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KS3 English · Year 7Chapter 12 · Spoken language: presenting, discussing and Standard English
Year 7 · Chapter 12

Spoken language: presenting, discussing and Standard English

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Plan a presentation with an introduction, signposted points and a conclusion
  • Choose delivery choices that suit the audience, such as pace, notes and emphasis
  • Identify the rhetorical features of a speech, and their effect
  • Build on another speaker's point, and respond to a challenge politely and with reasons
  • Choose Standard English or another register, and proofread a final draft with a checklist

You should already know

  • Formal and informal register, and Standard English (Chapter 8 of this book)
  • Persuasive devices and counter-arguments (Chapter 11 of this book)
  • Building on ideas in discussion (Chapter 6 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Year 8 spoken language and debate (next book in the series)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 English, Year 7. Content: Give a formal presentation or speech with a clear structure, clear points and Standard English (KS3 spoken language, S1), Listen, discuss, build on others' ideas and respond to challenge with reasons (KS3 spoken language, S2), Choose Standard English or another register to suit the audience and purpose, and proofread a final draft (KS3 spoken language, S3).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the word for a speech that informs an audience, shown in a set order, with a clear start and end. Write one word.
2
FWhich word means a short phrase that tells the listener what is coming next? Write one word.
3
FWrite the word for a sentence in the active voice that names the doer first. Write one word.
4
FWrite the word for the person or group a speaker is talking to. Write one word.
5
FWhich form of English is used in most formal writing and speech, with agreed grammar? Write the name.
12.1

Structuring a formal presentation

Year 7
Give a formal presentation or speech with a clear structure and clear points (KS3 spoken language, S1)
Video lesson: Structuring a formal presentationComing soon
Story. A pupil is asked to speak at the school assembly about litter. She plans her talk in three parts, so that the audience can follow it from start to finish.

A formal presentation has three parts. The introduction states the topic and why it matters. The body gives the main points, in order, each with evidence. The conclusion sums up and gives the audience something to do. Signposts such as first, second and finally tell the listener where the talk is going.

PartWhat it doesSignpost or language
IntroductionStates the topic and why it mattersToday I want to talk about ...
BodyGives the main points, each with evidenceFirst, let us look at ...
ConclusionSums up and gives a call to actionFinally, I invite you to ...

Key ideas

  • A presentation has an introduction, a body with signposted points, and a conclusion.
  • Signposts tell the listener where the talk goes next.
  • Each main point should be supported by evidence, such as a fact or a number.
Worked example 12.1.1
Which is the best opening for a presentation about litter? Choose one: Today I want to talk about the litter on our playground., Litter is here. or Hello, and bye..

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It states the topic clearly, which tells the audience what to expect.
    Today I want to talk about the litter on our playground. fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Litter is here gives no clear topic, and hello and bye do not introduce anything.
    Litter is here. and Hello, and bye. do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    Today I want to talk about the litter on our playground.

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.1.2
Choose a signpost to begin the second main point: "___, consider the cost."

Method. Find the word that shows the order of the points.

  1. Find the order. This is the second point.
    second point
  2. Choose the word. Second signals the second main point.
    Second
  3. Check. The signpost tells the listener where the talk is.
    where the talk is
  4. Write the answer.
    Second

Check. Second signposts the point. ✓

Worked example 12.1.3
What is the function of the final sentence "Thank you"? Explain in one sentence.

Method. Think about what the audience expects at the end.

  1. Look at the words. Thank you is a closing phrase.
    closing phrase
  2. Explain. It tells the audience the talk is over.
    talk is over
  3. Judge. So it closes the talk politely.
    closes politely
  4. Write the answer.
    it closes the talk politely and signals that the speaker has finished

Check. The closing is clear. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a presentation with too many points loses the audience. Choose three main points, and develop each one properly.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Plan the structure before the words: write the introduction, three signposted points, and the conclusion.

Exercise 12A  Practice: structuring a presentation

1
FWhich part of a presentation states the topic and why it matters? Choose one: introduction, body or conclusion.
2
FWhich signpost shows the order of the first main point? Choose one: First, Finally or Thank you.
3
FWhich signpost introduces the last point of the speech? Write one word.
4
PSWrite an introduction of one or two sentences for a presentation about recycling.
5
RWhy does a presentation need signposts? Explain in one sentence.
6
PSWhich is the best main point for a speech on litter? Choose one: Last month, staff collected over forty bags of rubbish., Litter is nice. or Bags are blue..
7
PSWrite a conclusion of two sentences for a litter presentation, with a call to action.
8
RExplain the function of the body of a presentation, in one sentence.
9
FWhich is the best way to end a presentation? Choose one: Summarise and invite the audience to act, Start a new point or Stop without warning.
10
FWrite the signpost that introduces the second main point in the model speech. Write one word.
11
RHow many main points should a short presentation have, and why? Explain in one sentence.
12.2

Delivery, notes and the audience

Year 7
Choose delivery that suits the audience, such as pace, notes and emphasis (KS3 spoken language, S1)
Video lesson: Delivery, notes and the audienceComing soon
Story. A pupil practises her speech in front of a mirror. She notices that she reads too fast, and that her notes are full of whole sentences.

Delivery is how a speech is given. Good delivery uses a suitable pace (not too fast), clear emphasis on key words, eye contact with the audience, and notes that are brief cues rather than a script. The choices depend on the audience and the room.

Key ideas

  • Use brief cue notes, not a full script.
  • Slow down at key points, and pause after an important sentence.
  • Choose delivery to suit the audience: a school assembly is different from a small group.
Worked example 12.2.1
Which kind of notes best suits a presentation? Choose one: brief cue words that prompt each point, a complete written script to read word for word or no notes at all.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. Cue words keep the speech natural and help the speaker remember the order.
    brief cue words that prompt each point fits
  3. Reject the other choices. A script is read rather than spoken, and no notes risks losing the order.
    a complete written script to read word for word and no notes at all do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    brief cue words that prompt each point

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.2.2
Which delivery choice suits the key sentence "Together, we can make our school a place we are proud of."?

Method. Think about what the sentence needs.

  1. Find the key idea. It is the conclusion, the main message.
    main message
  2. Choose the delivery. A slower pace and a pause give it weight.
    weight
  3. Explain. The audience hears the message clearly.
    hears the message
  4. Write the answer.
    slow down and pause before it

Check. The pace suits the key message. ✓

Worked example 12.2.3
Why should a speaker look at the audience, rather than only at the notes?

Method. Think about what the speaker gains from eye contact.

  1. Eye contact. Looking up connects the speaker to the listeners.
    connects
  2. Feedback. The speaker can see whether the audience is following.
    following
  3. Judge. So eye contact helps the talk succeed.
    helps the talk
  4. Write the answer.
    to keep contact, and to notice if the audience is following

Check. Eye contact helps the audience. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: reading a script word for word loses the audience. Use cues, and speak to people.

Exam tip

Exam tip. For delivery, name the choice (pace, pause, notes, eye contact), say who it suits, and say why.

Exercise 12B  Practice: delivery and notes

1
FWhich is the best use of notes? Choose one: brief cue words, a full written script or no notes at all.
2
FWhich delivery choice gives a key sentence the most weight? Choose one: speak faster, pause before it or whisper it.
3
RWhy might a speaker slow down for a conclusion? Explain in one sentence.
4
FWhich audience needs the most formal delivery? Choose one: a school assembly, a group of friends or a family dinner.
5
PSSuggest one way to check the timing of a presentation before the day.
6
RExplain why eye contact helps a speaker, in one sentence.
7
FWhich is a delivery problem to avoid? Choose one: pausing after a key point, reading every word of a script or pausing for breath.
8
RWhy might a speaker use a visual aid? Give one reason.
9
PSWhat should a speaker do if the audience looks confused? Choose one: slow down and clarify, speed up and skip or stop speaking.
10
PSWrite one cue word that would prompt a speaker to remember the second point of the model speech.
12.3

The rhetoric of a speech

Year 7
Analyse how a speech uses structure and rhetorical devices to persuade (KS3 spoken language, S1)
Video lesson: The rhetoric of a speechComing soon
Story. A pupil reads the model speech. She notices that it uses signposts, direct address and a clear call to action.

Rhetoric is the art of persuading through language. A speaker uses signposts to show structure, direct address (you, we) to involve the audience, and a call to action to end with something to do. Read the model speech, and then answer the questions.

Model speech: litter at school (original; a short assembly speech)

Good morning, everyone. Today I want to talk about one small thing that makes a big difference: the litter on our playground. First, let us look at the facts. Last month, the staff collected over forty bags of rubbish from around the field. Second, consider the cost. Every bag takes time from our cleaners, and that time could be spent on other jobs. Finally, I invite you to join the litter-picking group on Thursday lunchtimes. Together, we can make our school a place we are proud of. Thank you.

Key ideas

  • Rhetoric: language used to persuade an audience.
  • Direct address uses you and we to involve the listener.
  • A call to action asks the audience to do something specific.
Worked example 12.3.1
Which signpost shows the speech has moved to its main evidence?

Method. Find the signpost that introduces the facts.

  1. Find the signpost. First, let us look at the facts.
    First
  2. Check the purpose. It introduces the factual evidence.
    factual evidence
  3. Name it. The signpost is First, let us look at the facts.
    First, let us look at the facts
  4. Write the answer.
    First, let us look at the facts

Check. The signpost introduces the facts. ✓

Worked example 12.3.2
What is the function of "I invite you"? Choose one: a call to action, a signpost to a fact or a rhetorical question.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It asks the audience to join the group, which is a specific action.
    a call to action fits
  3. Reject the other choices. It does not give a fact or ask a question with no answer.
    a signpost to a fact and a rhetorical question do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    a call to action

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.3.3
What effect does "we" have in "Together, we can make our school a place we are proud of"?

Method. Look at the pronoun and who it includes.

  1. Find the pronoun. We includes the speaker and the audience.
    includes the audience
  2. Explain the effect. The audience feels part of the shared goal.
    part of the shared goal
  3. Judge. So the pronoun builds a sense of unity.
    unity
  4. Write the answer.
    it includes the audience in the shared goal

Check. We includes the audience. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a signpost is a phrase that shows order, not a fact. "First, let us look at the facts" introduces facts; it is not itself evidence.

Exam tip

Exam tip. When you analyse a speech, name the device, quote it, then say how it persuades the audience.

Exercise 12C  Practice: rhetoric in a speech

1
FCopy the signpost that introduces the facts in the model speech.
2
FWhich phrase is a call to action? Choose one: Finally, I invite you to join the litter-picking group., Last month, the staff collected bags. or Good morning, everyone..
3
FWhich device uses we to include the audience? Choose one: direct address, a simile or a list of three.
4
RWhat is the effect of "Every bag takes time from our cleaners"? Explain in one sentence.
5
RWhat is the function of the final word "Thank you"? Explain in one sentence.
6
FWhich signpost introduces the conclusion? Choose one: Second, Finally or First.
7
RName one device in the model speech, and say how it persuades the audience.
8
FWhich is a fact in the model speech? Choose one: Litter is a shame., Last month, the staff collected over forty bags. or We should all care..
9
FWrite the speech's word that means together, used to include the audience. Write one word.
10
RWhy is it persuasive to end with a call to action? Explain in one sentence.
11
PSWrite one sentence that uses direct address to persuade a class to join a club.
12.4

Discussion: building on ideas and responding to challenge

Year 7
Listen, discuss, build on others' ideas, and respond to challenge with reasons (KS3 spoken language, S2)
Video lesson: Discussion: building on ideas and responding to challengeComing soon
Story. Four pupils discuss whether the school should have a litter-picking group. Each one must listen, refer to the point before, and respond to a challenge with a reason.

A good discussion has roles: a speaker who puts forward a view, a listener who builds on it, a challenger who asks for reasons, and a summariser who draws the threads together. The best participants build on a point, challenge with a reason and not with an insult, and respond to a challenge with evidence.

RoleWhat the participant doesSentence starter
SpeakerPuts forward a view with a reasonI think ... because ...
BuilderRefers to a point and adds a new reasonBuilding on that, ...
ChallengerAsks for evidence, politelyWhat evidence supports that?
SummariserDraws the threads togetherSo far we have agreed that ...

Key ideas

  • Listen before you speak; refer to the point before you add to it.
  • Challenge the idea, not the person.
  • Respond to a challenge with evidence, and concede a point where it is fair.
Worked example 12.4.1
Which response challenges the idea politely? Choose one: I want to challenge that, because the litter group needs more than an hour a week., You are wrong and silly. or Next..

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It names the idea and gives a reason.
    I want to challenge that, because the litter group needs more than an hour a week. fits
  3. Reject the other choices. The other two attack the person or ignore the point.
    You are wrong and silly. and Next. do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    I want to challenge that, because the litter group needs more than an hour a week.

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.4.2
Write a response that builds on a classmate who said the playground is dirty.

Method. Refer to the point, then add evidence.

  1. Refer to the point. The classmate said the playground is dirty.
    said the playground
  2. Add evidence. Staff collected over forty bags.
    forty bags
  3. Build. So the problem is large.
    large
  4. Write the answer.
    Building on that, the forty bags show the scale of the problem

Check. The response builds with evidence. ✓

Worked example 12.4.3
Respond to the challenge: "Why bother, when one person cannot make a difference?"

Method. Respond with a reason, and concede if fair.

  1. Concede. It is true one person alone may not change much.
    one person
  2. Reason. A group picks up many bags over a term.
    many bags
  3. Answer. So a group can make a difference.
    a group
  4. Write the answer.
    one group can change the playground, and each bag shows that

Check. The response answers with a reason. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: challenging the person instead of the idea makes a discussion unpleasant. Name the idea, and give a reason.

Exam tip

Exam tip. In a discussion, name the point you are responding to, give your reason, and say what follows from it.

Exercise 12D  Practice: discussion and responding

1
FWhich sentence starter shows you are building on a point? Choose one: Building on that, ..., Whatever. or Nobody cares..
2
FWhich response challenges the idea rather than the person? Choose one: That idea does not hold, because the figures show otherwise., You are stupid. or Fine..
3
PSWrite a sentence that summarises what the group has agreed so far.
4
PSRespond to the challenge "The group will not last" with a reason and a concession.
5
PSWhich is the most respectful way to disagree? Choose one: I see it differently, because the data shows the cost is low., That is the dumbest thing I have heard. or No..
6
RWhy is it useful to refer to what another speaker has said? Give one reason.
7
FWhich role asks for the reasons behind a claim? Choose one: challenger, summariser or builder.
8
PSBuild on a point: a classmate says the playground needs more bins. Add one new reason.
9
RExplain why a challenger should name the idea, rather than the speaker. Explain in one sentence.
10
RWrite a short summary of the model speech in the role of summariser, in one sentence.
12.5

Standard English, register and proofreading a final draft

Year 7
Choose Standard English or another register to suit the audience, and proofread a final draft (KS3 spoken language, S3)
Video lesson: Standard English, register and proofreading a final draftComing soon
Story. A pupil must give a formal presentation to the governors, and then write a short letter about it. She chooses Standard English for both, and proofreads her final draft with a checklist.

Standard English is the variety used in most formal speech and writing. Speakers can switch register: a formal presentation uses Standard English, while a chat with friends may use a dialect or informal register. The choice depends on the audience and the purpose. A proofread checks the spelling, punctuation and grammar of a final draft, using a checklist.

CheckQuestion to ask
RegisterIs the register right for the audience and purpose?
Standard EnglishDo subjects and verbs agree, and are the forms standard?
PunctuationAre the speech marks, commas and full stops correct?
SpellingHave I checked the words I am unsure of, including homophones?
ClarityDoes each sentence make sense when read aloud?

Key ideas

  • Choose Standard English for formal presentations and letters.
  • Dialects are valid varieties; the choice depends on the audience and purpose.
  • A checklist catches errors that a quick read misses.
Worked example 12.5.1
Rewrite the informal sentence "Them litter bags was full" in Standard English.

Method. Check the determiner and the verb.

  1. Determiner. Them should be those, with the plural noun.
    Those
  2. Verb. Bags is plural, so the verb is were.
    were
  3. Write it. Those litter bags were full.
    Those litter bags were full.
  4. Write the answer.
    Those litter bags were full.

Check. The sentence is Standard English. ✓

Worked example 12.5.2
Which register suits a letter to the governors? Choose one: Dear Governors, I am writing to share ..., Hi guys, quick one about litter. or Oi, look at this mess..

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It uses a formal greeting, full sentences and Standard English.
    Dear Governors, I am writing to share ... fits
  3. Reject the other choices. The other two are casual and do not suit a formal letter.
    Hi guys, quick one about litter. and Oi, look at this mess. do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    Dear Governors, I am writing to share ...

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.5.3
Proofread this line: "Its important that we does our bit." What is the Standard English correction?

Method. Check the apostrophe, the subject-verb agreement and the subjunctive.

  1. Its or it's. It is important, so it's is needed.
    It is
  2. Subject and verb. We is plural and takes do.
    do
  3. Write it. It is important that we do our bit.
    It is important that we do our bit.
  4. Write the answer.
    It is important that we do our bit.

Check. The correction is Standard English. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: "it's" means it is. "Its" is possessive, with no apostrophe. Check each one when you proofread.

Exam tip

Exam tip. For a proofread, mark the error, name the rule it breaks, and give the correction.

