In the IB Chinese B exam, one of the key writing tasks is composing a speech. This can be a challenging but rewarding exercise for students aiming to demonstrate their writing skills and ability to argue effectively.
In this article, we’ll break down the structure of an IB Chinese B SL speech and explore essential writing techniques, using a speech writing sample to illustrate these concepts.
1. The Basic Structure of an Speech
A well-organized speech typically includes three main sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each section serves a specific purpose and plays a critical role in ensuring the speech is engaging, clear, and persuasive.
- Introduction: The introduction should grab the audience’s attention and clearly state the topic of the speech. A good opening sets the tone for the rest of the speech, piquing the audience’s curiosity and preparing them for what’s to come. In the sample speech, the speaker starts by asking, “Have you noticed?”（不知你们是否发现？） This question immediately engages the audience by prompting them to think about their own experiences and beliefs, while introducing the theme of the speech: the importance of celebrating traditional holidays.
- Body: The body of the speech is where the core arguments are made. Each paragraph should focus on a single point, supported by examples or reasoning. A clear, logical structure is essential to make sure the audience can follow the speaker’s argument.
The speaker in the sample speech develops a few key points: First, they argue that it’s unfortunate for young people to neglect their own cultural traditions while embracing foreign ones without true understanding. Next, they explain that traditional festivals are integral to understanding history, preserving values, and fostering family unity. Each argument is well-supported with reasons, making the speech persuasive and coherent.
- Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the key points and end with a call to action, urging the audience to take specific steps or adopt a particular perspective. A powerful conclusion reinforces the main message and leaves a lasting impression.
In the sample speech, there is: “I call on all of you to join hands in celebrating traditional festivals. Only then can we preserve and spread our culture, and feel proud when interacting with others.”（因此，我呼吁在座的各位携起手来，更加重视庆祝传统节日。只有这样，才能保护和传播我们的传统文化，才能让我们和外国人交流的时候更自信、更自豪。) This closing not only reinforces the speech’s main message but also motivates the audience to take action.
2. Writing Tips for Speech
- Establish a Clear Purpose: Before you start writing, determine the main goal of your speech. Are you trying to persuade, inform, or raise awareness? Once you know the purpose, you can focus on presenting your arguments clearly and logically. This will help ensure that your speech feels cohesive and focused.
- Use Persuasive Techniques: In a speech, it’s important to engage and persuade your audience. Consider using rhetorical questions, anecdotes, and powerful statements that appeal to the emotions or values of your audience. In the sample speech, the use of the rhetorical question “Are you like them?” （你是否也和他们一样呢？） and “Are we young people so pathetic?” （难道我们年轻人就这么可怜吗？） creates a personal connection with the audience, prompting them to think critically about the topic.
- Appeal to the Audience’s Values: A great way to make your speech more persuasive is to connect your arguments to the values and beliefs of your audience. In the sample speech, the speaker emphasizes how traditional festivals promote family unity, cultural pride, and a sense of history（庆祝传统节日有利于我们学习传统文化，会影响我们的价值观、生活方式和道德标准……）—values that are likely to resonate with the audience.
By following these structural guidelines and writing tips, you can craft an effective speech that’s well-organized and persuasive. eChineseLearning offers more IB writing templates and writing tips to help improve your skills. If you have any questions, you can always seek help from your teachers—they are always ready to support you. Good luck, and happy writing!
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