Paper 2 Question 5: Speech Model Answer (AQA GCSE English Language)

In Question 5, you will be presented with a writing task based on a statement. The subject matter will be related to the reading topic in Section A. This means you can adapt some of the ideas in the texts you read and use them in your own writing. 

The question asks you to write for a specific purpose and in a specific form. It is important you write in the correct format and use the conventions of this form, as the mark scheme mentions adapting your tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. 

This means: 

• The tone (sound of the writer’s ‘voice’) is appropriate and convincing 
• The register (vocabulary and phrasing) is appropriately formal or informal, and suitable for the purpose
• The style of the writing (sentence structure and overall structure) is dynamic and effective 

Below you will find a detailed model speech in response to an example of Paper 2 Question 5, under the following sub-headings (click to go straight to that sub-heading):

• Writing a GCSE English Language speech
• Structuring your speech
• AO5: Content and organisation
• AO6: Technical accuracy
• Question 5 Level 4 model speech
• Why would this speech achieve top marks?

Remember, Paper 2 Question 5 is worth 40 marks, broken down into two Assessment Objectives:

If the Question 5 task is to write a speech or talk, then it is essential to keep the tone, style and register in mind, as well as the conventions of the form. 

These are the basic features of a speech or talk the examiner would expect to see:

• A clear introduction:
• This needs to be engaging and motivating
• It should introduce what the speech is about, address the audience directly and use a persuasive device to hook the audience
• A well-structured argument:
• Paragraphs begin with topic sentences and are effectively linked
• Objection to the argument is handled in a paragraph
• A dynamic and memorable conclusion

Although it is more common to be given an article or letter to write in Question 5, you may be asked to write a speech or talk. Here is an example taken from the AQA GCSE English Language November 2017 exam paper:

GAP analysis (what/who/why):

• This task asks you to write a speech designed for your peers:
• This means that your language can use some colloquialisms, but should still be written using Standard English
• Avoid the use of slang or terms that an examiner would not understand
• As the task asks you to explain your point of view on quite an emotive topic, you will need to sound convincing:
• It will be necessary to use persuasive techniques, but also to ensure you maintain a calm and controlled tone and a balanced argument. 

This is a longer writing question, and you should allocate 45 minutes to complete it. Spend about 5 minutes planning your answer, 35 minutes writing and 5 minutes at the end to re-read to check for any obvious errors.

Once you are sure of the form you should write in, and you have considered your audience and the tone you wish to adopt in your writing, you should plan the content of your response. It is up to you whether you choose to argue for or against the statement, as long as you plan your argument, develop it thoroughly and sustain it throughout. 

To plan a range of points which will support your point of view, you can:

• Mind-map or write a list of points and techniques to use:
• It can also be helpful to number your ideas to structure your answer in a specific order
• You can use the ideas you read in the texts in Section A, as well as your own experiences
• The examiner is not grading you on how much you know about the given topic, as it is impossible to predict what subject matter will be on the paper. You are marked on your ability to construct a convincing argument 
• Your speech should be structured into 5 or 6 paragraphs:
• Remember, each paragraph does not have to be the same length
• Better answers vary the lengths of their paragraphs for effect
• Develop separate ideas or points in each paragraph 
• But avoid repeating the same idea throughout your speech

Below is an example of how you might structure your speech:

1. Directly address the reader or audience:
• Introduce the topic and your point of view
• Use personal and inclusive pronouns to involve your audience, e.g., “you” or “we” 
2. Offer a fact or some research to support your opinion:
• This will gain you credibility and prove you are knowledgeable about the topic
3. Provide an anecdote to offer an example which proves your argument:
• This builds rapport with your reader by engaging with them on a personal level 
4. Engage the reader on a personal level using a counter-argument:
• This suggests you understand your reader and have already considered their concerns
5. Offer more research or studies:
• This can be in the form of statistics, a witness statement, poll, or quote from an expert
6. End your speech with an emotive plea:
• Use emotive language to engage your reader
• Ending your response on a single sentence, perhaps using a triplet, is an effective conclusion

Rеmеmbеr that to produce an effective response, you should aim to develop your points carefully in each paragraph, using language features and techniques to highlight ideas and emphasise your points. 

Here are some examples of how you might begin to employ the structural and language techniques assessed in the mark scheme to develop your ideas.

Below is an example of a full-mark Level 4 model answer:

• Convincing and compelling communication
• A range of complex ideas assuredly matched to purpose and audience
• Sustained crafting and ambitious vocabulary
• Full range of appropriate sentence forms with demarcation consistently secure and consistently accurate
• Varied and inventive use of structural features
• Writing is compelling and paragraphs are fluently linked