Exercise 12E  Practice: Standard English and proofreading

1
FWhich sentence is in Standard English? Choose one: Those litter bags were full., Them litter bags was full., Them bags were full. or Those litter bags was full..
2
FWhich sentence uses its correctly? Choose one: The group lost its equipment., The group lost it's equipment., The group lost its' equipment. or The group lost is equipment..
3
FWhich sentence uses it's correctly? Choose one: It's important that we act., Its important that we act., It's important that we acts. or Its' important that we act..
4
PSWhich sentence uses the subjunctive correctly? Choose one: It is vital that she be informed., It is vital that she is informed., It is vital that she was informed. or It is vital that she informed..
5
FWhich register suits a letter to the governors? Choose one: formal, informal or slangy.
6
FProofread this sentence and write the correction: "We was going to present it on Friday."
7
PSProofread: "Could you please send me the info by Fri?" Write a formal correction.
8
FWhich is the correct spelling for a word meaning a rule or belief? Choose one: principle, principal, princple or principel.
9
RWhy might a speaker switch from a dialect to Standard English for a presentation? Explain in one sentence.
10
RIs a dialect an error? Explain in one sentence.
11
PSWhich sentence uses a colon correctly in a formal presentation? Choose one: We need three things: time, funding and support., We need: three things time, funding and support., We need three things; time, funding and support. or We need three things. time funding and support..
12
RWrite a proofreading checklist item for speech marks, in one sentence.
13
RWhy is reading a draft aloud useful when proofreading a presentation? Explain in one sentence.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Presentation structureIntroduction (topic and why it matters), body (signposted points with evidence), conclusion (summary and call to action).
DeliveryCue notes, a suitable pace, pauses at key points, and eye contact; choose by audience.
RhetoricSignposts, direct address with we and you, and a clear call to action persuade the audience.
DiscussionBuild on the point before, challenge the idea not the person, and respond with a reason and a concession where fair.
Standard English and registerStandard English for formal speech and writing; a dialect is valid but the audience decides.
ProofreadingUse a checklist: register, Standard English, punctuation, spelling, clarity.

Can you…?

  • I can plan a presentation with an introduction, signposted points and a conclusion
  • I can choose delivery that suits my audience, including cue notes and pauses
  • I can analyse the rhetorical features of a speech and their effect
  • I can build on a point in a discussion and respond to a challenge with a reason
  • I can choose Standard English or another register, and proofread my final draft

Key terms

signpost
a word or phrase that shows the order or direction of a talk
rhetoric
the use of language to persuade an audience
cue note
a brief word or phrase that prompts a speaker
concession
accepting that the other side has some merit
Standard English
the variety of English used in most formal speech and writing
register
the level of formality chosen for an audience and purpose
proofread
to check a final draft for spelling, punctuation and grammar

Exercise 12Z  Check-up

1
Which part of a presentation states the topic? Choose one: introduction, body or conclusion.
2
Copy the signpost that introduces the last point of the model speech. Write one word.
3
Which delivery choice suits a key message? Choose one: pause before it, speak faster or read it quietly without looking up.
4
Which response challenges the idea politely? Choose one: I want to challenge that, because the figures show otherwise., You are wrong. or Next..
5
Respond to the challenge "The group will not last" with a concession and a reason.
6
Which sentence is in Standard English? Choose one: Those litter bags were full., Them litter bags was full., Those litter bags was full. or Them bags were full..
7
Which sentence uses its correctly? Choose one: The group lost its equipment., The group lost it's equipment., The group lost is equipment. or The group lost its' equipment..
8
What is the effect of the rhetorical device "we" in the model speech? Explain in one sentence.
9
Why should a speaker use cue notes, not a full script? Explain in one sentence.

Total 20 marks. Allow about 20 minutes.

Exercise 12X  Practice test questions

1
FWrite the signpost that introduces the second point in the model speech. Write one word.[1 mark]
2
RName the function of "Thank you" at the end of a speech. Use one sentence.[2 marks]
3
RName the device in "Together, we can make our school a place we are proud of," and say what it does.[2 marks]
4
PSWrite a response that builds on a point: a classmate says the playground is dirty. Add one piece of evidence from the model speech.[3 marks]
5
FRewrite in Standard English: "Them bags was full." Write the sentence.[1 mark]
6
PSProofread this sentence and write the correction: "Its important that we does our bit."[2 marks]
7
RChoose the most respectful way to disagree: "You are wrong." or "I see it differently, because the data shows the cost is low." Write the response you choose.[2 marks]
8
RName one delivery choice a speaker should make for a formal assembly, and say why. Write one or two sentences.[3 marks]
9
FChoose the correct sentence with a colon: "We need three things: time, funding and support." Write the sentence.[1 mark]
10
PSExplain how a speaker can respond to a challenge fairly. Use one sentence with a concession and a reason.[3 marks]

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