Study Notes
Overview
In OCR GCSE English Language Component 02, Section B, candidates are often tasked with writing the text for a presentation or speech. This task is a direct assessment of your ability to organise content persuasively (AO5) and use language with precision and flair (AO6). Unlike an essay, a presentation must be crafted for the ear; it requires a convincing voice, a clear structure, and a register that is both authoritative and engaging. Examiners are looking for a sophisticated control of text structure, moving beyond simple, formulaic approaches to demonstrate a sustained and developed line of reasoning.
This guide will equip you with the skills to deconstruct the task, plan a high-level response, and execute it with confidence. We will cover the essential four-part structure, the use of sophisticated discourse markers, and the rhetorical devices that elevate your writing from competent to compelling.
Writing Skills for Presentation
The core of a successful presentation lies in its structure. A well-organised speech guides the audience effortlessly from one point to the next, building a convincing argument that culminates in a powerful conclusion.
The Four-Part Structure
Examiners reward candidates who demonstrate a clear and logical structure. A highly effective model is the four-part structure, which ensures your argument is balanced, comprehensive, and persuasive.
| Stage | Purpose | Key Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Opening | To grab the audience's attention and establish your core message. | - Rhetorical Question<br>- Bold declarative statement<br>- Surprising statistic or fact |
| 2. Development | To build your argument with evidence and well-sequenced points. | - Topic sentences for each paragraph<br>- Embedded evidence<br>- Varied sentence structures |
| 3. Counter-Argument | To show sophisticated thinking by acknowledging and refuting opposing views. | - Use phrases like "Some may argue..." |
- Immediately pivot with "However..." or "Nevertheless..." |
| 4. Conclusion | To leave a lasting impact and reinforce your message. | - Cyclical structure (echoing the opening)<br>- A clear 'Call to Action'<br>- Memorable final sentence |
Mastering Discourse Markers
Discourse markers are the signposts of your argument. They create cohesion and guide the examiner through your line of reasoning. Instead of relying on basic connectives like 'Firstly' or 'Secondly', aim for more sophisticated and varied language.
Credit is given for integrated discourse markers that manage the overall cohesion of the argument seamlessly. This means choosing the right tool for the job:
- To Add an Idea: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, In light of this...
- To Show Contrast: Conversely, Nevertheless, Notwithstanding, On the contrary...
- To Illustrate: For instance, To illustrate this point, A clear example is...
- To Conclude: In conclusion, To summarise, Ultimately...
Technical Accuracy (SPaG) for Impact
AO6 is not just about avoiding errors; it's about using punctuation and sentence structures deliberately to create rhetorical impact. Examiners will assess the deliberate manipulation of sentence length. A short, punchy sentence following a long, complex one can be incredibly effective for emphasis. Similarly, using ambitious punctuation like semi-colons to link closely related ideas, or a colon to introduce an explanation, demonstrates a high level of technical control.