Question 1(b): How to Write a Speech (Cambridge International IGCSE English Language)

Paper 2: Question 1(b): how to write a speech

Question 1(b): how to write a speech

For Question 1(b), you will be asked to write in one of four possible formats (genres):

• Speech
• Letter
• Article
• Report

Up to 10 marks are available for reading skills, and up to 25 marks are available for writing skills.

The following guide will detail how to structure your response in the style of a speech.

Key features of a speech

The language and tone of your speech will be determined by the task and subject, but the following are the basic features of a speech which you could include in your response:

You might wish to structure your speech in the following way:

1. Directly address the audience:

• Introduce the topic and your point of view
• Use personal and inclusive pronouns to involve your audience, e.g., “you” or “we”
• Engage your audience using a rhetorical question

1. Develop your argument:

• You will need to infer information, ideas and opinions from the reading texts to do this

1. Use an anecdote to offer an example which proves your argument:

• This builds rapport with your audience by engaging with them on a personal level
• Again, this should be based on what you have read

1. Engage the audience on a personal level using a counter-argument:

• Again, this should be based on and developed from the ideas in the reading texts

1. Offer more research or studies:

• This can be in the form of statistics, a witness statement, poll, or quote from an expert, based on the reading texts

1. End your speech with an emotive plea:

• Use emotive language to engage your audience
• Ending your response on a single sentence, perhaps using a triplet, is an effective conclusion

Exam Hint Rhetorical questions are commonly used as a persuasive device, but avoid over-using any one technique, as this will make your writing sound much less sophisticated.

Always consider the reason why you are using a technique and what the effect is that you want to achieve. Do not just use techniques for the sake of using them.

Persuasive writing

A speech is often more persuasive than other forms of writing. You are trying to persuade your audience that your point of view is valid, and sometimes encourage them to join you.

Here are some tips for how to make your speech persuasive:

• Write in the first person (write from your own perspective)

• Use personal and inclusive pronouns:

  • Using words such as “we” and “us” builds rapport between you and your audience and makes them feel involved

• Present your opinions as facts; as a truth that should not be challenged

• Be passionate but not aggressive:

  • Use emotive language and imperatives to call your audience to action

• Decide on your position and stick to it

• Make sure you do not sound like an advertisement

As an example, let’s consider the following introduction to a speech about GCSEs:

For more guidance, please see our speech model answer.