Speech Writing, Format, Solved Examples, Previous Year's Questions

Speech Writing

Speech is a long composition intended to address the audience. The difference between a speech and an article is- Contrary to an article, in speech the speaker introduces himself and addresses the audience and it should always be in a discursive style.

FORMAT

1.         Introduction : It should introduce the topic along with self introduction and greeting to the audience. One can also use some quotation or anecdote to begin.

2.         Exposition :    The topic should be elaborated with the help of facts and figures, short and tag questions, reasons, consequences and explanations.

3.         Conclusion :   Some suggestion or warning should be given.

·        Allocation of Marks

a.         Lay Out                                  1 Mark

            b.         Content                                  4^1/2 Marks

            c.         Expression                             4^1/2 Marks

1.         In the recent years, a lot of coaching institutes have grown up in cities and villages. How far are they relevant? Present your views in the form of a speech. Suppose yourself to be a student of Class XI and you are participating in a speech competition.

            Good morning Principal sir, teachers and my dear friends! I, Dhananjay of Class XI, am going to express my views on “Coaching: Boon or Bane”

            The mushrooming of coaching centres all over the cities big or small, metros or districts highlights the growing trend of students opting for coaching classes apart from the regular curriculum. Only some years ago, coaching was a rare phenomenon, generally unheard of, only taken by those who were weak in studies. But now it is a way of life for students, aggressively promoted by teachers and to some extent by the parents as well.

            But are these coaching centers really a good choice? Do they really help students score good marks? Does it make the student dependent? Or does it give a right boost to the student’s career?

Most of the coaching institutes boast of guaranteed results and every year they publish inflated numbers in leading newspapers and magazines. In this era of cut-throat competition, coaching centres have become a necessity. In today’s world, it is quite difficult to score good marks in an exam without professional guidance. In national level competitions where even a mark can change the destiny of a candidate, nobody wants to take risk. These coaching institutes provide compact study material so that the students don’t have to waste any time and can focus on their goal. The expert guidance available in such coaching centres avoid all confusion and take the students straight to their goal.

However, taking admission in a coaching centre is an individual choice. There are certain factors which should be taken into account while taking admission in an institute. The quality, experience and expertise of teachers should be the top priority. Apart from this, the success ratio and the academic performance of the students can also be considered.

Thank you.

2.         Suppose yourself to be the Principal of Global Public School, Nimbahera. You see that the children today like to eat fast foods instead of the traditional food. Prepare a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly about the benefits and harms of fast foods.

                Good morning everybody! Today I am going to talk about fast foods. Today a variety of fast food is available in the market and most children like to eat fast food instead of the traditional food. It is quite tasty and easily available in the market which keeps it always in demand. But the increasing availability of fast food in market led us to think that if they are really so important for us.

            There are many health risks associated with it. But due to fast life today, people don’t have any time to pay attention to its hazards or they don’t want to. Obesity is one of the common problems in those who eat fast food. Even a small quantity of fast food contains high calories. Thus without knowing people contain a lot of calories. Obesity isn’t the only risk, heart disease is also a prime factor. When you eat all the fat, sugar and salt in the form of fast food, your heart can grow weak. Another important thing about fast food is some companies use meat mixed with artificial flavor to make the food tasty.

            People take to fast food in order to save money and time. But I ask you, don’t you realize that this saving is only a temporary saving? The harms of fast food pile up gradually and result in a great problem and then the time and money saved all goes at a trot. We know the old saying that an ounce of precaution is better than a pound of cure. So my advice to all is to avoid fast food as much as you can otherwise you can end up being a couch potato with lots of diseases.

Thank you.

3.         Suppose yourself to be Parth, the Head boy of Delhi Public School, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. Prepare a speech on Importance of Games to be delivered in the morning assembly.

            Good morning Principal Sir, teachers and my dear friends! Today I am going to express my views on Importance of Games.

            Games and sports are an integral part of a students life. A student should study hard to be successful in competitive examinations. But he should also play to enjoy health and vigor of life. Along with bookish knowledge one needs games and sports for all round development of personality. Reading and reading involves mental strain and games releases one from the strain and make the body fit.

            Games infuse a sportive spirit in the students which help them take up the heavy burden of life in a lighter vein. They build up team spirit and leadership abilities and discipline. They teach the value of time. With proper training in sports, students become daring, adventurous and ready to take the challenges of life. They channelize the energy and vitality of students and make their leisure hours worthwhile. The greatest educational value of sports is that they provide stimulation for study and hard work.

            Only studies bring dullness and monotony whereas games make the students active and the efforts done for studies become fruitful. Now-a-days girls are also participating in games, which is a good sign. Girls also need physical exercise to keep themselves physically and mentally fit. This practice should be promoted because we need a balanced and healthy society.

            Finally to conclude, I would like to say that all the schools should give equal importance to sports and rather than producing book-worms they should focus on preparing wise citizens.

            Thank you.

4.         You are the Principal of Pragati Public School, Bhilai. Prepare a speech on Environmental Pollution to make your students aware of this great threat to the humanity.

