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Everyday English 1
Everyday English 1

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2.4 Speeches

In work or studies (including in a Functional Skills English Level 1 assessment), you may be required to write a speech, that is, the written version of something that someone would present. Because a speech is written for someone to speak, you have to take account of the fact that it will be spoken, so it can be a little less formal than a report or article.

When a speech is written down, it can look similar to an article. For example, they both need a title, but rather than having the author’s name at the beginning or the end, in a speech the presenter introduces him- or herself at the start. For example:

’Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Sara and I am here today to talk to you about business loans.’

At the end of the speech there will be some form of ending. Again, the speaker mentions the audience in some way:

’Thanks to you all for listening today. If you have any further questions I will be here for a little while when we finish, or feel free to contact me by email.’

Activity 13 Check what you’ve learnt: what you write

Timing: Allow about 5 minutes

a. 

Speech


b. 

Article


c. 

Email


The correct answer is b.

a. 

Formal


b. 

Informal


The correct answer is a.

a. 

Report


b. 

Speech


The correct answer is a.

4. Name one place articles are published.

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Answer

Newspapers or magazines, printed or online.

a. 

Email


b. 

Letter


c. 

Article


The correct answer is a.

6. Readers read articles, but audiences ______ to speeches.

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Answer

Listen.