Question 1 Directed Writing: Crafting a Speech 

When Question 1 asks you to write a speech, it could be aimed at classmates in your school or something more formal, like a broadcast. Whatever the situation, your ideas must come from the reading passages provided. You’ll score writing marks for adapting your language and style to suit the purpose, audience, and form, plus how you organize everything.

 

Key Features of a Speech

 

1. Talk to Your Audience
• Speak directly to them (“Good morning, everyone...”) and keep them involved throughout.
2. Catch Their Attention from the Start
• Introduce the topic and your viewpoint in a clear, attention-grabbing way.
• Use persuasive hooks like rhetorical questions: “Have you ever wondered why we settle for less?”
3. Build Your Ideas in Logical Steps
• Organise your speech so that each paragraph adds a new point or angle.
• You can remember persuasive techniques using DAN FOREST PIE (Direct address, Audience, not only—but also, Facts, Opinions, Rhetorical questions, Emotive language, Statistics, Triplets, Personal pronouns, Imperatives, Exaggeration).
4. Include a Different Perspective
• Show you’ve considered the opposite viewpoint, then explain why you still stand by your main argument.
5. End with a Call to Action
• Summarise your main message and leave your audience with a powerful final thought—maybe a triplet or emotive statement.

 

A Possible Structure

1. Intro/Hook
• Address the audience (“Fellow students...” / “Ladies and gentlemen...”).
• Introduce the topic and your stance, using personal/inclusive pronouns like “we” and “us” to build a connection.
• Throw in a rhetorical question to get them thinking.
2. Develop Your Argument
• Use ideas and opinions from the reading texts as evidence.
• Add a short anecdote (a personal story that supports your point).
• Keep the style conversational but focused.
3. Counterargument
• Acknowledge the opposing view, then refute it using facts or logic from the text.
• Demonstrate you’ve considered both sides but remain committed to your perspective.
4. Additional Support
• Bring in any stats, quotes, or polls from the reading passages to back up your argument.
• Make sure it fits smoothly into your speech.
5. Conclusion
• End with an emotional appeal or powerful statement.
• A single-sentence finisher can be effective: “Together, we can make this change a reality.”

 

 

 

Example: Intro to a Speech About GCSEs

“Have you ever felt overwhelmed by endless tests and revision timetables? We certainly have, and it’s time we addressed why GCSEs can be so stressful. My name’s Alex, and today I’m here to share how these exams impact our daily lives—and why we need to tackle the system head-on.”

 

Notice how it:

• Directly involves the audience with a rhetorical question.
• Uses personal and inclusive pronouns (“We,” “our”).
• Mentions the topic (GCSEs) and the speaker’s stance (exam stress is an issue).

With this framework, you’ll be ready to write a speech that persuades, informs, and connects with your audience—exactly what Question 1 demands.