            Good morning everybody! Today I am going to express my views on something which is a threat to humanity. Environmental pollution is one of the biggest problems that the world faces today. It is an issue that troubles us economically, physically and everyday of our lives. The pollution of environment is also related to diseases around us. Yet people are not much aware about this serious issue and so it is worsening day by day.

            Every year there are world summits about it, MOUs are signed but nothing substantial is done. If people of the world along with the governments are to address this issue, it will definitely help both the environment and the people. But if the current way the world’s environmental problems are handled continues, catastrophic consequences can follow for the future generation.

            There are many reasons behind this present state of environmental pollution. One among them is the dawn of science and technology with which man started trying to control the forces of nature. The rapid urbanization and industrialization, population overgrowth and vehicular pollution have caused a lot of harm to our environment. Environment pollution has negatively affected the lives of both human beings and animals. Almost all our gains have been realized at the cost of our health.

            There cannot be a one day solution to this problem but some steps can be taken in this direction. Deforestation should be stopped and forestry should be developed. Discharge of factory wastes in the river should be banned so as to make the river-water free from pollution. Individuals should also contribute at their level because unless people come forward no government can do anything.

Thank you.

5.         Suppose yourself to be Aman/ Anjali of Class XI, Vidyanjali Public School. You are participating in a Speech Competition on Corruption. Prepare a speech in 150-200 words.

            Good morning respected Chairperson, teachers and my dear friends! Today I, Aman of Class XI, am going to express my views on Corruption. There is no denying the fact that corruption has become an integral part of our lives. Its roots have gone so deeper in our society, that eradicating it is a tough task now. There are several campaigns against it but it is always there in some or the other form.

            We have heard and read of seven eminent personalities involved in it. Lalu Prasad Yadav was involved in fodder scam. But he came out of that and successfully won the election. In CWG scam 70000 crore rupees was misappropriated by Suresh Kalmadi and others, even putting the reputation of country at stake.In 2G Spectrum Scam 170000 crore rupees was misappropriated. The main accused in this scam were the then telecom minister A Raja  and M. Kanimozhi.

            There is a long list of all such corruptions. There have always been disclosures and revelations about it. But the end –result is always cipher. In spite of having rules against corruption, people never fear to commit this sin. The greed to gain more blind fold people against the crime they commit.  More of rich and powerful people are involved in such activities.

            Though lots of speeches go around speaking about morality, behind the doors it is money that rules. For any kind of things to be done, one has to know the back door and spend great amount of money to get the work done. Corruption starts at the higher levels and carries its way to lower levels.

            If we do not take any step to remove corruption from the root, we will never be able to come out of the ‘developing’ status and be a ‘developed’ country. Every individual should take the responsibility and especially the youth should take cudgels against corruption.

Thank you.

PREVIOUS YEAR'S QUESTIONS

(2019)  You are concerned about the cleanliness of parks, roads and even your school premises. In spite of various measures taken by local and school administration, lack of cleanliness is still a problem. You are Namita/ Keshav. Prepare a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school on the topic, "Cleanliness is the Responsibility of All".

(2018)  You are Ali/Alia, Head boy/girl of your school. You are deeply disturbed by the rising cases of aggressive behavior of students in your school. You decide to speak during the morning assembly about it. Write a speech on ‘Indiscipline in Schools’. (150-200 words)

(2017)  Your PGT Ms. Geetha is a short story writer also. ‘Sky is not Far’ is a collection of her latest short stories. This book has won a national award. Write a speech in 150-200 words you will deliver in her honour in the morning assembly.

(2016)  Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic ‘Discipline Shapes the Future of a Student.’ It is to be delivered in the morning assembly. You are Karuna/ Karan.

(2015)  The Prime Minister’s campaign ‘Swachh Bharat’ has become popular throughout India. Inspired by this, you the principal of a reputed school, decide to address the students on ‘The Value of Cleanliness’. Write your speech in 150-200 words.

Or

            You have always been proud of being a citizen of the country which shows love and care for elders. However, now this value is found to be disappearing. Write a speech in 150-200 words on ‘Difficulties Faced by Senior Citizens’.

Article Writing, Solved Examples, Previous Years's Questions

Article Writing

An article is a long piece of composition usually intended to be published in some newspaper, magazine or journal. It should include opinions, thoughts and facts and should be able to retain the interest of the reader. Comparisons, contrasts and rhetorical questions are used to make it substantial.

FORMAT

1.         Introduction

The topic should be introduced in a proper manner. The use of quotation, poetic lines or metaphorical expressions can make it quite impressive.

2.         Body

It can be divided into three or four paragraphs. Using facts, figures and rhetorical questions can make it substantial.

3.         Conclusion

            It should include some suggestion or warning.

·        Allocation of Marks

a.         Lay Out                                  1 Mark

b.         Content                                  4 Marks

c.         Expression                             5 Marks

1.         Suppose yourself to be Mansi/ Manas.Write an article on Female Foeticide in about 150-200 words.

FEMALE FOETICIDE

                                                                                                                        By- Manas

It has been six long decades since India gained freedom but many Indians are still trapped in age-old traditional beliefs. Here ‘old beliefs’ imply the mindset of the people who still find themselves in the mindset of girl-boy inequality. The liberal Indian society has failed to transform the orthodox India. No doubt India is advancing at a fast pace in the field of science and technology but if look at the grass-root level the picture is not so rosy. It is rather gloomy when it comes to how we treat the fairer sex.

