IGCSE English Language (Specification B) Section B: Notes

Format of a Speech/Talk
● The PRESENT TENSE IS USUALLY USED when you write out a speech.
Sample question:
You are the head prefect in your school. At the beginning of the new school term, you have
been asked to remind students about the school regulations. Write out your speech using the
notes below:-
ATTIRE:-
School uniform -neat
-wear white shoes and socks
Hair -boys - short
-girls - short or long - long hair must be tied up
Nails -short
Make up-is not
allowed in school!

CONDUCT:-
-No loitering -No handphones
-No jewellery -No smoking
-Be punctual -Respect teachers
-Pay attention in class -No playing truant

When writing the speech, remember to;

● include all the points given
● elaborate on the points
● set out your speech correctly
● write in paragraph

1
Muhammad Naimur Rahman
Department of English, IBC
IGCSE English Language (Specification B) Section B: Notes

Suggested answers & explanation on the format:

Answer Explanation

Good morning to our principal, teachers Paragraph 1 – INTRODUCTION

and fellow students. Welcome to the new school ● Greet the audience.

term. I am Shihab Kabir, the head prefect of IBC. e.g: Good morning / afternoon /
This morning, I would like to refresh your evening to
memory about our school regulations especially ● boys and girls..

regarding attire and conduct. ● our principal, teachers and fellow

students… (at an official school

function)
● Mr Chairman, ladies and

gentlemen… (at an official function

or society meeting)
● Introduce yourself to the audience-

(your name, position held,

department attached to)
e.g: I am Dr Tafannum Mehnaz from
Square Hospital.
● Introduce topic

e.g: I am here to present a talk on the

topic ‘Body Fitness.’
● Purpose of speech

e.g: The purpose of my talk today is

to make you realize the importance
looking after your food intake and
how your health can be maintained
through exercising.

2
Muhammad Naimur Rahman
Department of English, IBC
IGCSE English Language (Specification B) Section B: Notes

To create a good impression, always be Paragraph 2,3,4,5 – BODY

dressed neatly in your school uniform complete ● Main points and their elaboration
with white shoes and white socks. Don’t forget (facts, figures, examples)
to wear your school badge and name tag. ● You can either:
● Elaborate 1 point in 1
Your hair should be short and neatly paragraph or
combed. Boys should always keep their hair ● Combine a few relevant points
short. Girls are allowed to keep long hair but it and elaborate on the points in 1
should always be neatly combed and tied. No paragraph
one is allowed to wear jewellery. If you do, then
your jewellery will be confiscated. In addition,
you cannot use make-up. Your nails should
always be kept short. Remember, no nail polish
is allowed.

Regarding your conduct, always be

punctual. Respect your teacher and pay
attention in class. Remember, no loitering
around and playing truant. If you don’t comply
with the school rules, you will have to face the
music.

Last term, several students were

suspended or expelled from school for fighting,
smoking and other serious offences.
Handphones are banned. If you bring
handphones, they will be confiscated.

3
Muhammad Naimur Rahman
Department of English, IBC
IGCSE English Language (Specification B) Section B: Notes

These regulations are meant to create a Paragraph 6: Ending

positive image and environment for the school. ● thank the audience

There are, of course, some black sheep who will e.g: Thank you very much for your
break the regulations. Do not be influenced by kind attention.
them. Instead, set a good example for others.

Thank you.

Discussion on vocabulary
attire - clothes
confiscated - taken away
comply - follow
face the music - face the consequences
suspended - banned from attending school for a duration
black sheep - people who are considered bad or embarrassing

4
Muhammad Naimur Rahman
Department of English, IBC
IGCSE English Language (Specification B) Section B: Notes

Sample Speech
A very good morning to our beloved principal, Mr. Rohimuddin Arif, teachers and friends! On
this glorious morning, I, Md Shahriar, the recipient of this year’s “Best Student Award” am going to give
a talk on “How to Become a Successful Student”.
If you want to be successful, you must set goals. Research shows that people who set goals
accomplish more than those who do not. In deciding your goals, ask yourself “What do I want to be?”
and “What do I do to get there?” Besides, you must be motivated. When you are motivated you will
have a strong desire to do well and to achieve your goals.
In addition, you must pay attention in class. Listen actively and focus on what the teacher is
teaching. If you have disruptive classmates, sit in front of the classroom, away from them. Always ask
questions if you do not understand. Seek clarifications from your teachers or your friends if you are shy
to approach the former.
Another important tip to being a successful student is to be organised. You can use a planner or
notebook to write down all your assignments when they are given. This way you will not forget your
homework, dates of tests or projects. Remember, if you are organised you will be well-prepared and you
will have less stress. Moreover, you must complete your homework on time. Homework helps reinforce
what you have learnt. It helps you understand and remember the information.
You must prepare well for exams. A successful student is one who prepares for exams well in
advance, and not at the eleventh hour. If you study consistently, you will have ample time for revision.
Friends, to be a successful student you must have diverse interests. You should take part in co-
curricular activities in order to become a well-rounded person. These activities help develop leadership
skills and teamwork besides instilling values like cooperation and tolerance. Discipline is an important
aspect of our lives. No matter where you go or what you do, you will be subjected to rules and
regulations. Hence, it is crucial that you obey the school rules.
Dear friends, what is success if you lack the common courtesies in life? Remember, you must
respect everyone. You must respect your parents, your teachers, the school staff and also your friends.
You must respect other people’s feelings and opinions. There are also several things you must avoid if
you want to be a successful student. You must avoid wasting time. These days many teenagers spend
hours on social networks such as Facebook or playing computer games. These are a waste of time and
will not benefit you in any way. Remember, ‘Time and tide wait for no man’.
I have to stop here. I hope you have found my talk helpful. Thank you for listening attentively.

5
Muhammad Naimur Rahman
Department of English, IBC