In Paper 1, it is likely that you will be asked to write a speech or a talk in either Question B or in the composition section. In Question B, it will be a short talk as it is worth 50 marks and it is expected that you will write 1.5-2 pages. In the composition, the speech will be worth 100 marks and you are expected to write a lot more.
It is important that you identify what type of talk or speech you are required to give, as this will dictate the tone you will use. For example, you might be asked to address the General Assembly of the UN on climate change or you could be asked to give a talk to a group of first years on the importance of extra-curricular activities. The tone of these talks would be very different and the examiner will be assessing your ability to differentiate between the two.
Again, your content will be dictated by the question, so make sure to make a list of the items you must cover in your talk. You will lose marks if you leave some of these out.
When writing a talk or a speech, you should always make sure to:
- Address the audience and introduce yourself.
- Use rhetorical questions to get the audience thinking.
- Use a personal anecdote.
- Use personal pronouns.
- Use triadic structure.
- Finish with a call to action.
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