Home > Subjects > English > English level 2 > 2.6 Unfamiliar texts > Subject content > Reading oral text
- Subject: English
- AS: 90380
- Level: 2
- Credits: 3
- External
2.6 Read unfamiliar texts and analyse the ideas and language features
Reading oral text
In this standard an oral text is presented as a written copy or transcript of an oral speech, news item, interview, drama script, or advertisement. When working with transcripts it is important to think carefully about what has been said and how it has been said. In your answers discuss the possible ways of expressing ideas verbally and visually through oral language as if you were listening to the spoken word.
Key language terminology
- Repetition
- Listing
- Use of example, personal pronoun, colloquial language, jargon
- The use of figurative language
See the Language of conversation and The language of oratory links for definitions of common terminology.
Key delivery terminology
Pitch, pause, pace, tone, volume, gesture.
Oral language example question and answer
The transcript of the speech Golden Weather has been used to answer the following question.
How does the quotation from the play make the speech more effective? (read to the end of the quotation lines 1–20)
Possible answers
Achieve: This is a school prize giving speech. In the quotation the summer is over and so is school for these students.
Merit: The flower image used in the metaphor can be compared to the students and supports the message that the students need to make the most of every opportunity so they have a bright future ahead of them.
Excellence: The broom flower dying is a symbol for the end of the summer. This is appropriate, as the students' life at school is as brief as the summer. Students must look to the future for new growth and experiences as they begin a new 'season' of their lives and enter in the real world. To survive all of the 'shocking events' and 'different perspectives' students need to have a strong sense of identity and must be resolute about "what our touch-stones are, our families, and our country". This will help protect students and allow them to achieve their potential and seek out new opportunities for themselves and their country.
Apply these questions to any oral language example
- What is the context and situation of the speech?
- What is the purpose of the speech?
- Who would be the likely audience and how have they been addressed?
- How has the content of the speech been structured?
- Identify three oral language features and explain how this helps to express the ideas of the speaker effectively.
