1. Spoken English
Some key details

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 ? ? ? ?

5. 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.

6. 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