcing key points by repeating them helps to keep your audience engaged.
• Tripling : Enumerating three related points or arguments can make your speech more memorable.
• Rhetorical questions : These engage the audience and provoke thought, without requiring an answer.
• These are some of the tried-and-true structural techniques GCSE students can employ to enhance their presentations.

How Structure and Language Interact?

The marriage between language and structure is a match made in rhetorical heaven. Your language choices should serve your structural design and vice versa. For example, if you’re using tripling, you’ll need to select words or phrases that have a similar tone or rhythm to create a sense of unity. By having your English language structure techniques complement your chosen words, you’re setting the stage for a cohesive and engaging presentation.

Implementing Structural Techniques for GCSE Criteria

How do these techniques match up with GCSE criteria? To excel in GCSE English , you’ll need to demonstrate an adept use of a range of structural devices. Whether it’s crafting a compelling introduction or providing a powerful conclusion, these structural elements are integral in showcasing your understanding of the English language structure techniques required for this level of examination.

Why Language Matters in GCSE English?

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.” Well, when it comes to your GCSE English speech, both matter immensely. Your choice of words and how you string them together can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. Employing the right GCSE English language techniques is paramount in this regard.

The Essentials of Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are the tools of the trade when it comes to effective speech writing. These include metaphors, similes, and alliteration, among others. Familiarising yourself with these techniques in the English language will enable you to elevate the quality of your speech. By doing so, you’re more likely to meet and perhaps even exceed GCSE language techniques expectations.

Crafting Sentences for Maximum Impact

The structure of your sentences can significantly influence the power of your speech. Consider varying sentence length to maintain interest, employing short, impactful sentences for key points and longer, more complex ones for detailed explanations. These are among the essential English language techniques for GCSE that you’ll want to master.

Practical Examples of Effective Structure

To solidify your understanding, consider these real-world examples:

Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is an excellent study in effective repetition and emotive language.

Winston Churchill’s ‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches’ uses tripling to emphasise Britain’s determination during WWII.

Both examples can be adapted to meet GCSE standards, offering invaluable lessons in how to effectively employ structural techniques.

How to End My GCSE Speech?

Every great GCSE speech deserves a powerful finish. Your conclusion is the final impression you’ll leave on your audience and the examiner, so it’s vital to get it right. Whether you’re discussing GCSE spoken language topic ideas or any other English GCSE speaking exam topics, your conclusion should encapsulate your main points and leave a lasting impression. Here’s how:

Reiterate Key Points

Quickly recap the main arguments or insights from your speech’s body. This helps solidify your message and reminds the audience of your core GCSE English speaking and listening topic ideas.

End with a Bang

A thought-provoking statement, a call-to-action, or a powerful quote can provide that final punch. Wondering how to end a speech in a way that lingers? Think of a statement that encapsulates your entire speech’s essence.

Here are examples:

• Thought-Provoking Statement: “In a world driven by screens, it’s our humanity that keeps us connected.”
• Call-to-Action: “Let’s pledge to unplug for an hour each day and reconnect with the world around us.”
• Powerful Quote: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.”

Relate to the Bigger Picture

Connect your GCSE speech ideas to broader themes or global issues. If you discussed technology’s impact on mental health , perhaps conclude with its overarching role in modern society .

Engage and Involve

Pose a final question or challenge to your audience. It could be related to English spoken language topics or any other theme you’ve explored. By involving your audience, you ensure they remain engaged even after you’ve finished speaking.

Use Language Techniques

Integrate GCSE language techniques and English language techniques GCSE standards advocate for. A sprinkle of speech techniques, perhaps a rhetorical question or a vivid imagery, can elevate your conclusion.

Call-to-Action

Whether it’s a plea for change, a challenge, or a simple request for reflection, ending with a clear call-to-action gives your audience a direction post your speech.

Tip: Remember, while it’s essential to know how to write a good speech, it’s equally crucial to know how to wrap it up effectively. Your conclusion should resonate with the speech structure and content, ensuring a cohesive and memorable presentation.

