Structuring a Presentation

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must demonstrate the ability to construct a cohesive, compelling argument within the conventions of a spoken presentation, strictly adhering to the specified purpose, audience, and form. Assessment focuses on the strategic organization of ideas, utilizing sophisticated discourse markers and structural looping to guide the listener through a logical trajectory. High-scoring responses distinguish themselves through the manipulation of register—balancing authority with engagement—and the seamless integration of rhetorical devices to reinforce the central thesis without disrupting the fluency of the delivery.

    0
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award top band AO5 marks for sophisticated control of text structure, including cyclical features where the conclusion echoes the introduction.
    • Credit the use of integrated discourse markers (e.g., 'Conversely', 'Furthermore') that manage the overall cohesion of the argument seamlessly.
    • Assess the deliberate manipulation of sentence length to create rhetorical impact (e.g., short sentences for emphasis) under AO6.
    • Look for paragraphing that effectively sequences complex ideas, moving beyond simple topic shifts to develop a sustained line of reasoning.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award top band AO5 marks for sophisticated control of text structure, including cyclical features where the conclusion echoes the introduction.
    • Credit the use of integrated discourse markers (e.g., 'Conversely', 'Furthermore') that manage the overall cohesion of the argument seamlessly.
    • Assess the deliberate manipulation of sentence length to create rhetorical impact (e.g., short sentences for emphasis) under AO6.
    • Look for paragraphing that effectively sequences complex ideas, moving beyond simple topic shifts to develop a sustained line of reasoning.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Allocate 5 minutes to plan a 'Call to Action' conclusion before writing; this ensures your presentation has a clear destination.
    • 💡Use a rhetorical question immediately followed by a declarative sentence to establish authority and engage the audience.
    • 💡Proofread specifically for sentence demarcation; ensure every sentence boundary is marked with a full stop, semi-colon, or question mark.
    • 💡Memorise three sophisticated transitional phrases (e.g., 'In light of this', 'Notwithstanding the evidence') to replace basic connectives.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Including stage directions (e.g., [pause for applause]) or acting cues, which are not credited in a non-fiction writing assessment.
    • Adopting an overly informal or colloquial register that fails to meet the requirement for Standard English.
    • Using a rigid 'Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly' structure that limits the fluidity and sophistication of the argument.
    • Comma splicing when attempting to link related independent clauses, resulting in a cap on AO6 accuracy marks.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Transactional Writing: Adaptation of Tone and Register
    Structural Cohesion: Discourse Markers and Paragraphing
    Rhetorical Manipulation: Persuasive Devices and Voice

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Write the text of a speech...
    Write a presentation...
    Argue
    Persuade
    Explain

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic