GCSE English listening and speaking

Any advice on how to get a distinction?

Also, any tips on what topic I should choose for my speaking? I'm torn between doing something factual, like talking about music or coding, and doing something funny (like this video I saw a while ago of this girl doing a presentation of why you should date her for her exam).

Reply 1

University of Kent

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Original post by Ryebread07

Any advice on how to get a distinction?
Also, any tips on what topic I should choose for my speaking? I'm torn between doing something factual, like talking about music or coding, and doing something funny (like this video I saw a while ago of this girl doing a presentation of why you should date her for her exam).

Hey @Ryebread07,

I got a distinction so hopefully I can give you a few tips, though I got mine a good few years ago now - I'm going into my last year of university, so the rules may have changed a bit since I did it!

In terms of what topic to choose, I would say stick with something factual as it will be easier to structure your argument and add things in like statistics which add a persuasive element. My best advice is to go with a topic you are passionate about because you will naturally have some persuasive arguments you have already thought of, and your passion will naturally shine through and add to the emotionally persuasive element. I totally see the appeal of humour making things more persuasive as people enjoy your argument more, and while I would avoid a deliberately funny topic, you can absolutely use humour throughout to embellish your points where appropriate.

My other top tip is to make sure you are hitting your persuasive techniques and using them to build an argument - for example, you might open with direct address and a rhetorical question, add anecdotes, authority figures and statistics throughout your argument and end on some alliteration to sum up your argument - e.g. careless citizens cause climate change.

I really hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions.

Best of luck with the exam!
Gabby