Exam code:1EN0
In Section B you will be given a choice of two tasks, and each task will give you the option of writing in one of the following forms (genres):
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A letter
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A review
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A speech
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An article
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A section of a guide, textbook, leaflet or booklet (an informative text)
You only need to complete one task from the choice of two. Remember to put a cross in the box to indicate whether you have chosen Question 8 or Question 9 in your answer booklet. You won’t know in advance which genres will come up in the exam, so it’s best to prepare for all of them.
The following guide will demonstrate how to answer a Section B task in the format of a speech. The task itself is taken from a past exam paper. It includes:
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Question breakdown
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Planning your response
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Speech model answer
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Why would this get full marks?
Question breakdown
The following example is taken from the November 2022 exam paper:
The first thing you should do is to read the task carefully and identify the format, audience and purpose of the task. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP analysis or the “3 Ws”:
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Genre (format) |
Audience |
Purpose |
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A speech |
Not explicitly stated, but we can assume it will be aimed at a general audience, probably with an interest in animals |
To inform, entertain and give an opinion (positives and negatives) |
For this task, the focus is on communicating your ideas and reflecting on an experience. The intended audience is not specified in the question, but given it is better to write about something you are familiar with, it would be sensible to aim this at your peers or classmates. The response should be set out effectively as a speech, maintaining a clear argument throughout and including persuasive devices.
Planning your response
You should spend up to 10 minutes writing a brief plan. Here is an example:
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Introduction: What my speech is about |
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Paragraph 1: My context |
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Paragraph 2: Positives of having a puppy |
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Paragraph 3: Negatives |
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Conclusion: Summing up |
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Speech model answer
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Lockdown 2020. Let me jog your memories. Freedom from school, but imprisoned all the same. Uncertainty, but with a certain routine. Queuing for the shops. Virtual get-togethers. Good weather. But above all, for me at least, it seemed endless. Long, drawn-out days of blissful sunshine, but with no one to enjoy it with. That was, until we had a new addition to our family. Our delicious Golden Retriever puppy, Rosie. [Marking comment] Now, I know what you’re thinking; getting a puppy during lockdown? Such a cliche! [Marking comment] But let me give you some background. I have always struggled at school. Navigating large groups of people, let alone my small circle of friends, has always felt like such a challenge for me. I always seem to say the wrong thing, or not quite pick up on some hidden joke. My mum knew this, and did all she could to help me try to make sense of a world in which everyone seemed to know the rules except me. When the schools closed during Covid, I felt a sort of relief; but she worried even more about me becoming isolated and lonely. That’s when she started talking to me about getting a dog. [Marking comment] Don’t get me wrong; I was reluctant at first.[Marking comment] You see, I’m not good with the unexpected. Any changes to my routine can throw me off balance. But Mum and I did loads of research and we got some help from The Dogs’ Trust in terms of training her. We did quite a few socially distanced visits for her to get used to us first, and for me to get used to her. When she finally moved in with us, I’m not sure who was more nervous. But Rosie quickly became part of our family, and for me, someone I could talk to and share my feelings with. Rosie never judges me for not knowing the right thing to say. She is always happy to see me, and now that I walk her every day she has become part of my routine. She is also always there for a cuddle if I’m feeling low, and let’s face it, we all have days like that, don’t we? [Marking comment] She became my constant companion during lockdown, and now I wouldn’t be without her. However, there have been a few mishaps! My Mum quickly realised there was no point in getting a new sofa, after Rosie chewed through all of her cushions in a matter of months. She is also very fond of my socks, for some reason. I don’t think I’ve got a single matching pair any more. I’ve no idea what she actually does with them.[Marking comment] Having any pet is a responsibility; lots of people thought getting a puppy during lockdown was a good idea, only to find that they couldn’t take proper care of them when things went back to normal. This led to lots of dogs being abandoned or given to shelters.[Marking comment] Food and vet bills can also add up, and you have to remember to exercise them, entertain them and train them. [Marking comment] Therefore, getting a dog shouldn’t be something you do on the spur of the moment; doing your research and making sure your lifestyle suits taking on the extra responsibility is really important. So, ladies and gentlemen, yes I did get a puppy during lockdown, and yes she is still very much a part of my life. [Marking comment] Yes, there are difficulties and challenges when getting a new pet for the first time, but would I change it? Absolutely not! Rosie is my friend and my support, and she helps me make sense of every day. If you, like me, find the world a challenging place sometimes, then maybe a furry friend could be just the medicine you need. |
Why would this get full marks?
The top level of the mark scheme for this question rewards the following:
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AO5 Level 5: 20–24 marks |
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AO6 Level 5: 13–16 marks |
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This answer would receive full marks because it meets all of the criteria for a Level 5 response:
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This is a coherent and sustained response which manipulates complex information and ideas in a sophisticated way
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It is written in the correct form, and demonstrates sustained awareness of the audience and purpose throughout, using direct address and phrases such as “ladies and gentlemen”
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The response is thoughtfully structured to construct a convincing speech
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It uses language and vocabulary suitable for the form, purpose and intended audience, with a personal response to the task
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It employs convincing and compelling communication through a range of techniques, such as triplets, direct address and emotive language
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The paragraphs are fluently linked with words and phrases such as “however” and “so”
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Spelling is accurate, and the response deliberately uses and varies both sentence structure and punctuation for effect and impact
Responses