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      Planning a persuasive speech about a new word

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can plan a persuasive speech about my new word.

      Key learning points

      1. A successful speech will maintain a clear, single viewpoint throughout.
      2. Ideas must be logically sequenced and linked, so that the audience can follow the argument.
      3. Vocabulary and language devices must be chosen for effect.
      4. Use structural features at paragraph and sentence level, to manage pace and emphasis.

      Keywords

      • Viewpoint - A viewpoint refers to a person’s point of view on a particular issue.

      • Pace - In relation to speeches, pace refers to the speed with which ideas are presented and developed.

      • Emphasis - Emphasis refers to the particular importance given to something.

      • Sequenced - If ideas are sequenced then they are presented in a logical order.

      Common misconception

      Students should avoid short or one-word sentences in favour of longer, complex sentences.

      If used correctly, shorter sentences can be great for amending pace and giving emphasis to particular parts of a speech.

      Teacher tip

      Students will need to have completed the previous lesson and have an understanding of the word that they would like to add to the dictionary.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The word smog is an example of ...

      Correct answer: blending.
      compounds.
      affixation.

      Q2.
      The word 'cupcake' is made up by combining the entire word 'cup' and the entire word 'cake'. As such, what is this an example of?

      Correct Answer: word compound, compound, Compound, compounding, compound word

      Q3.
      When introducing ideas to back up my argument in a speech, I should do this...

      Correct answer: logically.
      quickly.
      powerfully.
      repetitively.

      Q4.
      What would be an appropriate discourse marker to use when introducing evidence in a speech?

      Correct answer: For example,
      Clearly,
      Initially,
      To begin with,

      Q5.
      What is the definition of pace? Here it is used in a sentence: 'The student varied their pace throughout the speech to vary the emphasis'.

      Correct answer: the speed with which ideas are presented and developed
      the power with which ideas are presented and developed
      the style with which ideas are presented and developed
      the volume with which ideas are presented and developed

      Q6.
      What is the definition of the word 'viewpoint'? Here it is used in a sentence: 'Her viewpoint was a unique one.'

      Correct answer: refers to a person’s point of view on a particular issue
      refers to a person’s emotional response to a particular issue
      refers to a person’s knowledge on a particular issue
      refers to a person's awareness of a particular issue

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A 'speech' is an example of ...

      Correct answer: form.
      purpose.
      audience.

      Q2.
      'Your task is to persuade your fellow students that you should be voted in as their representative on the student council.' Who is the audience of this speech?

      Student council
      Teachers
      Correct answer: Fellow students
      Parents and guardians

      Q3.
      Which of the below will a good speech NOT do?

      Maintain a clear, single viewpoint throughout
      Logically sequence ideas so the audience can follow the argument
      Choose vocabulary and language devices for effect
      Include structural features to manage pace and emphasis
      Correct answer: Contain lots of different views and changes of focus

      Q4.
      If a speech began with the following, 'I was queueing in the lunch hall, when all at once the news hit me. The annual school trip was cancelled.' What device is being used here?

      Correct Answer: Anecdote, anecdote

      Q5.
      Why do we use a 'hook' at the start of our speeches?

      The start of our speech should always be the best bit.
      Correct answer: It will grab our audience's attention early and keep them engaged.
      It allows the middle part of our speech to be more factual.
      This is what people are used to so it would be strange if we didn't do it.

      Q6.
      A student ended their speech in the following way 'I can only be feeling one thing. Hometicipation.' With regard to emphasis, why did the student end their speech with a short sentence.

      It is important to vary your sentence length throughout a speech
      Correct answer: The short sentence containing the word 'hometicipation' emphasises that word
      The student emphasises that it is nearly 3pm
      The student emphasises that their speech is now finished

      To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Planning a persuasive speech about a new word, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...