Model Answer: Speech (Cambridge International IGCSE English Language)

Assignment 1 requires you to select and evaluate facts, opinions and arguments from a text or texts.

You are also required to write in a highly effective and technically accurate style, adapting your form and language to suit your audience and purpose.

The following guide will demonstrate how to approach this task in the format of a speech.

While the task itself is taken from a past exam paper, it is important to note that in your coursework portfolio you are not permitted to use texts or tasks from exam papers. However, we have included this example in order to demonstrate the skills required in order to achieve a top-mark piece of work.

Addressing the reading assessment objectives

Up to 15 marks are available in this task for reading. You are assessed on your ability to evaluate both the explicit and implied ideas, opinions and attitudes expressed in one or two texts, and assimilate them to write a developed and sophisticated response.

Let’s take a look at how you do this, using the following two texts:

To begin with, you should read the texts and highlight the ideas and opinions that could inform your writing. Your response might use the following ideas from these texts:

Text A:

• Student representation was “once fashionable”, but it may just be a passing fad
• School councils take up too much time and energy from schools and teachers when they have more important things to be getting on with
• If student representation is fake or just to tick a box, then it has no substance, especially if views and ideas are not acted upon
• Teachers are accountable to parents and should put education first
• Even some students are disillusioned with the idea of student representation when nothing is acted upon, especially given the time and effort involved
• Experienced teachers should make decisions, not children — trust should be placed in the people appointed to run the school and deliver the education

Text B:

• An “enlightened” approach is needed to make school councils work and it takes real commitment
• Student participation is very popular and well regarded
• Student participation works when children are involved in “real” issues
• Students can take responsibility for difficult problems such as behaviour or bullying
• Participation can make a difference to students’ attitudes to school
• Attendance and results are improved by participation
• Students can learn important skills such as negotiation, communication and decision-making
• Students can have a fresh eye on issues
• Decisions made may have a major impact on them, so students are motivated to participate

Assignment 1 speech model answer

Worked Example Question

Imagine you are a pupil in a school which does not have a school council.

Write a speech to be given in a school assembly, giving your views on whether or not students should participate in decisions made about the school. Base your speech on what you have read.

[30]

Answer

[30]

Commentary

• The speech starts as instructed and demonstrates an understanding of the task, its purpose and intended audience
• The introduction establishes a clear voice and point of view
• Ideas and opinions from both texts are implied in the response
• The response uses conventions of a speech, such as inclusive pronouns and direct address, to connect to the audience
• The argument is sustained throughout
• Spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate