19 Questions
What is the main purpose of a rally speech?
To persuade the audience to take action
what are the two teams called in a debate?
The proposition and the opposition
What is the purpose of using rhetorical questions in a speech?
To provoke thought and elicit a response from the audience
What is the term used to describe the use of three examples in a row to make a point?
Triadic phrasing
What is the purpose of using direct address in a speech?
To make the audience feel included
What is the term used to describe the repetition of a certain phrase at the start of consecutive sentences?
Anaphora
What is the purpose of using emotive language in a speech?
To sound engaged and passionate about the topic
What is the purpose of using descriptions and details in a short story?
To add to the atmosphere and mood of the story
What should you do when a new speaker begins in a dialogue?
Move onto a new line
What is the purpose of staying in the same verb tense in a short story?
To maintain consistency and clarity
Why should you stay in the same narrative voice in a short story?
It maintains consistency and clarity
What is the primary focus of a personal essay?
To provide a detailed account of specific experiences with reflections on the insights gained
What is the importance of being honest in a personal essay?
It makes the essay more relatable and engaging to the reader
What should you avoid in a personal essay?
Lying or providing inaccurate information
What is the purpose of reflection in a personal essay?
To consider the meaning of the experiences and emotions
What is the primary focus of a discursive essay?
To present a balanced view of a broader topic
What is a feature of a newspaper article?
A title and a sub-heading
What is the purpose of a by-line in an article?
To show who wrote the piece
What is the purpose of using stylistic features such as alliteration and assonance in a descriptive essay?
To create a sense of rhythm and flow
Study Notes
Key Features of Speech Writing
- Direct address: speaking to the audience directly, using inclusive language to engage them
- Rhetorical questions: using language to persuade, provoke thought, and elicit a response
- Triadic phrasing: using three examples in a row, e.g., "we have been bullied, harassed, and intimidated for far too long"
- Emotive language: using metaphors, similes, personification, stirring language, and perceptively chosen images to convey passion and engagement
- Repetition: repeating a phrase for effect, e.g., using anaphora to emphasize a point
Additional Techniques
- Anecdote: using a small personal story to connect with the audience and prove a point
- Undermining opposing views: imagining and addressing concerns of those who disagree
- Exaggeration: Going over the top, or using hyperbole in your writing. This might include using superlatives
Different Types of Speeches
Rally Speech
- Mention the crowd and supporters
- Mention the location, e.g., government buildings or main city street
- Speech should be stirring, rousing, and persuasive
Public Speaking Competition
- Mention the topic being spoken about
- Acknowledge competitors and usually no teammates
- Express gratitude for reaching the final stage
Debate
- Two teams: proposition (agreeing with the statement) and opposition (disagreeing)
- Greet the audience, other team, chairperson, adjudicators, and time-keeper
- Thank the teacher (if in a classroom debate)
Radio Talk
- Mention the radio station
- Provide a phone or text line for listeners to contact
- Mention upcoming programs or events
Online Broadcast
- Thank listeners for logging on
- Provide practical tips, e.g., muting microphones or switching off cameras
- Keep the tone realistic
Podcast
- Refer frequently to listeners
- Encourage liking and subscribing to the podcast
- Mention sponsors (if applicable)
- Be aware of the number of presenters (one or two)
Key Features of a Short Story
- A short story is a complete and self-contained narrative.
- The plot should match the question being asked.
- Focus on one or two main characters to maintain control and brevity.
- Keep the time-frame short to maintain a concise narrative.
- Avoid sub-plots to keep the action brief and focused.
- Consistency is key: stay in the same verb tense and narrative voice (first or third person) throughout.
- Use descriptions and details to create and enhance the atmosphere.
Using Dialogue in a Short Story
- Use double quotation marks to set off dialogue from the rest of the narrative.
- Punctuation goes inside the last quotation mark.
- Vary verb use to add tone and interest to dialogue (e.g., "cried", "whispered", "mumbled begrudgingly").
- Start a new line for each new speaker.
- When the same speaker continues, stay on the same line.
Key Features of a Personal Essay
- A personal essay is a detailed account of specific experiences with reflections on the insights gained from them.
- Features of a good personal essay include honesty, reflection, and engagement.
Importance of Honesty
- Pick a question and topic you are genuinely interested in to ensure your essay is honest and engaging.
- Don't try to write about something you are not interested in, as it will be noticeable.
Reflection in a Personal Essay
- Merely telling a story is not enough; you need to open up to the reader and consider what your feelings might mean.
- Being reflective means trying to understand your feelings, but it's okay not to have all the answers.
Engagement in a Personal Essay
- Every person is interesting in their own way, and honesty and details make an essay more engaging.
- Don't lie or exaggerate, as it will sound disingenuous and impersonal.
Planning a Personal Essay
- Plan your answer in advance to ensure a systematic approach.
- Break down the topic into sections, including description, reflection, and overcoming challenges.
Structure of a Personal Essay
- Describe the experience: when it occurred, how it manifested itself, and specific examples.
- Reflect on your feelings and what they might mean.
- Describe how you overcame the challenge, including obstacles and setbacks.
- Reflect again on the journey and how you feel now.
Summary of a Personal Essay
- The main sentiment of a personal essay should be one of reflection, looking at the journey and how you feel at the end.
Discursive Essay
- A type of essay that involves writing on a broader topic.
- May require a personal touch, as indicated by the term "personal discursive" essay.
- In a personal discursive essay, the writer is expected to share their personal feelings and opinions on a universal topic.
- The writer's personality, thoughts, and beliefs should be showcased in the essay.
Essay Structure
- Introduction should be based on the writer's own conclusion on the topic.
- Consider all sides of the argument in a logical and clear manner.
- Anecdotes can be used to support a point, but they should not be the primary evidence.
Key Characteristics
- Involves exploring different ideas associated with the topic.
- Requires a balanced and nuanced discussion of the topic.
Discursive Essay
- A type of essay that involves writing on a broader topic.
- May require a personal touch, as indicated by the term "personal discursive" essay.
- In a personal discursive essay, the writer is expected to share their personal feelings and opinions on a universal topic.
- The writer's personality, thoughts, and beliefs should be showcased in the essay.
Essay Structure
- Introduction should be based on the writer's own conclusion on the topic.
- Consider all sides of the argument in a logical and clear manner.
- Anecdotes can be used to support a point, but they should not be the primary evidence.
Key Characteristics
- Involves exploring different ideas associated with the topic.
- Requires a balanced and nuanced discussion of the topic.
Articles
- Always use a title to introduce the article
- Includes a sub-heading that sets the tone and indicates the content
- Has a by-line to identify the author
- Ends with a sign-off
- Tailored to the target audience and possibly references other sections of the publication
- May require a specific tone, such as serious or light-hearted
Descriptive Essay
- Focuses on vivid, clear descriptions of a place or time
- Does not require a plot or storyline
- Aims to engage the senses by describing sights and sounds
- Utilises various stylistic features, including:
- Assonance
- Alliteration
- Sibilance
- Imagery
- Onomatopoeia
- Personification
- Varied vocabulary to create a rich and immersive experience
The composition section is assessing the student’s ability to write in a range of styles. it is intended to reflect the student’s study of the five main language styles: information, argument, persuasion, narration and aesthetic use of language. Test your knowledge on the various types of essay questions that could be asked in the composition section of the exam, including speeches, personal essays, descriptive essays, discursive essays, short stories and articles.
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