In essence, your conclusion is not just a summary; it’s your final chance to make an impact, to inspire, and to be remembered. Craft it with care, and your GCSE English speech will undoubtedly stand out.

GCSE English Past Papers

Navigating the road to GCSE English excellence requires not just hard work but also smart strategies. One of the most effective methods for ensuring you’re well-prepared for exam day is the use of past papers . This blog post delves into why past papers are an indispensable resource for both students and teachers.

Past papers offer a wealth of benefits, from familiarizing you with the exam format and question styles to improving your time management skills during the test. Gain insight into the types of questions that frequently appear, understand the marking scheme better..

Whether tackling AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or Eduqas exam boards, we’ve compiled every available past paper to give you a comprehensive practice tool. Practising with these papers not only boosts confidence but also sharpens English language skills, setting on a path to achieving top marks.

Ready to Ace Your GCSE Speech?

The GCSE is a pivotal milestone in one’s academic journey. Excelling in your GCSE English speech can significantly boost your overall grade, making it essential to get it right. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, personal guidance can make all the difference.

Preparing for your GCSE revision can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Edumentors, the expert tutors have not only aced their GCSEs but also possess the insights to guide you towards success. Take, for example, tutor Milan . Once anxious about her speech, she achieved top marks and is now furthering her studies at University of St. Andrews. Why not explore her journey? Schedule a complimentary introductory session with her today and discover the perfect mentorship match for your GCSE journey.

The standout feature of Edumentors? Their tutors hail from the UK’s top universities, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and best practices to the table. They understand the nuances of the GCSE, the expectations of examiners, and the techniques that can set your speech apart.

So, why navigate this journey alone when you can have an expert by your side? Whether it’s mastering the art of speech writing or preparing for other aspects of the GCSE exams, Edumentors is your gateway to excellence.

Take the leap. Reach out to Edumentors and ensure your GCSE speech isn’t just good, but exceptional.

Make a GCSE Speech Finally, the moment has come for making a speech . This is where all your hard work pays off. Keep in mind all the elements we’ve discussed—from structure to language techniques. Try to maintain eye contact with your audience, employ strategic pauses for effect, and remember to breathe. A well-prepared speech, delivered with confidence, can make all the difference in your grades and in how you are perceived.

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• Speech GCSE

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This much I know about…a step-by-step guide to the writing question on the AQA English Language GCSE Paper 2

…and they will provide all the fun you will ever need.

All the fun will ensure that your memories will be looked back on and treasured. On average 95% of teenagers have loved their new experiences and at least 80% of them want to try multiple new ones! The memories are forever and if you have no good ones, then what is there worth remembering?

So, if you aren’t convinced by the lure of great memories, then consider going somewhere with your friends. No one can deny it – going on holiday with your friends is the best type of holiday. Imagine the possibilities, the locations you can visit with your best friends; how you will be able to do what you want and how exciting it will be. Please don’t waste your childhood, explore!

Although these holidays with friends can be great, they also have their setbacks…

The students now have a firmly embedded tool with which they can approach the 40 mark question with confidence. They can write deliberately, having understood how the Form, Audience and Purpose of a piece of writing dictate their style of writing.

This post has 10 Comments

This is great, thank you. I’ve made this the focus of our final lesson for paper 2 (crediting you on the resources!) as it reinforces the need for a plan and brings together everything they should know, with the addition of the Janus facing sentences. This should be memorable for them and I hope will avoid the ‘where did that come from?!’ when the examiner reads each new paragraph. I’m blending this with HHELMMETS resource (can’t think of the source right now) which helps them with ideas. Ideas+structure = much improvement.

• Pingback: This much I know about…why job satisfaction matters | johntomsett
• Pingback: Blog #2.1 Deliberate Practice: Practice Makes Perfect? – EDified Teaching

I didn’t like your comment about the SEND students. I am one myself and I am perfectly capable of answering question 5 on the paper. I got a 7 in my prelim for it. So please could you do something about this comment as affected me. There was no just cause for you to say this. Many SEND students are fully capable of being able to cope with GCSE’s and I am offended.

Never wanted to offend Catie. SEND students get a great deal of support and do very well in most cases at our school. I was talking about the students who have challenges but do not get any support. I was not discussing SEND students at all. Hope you get a good grade this summer! Kindest, John.

Thank you so much for this article. My daughter is not SEND but has not improved since year 7. She remains working at grade 3. Do you have any links to resources, pdf files or YouTube videos please? Thank you

brilliant <3

Just wanted to warn you that ‘fap’ is being used as slang for masturbation (i.e. Reddit’s NoFap community’). This may not mean anything o your students but may be worth renaming just in case! Wonderful materials though. I will definitely use the sentence examples table.

Very good but you need to give us explaination on how to plan question otherwise how would we knowwww but thanks anyways god bless you x

Very helpful thank you

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AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 writing tasks: speech and article

This popular, scaffolded lesson resource includes two practice exam questions for AQA GCSE English Language paper 2, Section B and helps students to explore the differences between two non-fiction forms — speeches and articles — in terms of the presentation of ideas and the use of language techniques.

It summarises a range of techniques that students might use in a speech and a newspaper article, including persuasive language (such as rhetorical questions and triplet/rule of three/triadic structure), anecdotes or examples and using a mixture of informal and formal language and direct address such as pronouns. The classroom worksheet also asks students to consider the most appropriate tone or register for purpose and audience, and whether using non-standard sentence structures (such as starting a sentence with a conjunction) could engage a reader’s attention.

It's perfect for exam practice and preparation for AQA GCSE English Language students. Suggested answers (a lesson ‘mark scheme’) are included to support young people with their exam preparation.

You might also our other AQA English Language Paper 2 resources, or see more speech and article lesson activities such as AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 Section B exam task .

Practice GCSE exam questions for AQA English Language Paper 2, Section B from the resource:  Students work through a set of 4 activities which show them how to write the text for a speech or an article, in response to this statement: ‘Music has no value when you’re studying. It can be distracting; it can be too loud. Students should work in silence.’

a) Write an article for a broadsheet newspaper in which you explain your point of view on this statement.

b) Write the text for a speech in which you explain your point of view on this statement.

Task 1 This task prompts students to look for language features which are relevant to the text types of article writing and speech writing. Students are asked: Can you work out which were written for a speech and which were written for an article? What are the differences? What clues did you use? Task 2 Students look at example sentences for both non-fiction writing tasks and identify the persuasive features, demonstrating how to write an article and text for a speech. Task 3 Students practise the two forms of writing with their own sentences. Task 4 Students reflect on the activities: In summary, what have you learned from these activities about:

the language techniques you could use in an article and the text for a speech

the ideas you could cover in an article and the text for a speech

the differences between writing an article and the text for a speech?

They then respond to their chosen essay question and start their own piece of writing as exam practice for the GCSE English language exam, choosing a specific audience to make their use of language more appropriate, such as broadsheet newspaper readers of The Guardian , or a speech to young people their own age.

As an extension or stretch and challenge task, ask students to identify a range of other techniques they could use. Some students will be familiar with the mnemonic DAFOREST (Direct address, Alliteration, Facts, Opinions, Rhetorical questions, Similes and metaphors, Emotive language, Triplets) but they might also want to consider emotive language, hyperbole and their use of connectives. Alternatively, ask students to plan their first paragraph in the lesson, before finishing their piece of writing at home.

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How To Write A Speech GCSE Like A Professional

Are you a college or uni student who has been struggling with writing a speech GCSE? Well, we have all it takes to help you learn how to write an address and score top-tier grades. In this guide, we will use a personalized approach showing you steps while at the same time giving you tips and tricks. With this blended approach, you will be able to crack any speech writing assignment in seconds.

