## **Learning Outcomes**

After reading this article, you will confidently plan and structure an effective presentation for the AQA GCSE English Language 8700 exam. You will accurately identify your purpose, select content and style suited to your audience, and organise your presentation for clarity and impact—all while meeting Assessment Objectives AO5 and AO6. You will practise tailoring language and structure for specific tasks and use concise techniques that score highly in real exam conditions.

## **AQA GCSE English Language 8700 Syllabus**

For AQA GCSE English Language 8700, planning and delivering a presentation includes the skills below:

- Identify and communicate a clear purpose for your presentation (AO5).
- Select language, tone, and content to suit your audience and situation (AO5).
- Organise ideas logically, using a clear structure with a distinct introduction, main points, and conclusion (AO5).
- Use a range of sentence structures and vocabulary, with accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar (AO6).

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. What three main sections should an effective presentation include, and what is the purpose of each?
2. Describe how you would adjust your language for a presentation to a group of Year 7 students compared to a group of teachers.
3. Why is it important to define your audience and purpose before planning the content of your presentation?
4. Name two features that can help keep an audience engaged during a presentation.

## **Introduction**

Presentations in the AQA GCSE English Language exam are marked on your ability to organise ideas, communicate a clear message, and tailor your delivery to suit a specific audience and purpose. Excellent responses show thoughtful planning, a logical structure, and varied, accurate use of language. In this article, you will learn proven strategies for planning and delivering presentations that achieve high marks for AO5 and AO6, with precise worked examples and practical revision tips.

> **Key Term: purpose**
> The reason for your presentation—what you want your audience to know, understand, feel, or do.
>
> **Key Term: audience**
> The specific group of people you are addressing in your presentation, whose interests, knowledge, and expectations shape your content and style.
>
> **Key Term: structure**
> The way a presentation or speech is arranged and organised, usually including an introduction, main points in a logical order, and a conclusion.

## **Planning a Successful Presentation**

Thorough planning is essential for impactful presentations. Before you write, clarify your purpose and audience. Then, map out what you want to say and the order in which you will say it.

### **Understanding Purpose and Audience (AO5)**

Every presentation should be shaped by both purpose and audience. Ask yourself:

- Are you there to inform, persuade, advise, or entertain?
- Who will be listening? What do they already know, what do they care about, and what tone or style will they expect?

Matching your tone and vocabulary to the audience increases the effectiveness of your talk and ensures you fulfil AO5.

### **Worked Example 1.1**

Suppose your task is to give a presentation on reducing plastic waste to a Year 10 assembly.

> **Answer:**
>
> - **Purpose:** To persuade students to reduce their use of single-use plastics.
> - **Audience:** Year 10 students—likely familiar with the issue, but not always motivated to change.
> - **Structure:** A strong introduction (shocking fact/statistic), two or three reasons why action matters (e.g., environmental impact, personal responsibility), practical steps students can take, and a motivating conclusion encouraging commitment.
>
> **Key Term: inform**
> To provide your audience with facts or details so they understand a subject better.
>
> **Key Term: persuade**
> To convince your audience to agree with your point of view or to take a specific action.

### **Structuring Your Presentation (AO5)**

A clear three-part structure is best for almost any presentation:

1. **Introduction:** Capture attention and outline your topic.
2. **Main points:** Present two or three key ideas or arguments, each supported by examples or evidence.
3. **Conclusion:** Summarise the main message and end with a memorable closing thought or call to action.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

Outline a logical structure for a speech persuading your headteacher to improve school library resources.

> **Answer:**
> **Introduction:** Brief story about the importance of books.
> **Main Point 1:** Current limitations (e.g., outdated books, digital resources).
> **Main Point 2:** Why improvements matter (supporting learning, student wellbeing).
> **Main Point 3:** Suggestions—what changes you recommend.
> **Conclusion:** Reiterate benefits; urge the headteacher to act.

## **Writing For Impact (AO5/AO6)**

Your language choices and delivery style must suit both your purpose and audience. Use engaging techniques including rhetorical questions, direct address, and repetition for emphasis. Use formal or informal language as required. For AO6, ensure accuracy and variety in your sentences.

### **Exam Warning (1)**

> Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Using the same style for every audience will lose marks. Adjust your vocabulary, examples, and level of formality in line with your listeners.

## **Practical Planning Techniques**

Draft brief bullet points for each section before expanding. This keeps you focused and helps you stick to your main message.

### **Worked Example 1.3**

Suppose you are preparing to advise new Year 7 students about settling into secondary school. Write a basic bullet plan.

> **Answer:**
> **Introduction:** Welcome—mention first-day nerves.
> **Point 1:** Find your way around using maps or buddies.
> **Point 2:** Get involved in school clubs.
> **Point 3:** Ask teachers for help if worried.
> **Conclusion:** Reassure—everyone is nervous at first, but it gets easier.

### **Revision Tip**

> Before your presentation, practise in front of a friend. Get their feedback on clarity, interest, and whether your tone matches your audience.

## **Presenting Logically and Clearly**

Keep each point clear and connected. Use linking phrases: “Firstly…”, “In addition…”, “On the other hand…”, “Finally…”

Support main points with examples, reasons, or brief stories to help your listeners remember.

### **Exam Warning (2)**

> Do not overload your talk with too many ideas or long-winded sentences. Simplicity and clarity are more effective and score more marks.

## **Summary**

For the AQA exam, every presentation must have a clear purpose, be written and delivered for a specific audience, and follow a logical structure (introduction, main points, conclusion). Carefully plan and practise your delivery for communication that is clear, accurate, and engaging.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Establishing clear purpose, audience, and structure for presentations (AO5).
- Tailoring language, content, and tone to suit the exam task and listeners (AO5).
- Organising ideas into a logical sequence with a strong opening, development, and conclusion (AO5).
- Applying varied, accurate language and grammar for effective delivery (AO6).

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- purpose
- audience
- structure
- inform
- persuade

Planning and delivering a presentation - Purpose, audience, and structure