1. Year 8 - English Big Test Revision Summer 2019
Section A: Multiple Choice – 10 marks
Q1-5 – Select the correct answer based on what is written in an unseen text (the explicit meaning)
Q1-6 – Select the correct answer based on what you can infer from the unseen text (the implicit meaning).
You should spend no more than 10 minutes on Section A.
Section B: Extended Response – 60 marks + 5 SPAG marks
You should spend 50 minutes on Section B.
You will be asked to write a persuasive speech arguing your point of view about a statement.
You will be marked for writing for the correct audience, purpose and form; showing a clear point of view and an individual voice; and using ambitious vocabulary and DAFORESTI techniques.
Plan your answer carefully before you start writing.
Form
The type of writing: A speech
Structure:
1. Introduction – engage the audience and summarise your point of view.
2. Main paragraphs – include counter arguments which you undermine – ‘Some people may think that…’
3. Conclusion - create a cyclical structure by linking back to an element of your introduction.
Connectives to use: The most compelling reason is, it is undeniable that, I strongly believe, furthermore, in addition.
Audience
The person or group that your speech is targeted to. The Big Test question will tell you who your audience is.
teachers?
form reps?
an assembly?
your friends?
the government?
Think about the tone and register you will use depending on your audience.
How will you introduce your speech? Will you engage the audience by using an anecdote or ‘we vs. them’?
Purpose
The reason for the writing: to persuade the audience of your point of view about a statement.
Include DAFORESTI techniques – use your knowledge organiser to revise these:
D – direct address
A – alliteration/anecdote F – facts O – opinions
R – repetition/rhetorical questions
E – emotive language/exaggeration
S – statistics
T – triples
I – imperative/imagery
‘Propaganda should show an honest reflection of war’
‘It’s not cowardly to refuse to fight in a war’
‘We must never stop honouring war veterans’
‘Sometimes force and violence are needed to make peace’
‘Every citizen should commit to serving in the armed forces for 3 years during their lifetime’

2. How to craft a persuasive speech arguing your point of view.
‘Every citizen should commit to serving in the armed forces for 3 years during their lifetime.’  
Write a speech to the Prime Minister arguing your point of view about this statement.  
English
Persuasive Speeches and War Poetry
How to craft a persuasive speech arguing your point of view.