Question 1 Model Answer: Speech

In Question 1, you might be asked to write a speech. This will be based on opinions, ideas, and information from one or two reading passages. You’ll need to adapt your writing to suit the purpose, audience, and form of the task. Here’s a guide to help you write a top-grade speech.

 

Key Details About the Task

You may need to write in one of these three formats:

• A letter
• A speech
• An article

For a speech, your aim is to present your ideas in a way that engages and persuades your audience, drawing on the material provided in the reading texts.

 

How to Address the Reading Objectives

 

In this task, 15 marks are available for your ability to:

1. Evaluate explicit (obvious) and implicit (hidden) ideas, opinions, and attitudes in the reading texts.
2. Combine these ideas into a developed, sophisticated response.

 

Let’s break it down using an example question:

 

 

Your response should be based on the ideas, opinions, and attitudes in the two texts provided:

 

 

 

 

 

When answering Question 1 on the reading passages, it’s important to focus on the ideas, opinions, and attitudes in the texts provided. This will form the basis of your writing. Let’s break it down step by step.

 

Step 1: Read the Texts Carefully

Before anything else, read the texts provided in the exam carefully. Highlight key points, opinions, and attitudes that stand out, as these will help shape your answer.

 

Key Ideas from the Texts

 

Text A: Can older workers compete in a youth-obsessed business world?

• Bias against older workers: Older employees are often labelled as “out of touch” and “less innovative,” especially in technology-driven workplaces.
• Challenges during recruitment: Older job applicants are judged for their age, with questions like, “Can you work under a younger manager?”
• Value of older workers: Studies show that teams with people of all ages work better, are more innovative, and connect well with customers.
• Changing attitudes: Ideas about age diversity in workplaces are improving, showing that older workers have a lot to contribute.

Text B: The Dumbest Generation

• Criticism of younger people: Wolfe claims younger generations lack respect, discipline, and basic decency compared to older generations.
• Patterns in history: The belief that younger generations are “worse” than previous ones has been proven wrong time and time again.
• Younger workers’ struggles: Younger employees often face prejudice, being seen as inexperienced or unprofessional.
• Evidence of success: The modern world is built on the achievements of younger generations, proving they are capable and innovative.

 

Step 2: Plan Your Response

Once you’ve gathered the key points from the texts, it’s time to plan. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Decide Your Point of View
   Think about what the task is asking and decide on your stance. Are you defending older workers, younger workers, or showing the value of both?
2. Pick Your Key Points
   Highlight the ideas from the texts that support your opinion. For example, if you’re focusing on the value of younger workers, you might mention the achievements they’ve contributed to the modern world (Text B).
3. Acknowledge Counterarguments
   It’s always a good idea to include the opposing viewpoint and explain why it’s less convincing. For example, Text A argues that older workers are more resourceful and experienced.
4. Plan Your Structure
• Introduction: Clearly state your viewpoint and engage your reader.
• Main Body: Develop 3–4 key points from the texts, with examples and explanations.
• Conclusion: Summarise your argument and leave a lasting impression.

 

Step 3: Writing Tips

• Use Both Texts: Make sure you reference ideas from both extracts.
• Develop Your Points: Don’t just repeat what’s in the texts—add your own explanation and show your understanding.
• Stay Focused: Stick to the task and avoid going off-topic.

 

Model Answer: Speech

 

 

Summary

 

• Read the Question Carefully:
  • Highlight key details, including what you are writing, who your audience is, and the purpose of your response.
• Focus on the Bullet Points:
  • Identify the focus of each bullet point in the task.
• Analyse the Text(s):
  • Highlight the relevant information that you can use to develop your response.
• Summarise in Your Own Words:
  • Turn the key ideas from the text(s) into bullet points using your own words.
• Plan Your Response:
  • Structure your writing so that each paragraph focuses on one main idea or opinion.
• Address Each Bullet Point in Order:
  • Ensure that you cover all the bullet points equally, giving balanced attention to each.
• Establish Voice and Style:
  • Decide on the appropriate tone and voice for your audience and maintain this consistently throughout your response.

  

Key Things to Remember

1. Use Both Texts: Balance ideas from both passages.
2. Evaluate and Develop Ideas: Don’t just copy—explain what the points mean and why they matter.
3. Plan Before Writing: A clear structure makes your argument stronger.
4. Stick to the Word Count: Aim for 250–350 words.

With practice, you’ll be able to create strong, thoughtful responses that use the texts effectively. Good luck!

  

Persuasive Theory

When crafting a persuasive response, consider these three key approaches:

1. Emotional (Pathos):
   • Arguments that appeal to feelings, emotions, and personal beliefs.
2. Authoritative (Ethos):
   • Arguments that rely on trust, credibility, and authority to persuade.
3. Logical (Logos):
   • Arguments based on facts, evidence, and reasoned logic. Bottom of Form