Question 3 Model Answer: Speech (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language)

Revision Note

Deb Orrock

Written by: Deb Orrock

Reviewed by: Kate Lee

Question 3 Model Answer: Speech

For this task, you will be asked to produce a piece of writing in a particular format, based on what you have read in Text C. You may be asked to write in one of six possible formats (genres):

  • A letter

  • A report

  • A journal entry

  • A speech

  • An interview

  • An article

The following guide will demonstrate how to answer Question 3 in the format of a speech. The task itself is taken from a past exam paper.

Text C and Question 3

The following example of Text C is about a journalist who has been invited to spend time at a base station in Antarctica.

CIE IGCSE English Language Paper 1 speech Text C Antarctica
CIE IGCSE English Language Paper 1 question 3 speech text C Antarctica
CIE IGCSE English Language Paper 1 question 3 speech text C Antarctica

Question:

CIE IGCSE English Language Paper 1 question 3 speech example question

Question 3 speech model answer

Based on the above question, the following model answer is an example of a full-mark speech response.

CIE IGCSE English Language question 3 speech model answer part 1
CIE IGCSE English Language question 3 speech model answer part 2
CIE IGCSE English Language question 3 speech model answer part 3

Unannotated model answer

Model answer:

Good morning everyone! My name is Simon and I’m a Base Commander in Antarctica. I’m here today to talk to you about the opportunities and challenges of living and working on a base station in such difficult conditions.

There are a range of different jobs available at the base station. You might be working as a scientist like Xavier, which can involve working with the ice-coring team or out in a field camp collecting samples. This is an important job because our scientists are conducting ground-breaking research into Earth’s climate. We also have marine biologists who routinely dive with seals and orcas, so they tend to be the adventurous and brave ones! We need mechanics and engineers to keep the place running, as they look after things like the planes, generators, the sewage treatment plant or ski equipment. We have cooks who have to do interesting things with tinned food, as it is so difficult to get fresh supplies and there are a lot of people to feed. And, of course, we would all be stuck without the pilots transporting scientists to and from field camps. They do incredible work landing planes safely in what can be extremely challenging weather conditions.

So, if you decide that working at a base camp is for you, what can you expect when you first arrive and when you’ve settled in? Well, you’ll be shown around first, and you’ll notice that there are no cafes, restaurants or even Wi-Fi! There isn’t much in the way of entertainment - just card games and magazines really. But don’t worry: you’ll be too busy to notice. To begin with, you will be involved in field training, where you’ll learn to abseil into crevasses, get yourselves out and rescue someone who has fallen in. You will definitely be out of your comfort zone and fending for yourselves, putting up and taking down your own tents and cooking on camp-stoves. Then you’ll be involved in regular briefings, group activities and trips to collect water samples. During the summer months, the scientists stationed at base camp give lectures, which are both informative and inspirational. It’s great to get different perspectives and expert opinions on what we are studying. We also have more freedom to go for walks, but as winter approaches, we have to increase our safety rehearsals as accidents can easily happen in such a harsh environment.

There are definitely lots of challenges associated with living and working in Antarctica. You are a long way from civilisation, and although this can be a welcome break from the pressures of modern life, it can feel quite isolating, especially in the winter as there is a real danger of being stranded. The winter is long and hard, and although amazing, the animals that we share our home with can also be dangerous. There is also a real risk of feelings of depression or loneliness, with very few changes of personnel and not much leisure time. However, there are also lots of rewards. Living and working so closely with the same group of people for such a long time can help build long and lasting friendships and a sense of these people being family. The landscape is inspirational, and the experience of living in Antarctica really changes you as a person. And probably most importantly of all, living in this awe-inspiring place helps you to develop a real awareness of the health of our planet; we see how fragile the carpet of ice is and therefore appreciate the implications of global warming and the actions we must take to protect our world.

Commentary:

  • The answer starts by demonstrating understanding of the format of the task (a speech) and what the task is about

  • Each bullet point in the question is dealt with in a separate paragraph

  • Direct references to the text are developed and expanded upon

  • The answer uses direct address to the audience, which is appropriate for a speech

  • All of the examples are taken from the text

  • The answer uses inference to develop points appropriately

  • The answer sustains a confident “voice” throughout

Examiner Tips and Tricks

The suggested word count for this task is a guide, and you are not penalised for writing under or over 250-350 words. However, writing too little can mean that your answer does not have enough development or detail. Writing too much can mean that you go off topic and lose focus, which again can be self-penalising. It is therefore a good idea to stick as closely as you can to the word count guidance.

Our model answers are not written in timed, exam conditions. We have therefore shown a range of points that could be included to answer this question, and provided a model you can use to help with the structure of your answer.

You can find further guidance on suggested word counts for CIE here.

Summary

  • Remember to read the question carefully and highlight:

    • The instructions (what you have to do)

    • The focus of each bullet point

  • Re-read Text C and highlight the relevant information you can use in your answer

  • Address each bullet point in order:

    • Make sure you cover all three of the bullet points as equally as possible

    • Base all of your answer on the ideas and details you find in Text C

  • Decide on the voice and style you want to create and maintain that in your answer

  • Do not just repeat details of what happened:

    • You need to develop your ideas to demonstrate understanding

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Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

Kate Lee

Author: Kate Lee

Expertise: English and Languages Lead

Kate has over 12 years of teaching experience as a Head of English and as a private tutor. Having also worked at the exam board AQA and in educational publishing, she's been writing educational resources to support learners in their exams throughout her career. She's passionate about helping students achieve their potential by developing their literacy and exam skills.