Spoken English Some key details

Expectations Consider a range of potential topics. Each suggested topic should: Be ambitious, not everyday Have the potential to use sophisticated vocabulary Involve a clear overarching argument/perspective Submit a proposal to your teacher and take on board their feedback. Emphasise that they have the opportunity to choose something they are passionate about but you will recommend whether or not it has the scope to potentially achieve a merit/distinction.

Examples to Avoid and Inspire Examples to Inspire My favourite football/Rugby team The science of black holes My favourite band Arguments for votes at 16 What I eat for breakfast Proposals to reduce plastic waste in school How many people I shot in Fortnite last night Comparison of Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ novel to Burton’s film adaptation Why I love my pet The role that rugby/football has in shaping the individual. Positive attributes that sports provide us with.

Initial Ideas Use the mindmap to plan a range of potential topics. Try to write down at least three for each category. Remember that they should be ambitious, not everyday. Initial Ideas Potential Topics Your Interests Debates Raised by Literature Texts Local/National Issues ? ? ? ?

The Proposal Choose one topic out of your mind-mapped ideas. Complete the following tasks to convince your teacher that it has the scope to potentially achieve a merit/distinction. Write an engaging title with a clear focus. Summarise your argument/perspective in a concise but nuanced sentence. Give examples of sophisticated vocabulary linked to the topic. Suggested approach: just wander around and initial below each proposal if agreed or recommend another one on the mindmap if not.

PASS MERIT DISTINCTION Expresses straightforward ideas / information / feelings Expresses challenging ideas / information / feelings using a range of vocabulary Expresses sophisticated ideas / information / feelings using a sophisticated repertoire of vocabulary Makes an attempt to organise and structure his or her presentation Organises and structures his or her presentation clearly and appropriately to meet the needs of the audience Organises and structures his or her presentation using an effective range of strategies to engage the audience Makes an attempt to meet the needs of the audience Meets the needs of the audience Engages the audience in an interesting way Uses some techniques to engage the audience Techniques are used and are engaging Uses a range of sophisticated techniques to engage and persuade