Count this as having hit the jackpot with a bonus altogether! Let our English assignment help writers guide you through the entire process:

What Is GCSE?

It is the acronym for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It refers to an academic qualification which the student attains in a given subject. GCSE is mainly taken in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. However, it can also be taken in other countries, depending on their curriculum.

In most cases, GCSE studies take place over two to three years. Nonetheless, this depends on various aspects, including:

The most tested areas in GCSE include actual writing, general knowledge, and numerical skills. Students will have to take all units for a single subject in one examination series. GCSE is accessible to students in schools, while those re-sitting or in private entries will incur variable fees.

Understanding Speech For GCSE

The GCSE English speech refers to an official verbal presentation that is meant to achieve a specific goal. Speeches are meant to convince or ask a particular audience to buy into your idea. Top-notch speeches will always make the audience pay attention to your subject of discussion. That is why you need to learn how to write a good speech.

Once you master the speech structure, you can compile an award-winning paper that will move masses. Such a paper will give you a sense of satisfaction and make your audience feel like part of the speech.

In most cases, such speeches contain a clear perspective. A dynamic and memorable address will only be possible if you can fully consolidate all the different parts of such an assignment. Students who know how to structure a speech will also take the least time to write such a paper.

Do you want to become a pro in speech writing? Scroll down.

Process of Speech Writing

Before you even think of beginning your speech, there are essential points to consider. I call these ‘the big 4’:

• Nature of your question: Is it persuasive or informative?
• Length of your paper: It will determine the extent of your research
• Objective of the assignment: It will determine the angle you take in the thesis statement
• Time available: This will help you plan accordingly in terms of research and writing

Without these four crucial elements, your speech in the English language will only be a candidate for lower grades. Once you know how you will go about them, it is time to get into the real thing. That is where the format and style come in to convince your reader of your viewpoint.

How To Write A Speech Introduction

The introduction is always the first paragraph of any writing that ushers the reader into your subject matter. For a speech, the opening will entail an introduction of yourself. One would relate this to your head which identifies you. The introduction for a GCSE English speech gives you the privilege of showcasing your introductory skills to any audience.

A catchy introduction always serves as bait for your audience. Once the audience reads it and gets all psyched up, it will stick with you to the next section. What would you do if you were part of an audience seated in front of a boring presenter? Would you have the guts to stick around to the end? I bet you would find something ‘constructive’ to do as the boring man entertains himself on the stage.

That will always be the case if your introduction does not spark any sense of urgency or curiosity in the listeners’ minds. Here are some quick tips for an outstanding introduction:

• It should get the attention of the audience
• It should portray your credible position
• It ought to reveal the topic briefly
• It should have a thesis and a preview.

You can use a story, shocking statement, quote, or testimony to get your audience’s attention. Remember that the impression you create at first will determine how the reader will behave towards your speech to the end.

For example:

‘Greetings, and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to listen. I am Clifford Pound, ready to take you through this great topic on ….’

From the English GCSE speech introduction above, you can note the writer uses polite language and introduces himself with his full name.

Writing The Body Of An English GCSE Speech

The body carries the main chunk of the paper, and as such, a lot goes in here. Some students have great introductions for their speeches but end up messing in the body. That should not be the case for you who are reading this professionally crafted article.

Now, the body of any form of writing comprises of the following:

• Topic sentence
• Explanations to the topic sentences
• Examples of evidence supporting claims made

Having great English GCSE speech ideas will propel you towards a creative and unique paper. If you can recall, we mentioned that speech essays could either be persuasive or informative. Having identified which type you are writing on, you will frame your topic sentences accordingly.

Unlike other forms of writing, a speech uses a different approach. There are rules of speech writing that dictate how the body will look in GCSE speech. Remember that here, you are talking to an audience, and as such, there are several considerations to ensure a smooth conversation.

Ensure that the topic sentences present answers to the thesis statement in the intro. When making your arguments, you should always refer to the information you posted in the introduction. It should guide how you frame your topic sentences. Provide detailed explanations to your topic sentences. Break down the topic sentence into a manageable chunk that the audience can understand better. The speech format also requires that you use a dialogue kind of language to make the audience part of the speech. Use illustrations to demonstrate the point you want to drive home. You can use examples that these people can relate to so that they understand better. Another option would be to use vivid descriptions to describe various aspects of your speech, such as people or events.

These speech features will give your paper a professional look and make it stand out among the rest. Always ensure that the body paragraphs are grammatically correct and smooth flow from one section to another.

Speech Format: Conclusion

The length of different speeches affects the reception and engagement of the audience. The audience might get bored midway for an extended address and overlook the ending because of the fatigue. That is why you should have a strategic conclusion that will either be a portion of food for thought or take home for the audience.

In most cases, conclusions sum up everything you discussed in the body. However, how you do this summary matters a lot. Here are some of how you can end your speech:

Summarizing the main points Repeating some of the phrases or keywords for emphasis Highlight the relevance between the points mentioned and your goal Reinforcing the main idea You can also conclude with a clinching personal anecdote.

Always ensure that the ending captures the attention of every listener so that they can take something home. You can also end with a twist that will leave the readers pondering on what step to take. Some listeners who did not get much in the body paragraphs will have something to carry home if you have a catchy ending.

Evaluation Of A Speech GCSE Exam

When evaluating such a test, the writer’s method of writing and effectiveness in achieving the desired aim are put on a scale. There are various pointers used during evaluation such as:

If you feel certain emotions If the speech informed, persuaded, or entertained the reader Individual methods used

The evaluation also involves stating whether you agree with a particular statement or not. Different teachers may have various evaluation methods, but those mentioned here are standard. There might also be a difference among other schools.

How To Make A Good Speech

There are many ways of writing a winning speech painstakingly. Since we have now examined the structure and format, other vital components will help you ace your address in no time. Have a read:

• Always express your opinion: It is vital to write what you think about a particular phenomenon personally. That will make it easier for you since you are familiar with such experiences. You should ensure that your opinion stands out engagingly.
• Writing from the 1st person: Use ‘I’ as you register to make the audience recognize that whatever you are saying is your opinion. Addressing the audience will help to increase engagement. The nouns you use should bring the audience into the speech and make them ponder how the argument applies to them.
• Add something personal: Using anecdotes and personal details will make your audience relate to you and thus agree quickly with what you say. You can accomplish this by narrating a brief story about yourself that is rather engaging and captivating. Providing quick personal details would also make the audience identify with you. However, remember that this should not take up much of the time; it should be as brief as possible.
• Using emotive language: Appealing to the audience’s emotions is one of the fundamental tenets of any form of writing. With speeches, expressive languages help to paint an accurate picture of your narration. For instance, terms like corrupted or pure would come in place of good or bad. However, over-using emotive language may reduce the effectiveness of all your words. They should only appear sparingly and reasonably.
• Using figurative language: It helps to create a powerful image in the minds of the audience. Symbolic languages come in various forms, including similes, metaphors, and imagery, among others. It would be best to avoid the temptation of over-using them since they may distort the message of your speech completely.
• Using contrast: This technique creates a clash of imagery in the mind of the audience. Contrasting words and phrases in your sentences can help you achieve this effortlessly.

Your focus should always be on the topic at all times. The objective of your speech should dictate the styles and formats to use.

Don’t Feel Like Writing Your Own Speech?

If you still experience challenges, you can always use our comprehensive ‘how to write a speech GCSE template.’ Furthermore, we also provide top-class advice from ENL writers on the various aspects of GCSE speeches. When you choose to pay for assignments , choose us!

Our custom assignment help will help you rise to the ranks of top performers in no time. Get online today and try out our special assistance from English gurus.

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GCSE Speech Writing

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Unit of work

Last updated

1 February 2021

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GCSE Speech writing questions, model answers and a peer assessment checklist

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