The status of females in India aptly symbolizes India’s status of being a developing nation, miles away from being a developed nation. Of course, India deserves to be in this list because even in 21^st century, the girl child continues to be murdered here before she is born.

The narrow minded people don’t mind murdering their unborn daughters because they consider girls to be a social and economic burden. Many families put pressure on women to give birth to a boy child so that he take the family’s name forward, light the funeral pyre and be the bread winner of the family. We have several examples of women excelling in every field but sadly, even in such times we find foetus lying in farms, floating in the rivers, wrapped up in jute bags etc. More shocking is the fact that this sinful crime is common not only in rural areas but also in the urban areas where people are considered educated.

The truth behind this crime has been brought out several times by both print and the electronic media but it has failed to melt the hearts and minds of those who remain unaffected by the grave sin.

According to statistics nearly 10 million female foetuses have been aborted in the country in the past two decades. As a result human trafficking has become common in various states of India where teenage girls are being sold for money by poor families.

Ironically, this all happens in a country where the girl is seen as an incarnation of Goddess. In such a scenario, it is really difficult to digest the harsh reality of differences between a girl and a boy.

There is an urgent need of undoing the historical and traditional wrongs of a gendered society; only then the skewed sex ratio can be balanced in order to maintain the progress of the country.

2.         Suppose yourself to be Nalin/ Nalini.Write an article on ‘Women Empowerment’ in about 150-200 words.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

By- Nalini

Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “To awaken the country, it is the women who must be awakened first. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.”

In India to empower the women, first we need to kill all the demons killing women’s rights and values in the society such as- dowry system, illiteracy, sexual harassment, inequality, female foeticide, domestic violence, rape, prostitution etc. Gender discrimination brings social, cultural and economic differences in the country which pushes a country back. The most effective remedy for all such evils is to empower the women by ensuring the Right to Equality mentioned in the Constitution of India.

Giving priority to gender equality facilitates women empowerment all over the country. To achieve this high level goal, it should be promoted from childhood in each and every family. It requires women to be strong- physically, mentally and socially.

The rapid pace of economic development has also given economic power in the hands of women for which they were earlier totally dependent on males. Economically independent women feel more confident about their personal lives. It has also affected the gender relationship. Educated women now see that there is more to life than marriage.

Though the state and status of women is changing yet it has not been completely achieved. Empowering women socially, economically, politically, legally and educationally is not an easy task but with concentrated efforts focused in the right direction, it won’t be far away.

3.         Suppose yourself to be Yogesh/ Yogita.Write an article on Clean India Mission in about 150-200 words.

CLEAN INDIA MISSION

By- Yogesh

Clean India Mission is launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a nationwide cleanliness campaign. It is implemented to fulfil the vision and mission of clean India a day. It was launched especially on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who as he dreamt and was very keen to make India a clean country. He tried for clean India in his time by motivating people through his campaigns and slogans however it could not be achieved because of the partial involvement of the people of India.

But after years Clean India Mission has started again by the government of India to make the dream of clean India come true in next five years by the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The aim of this mission is to cover all the rural and urban areas of this country to present this country as an ideal country before the world. The mission has targeted aims like open defecation, converting insanitary toilets into flush toilets, eradicating manual scavenging, complete disposal and reuse of solid and liquid waste, bringing behavioural changes to people and motivate health practices, spreading cleanliness awareness among people, strengthening cleanliness systems in the urban and the rural areas as well as creating user friendly environment for all private sectors interested to invest in India for cleanliness maintenance.

The completion of this mission will indirectly draw the attention of the investors in India, enhance the GDP growth, draw tourist attention from all over the world, bring variety of sources of employment, reduce health costs, reduce death rate and many more. The Prime Minister of India has requested every Indian to devote 100 hours per year for the cleanliness in India. Swachh Bharat process has also been started to get some fund for this campaign.

As the old proverb says that cleanliness is next to godliness and if we want the godliness to remain in our land we should never abandon this mission.

4.         Suppose yourself to be Tarun/ Aruna.Write an article on Impact of Technology on Children in about 150-200 words.

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDREN

                        By- Aruna

Today’s modern life is surrounded with tech products. The technology has been growing rapidly for quite some time and has now become an important part of life. The technology has an impact on people of all fields and ages. Yes, it has impacts on children as well.

It is an undeniable fact today that everything has its positive and negative aspect and so is the case with technology.

The technology has been proven to be useful in education. Children can access the web and get the detailed knowledge about any topic. The educational games help them to perform well in academics. All kids like to play video games. While playing such games with their friends and relatives they earn competition skills. It helps them to compete with the other children in the real world.

In contrast to some positive impacts of technology, there are more of negative impacts. The technology is causing many health issues in children. The surveys conducted from time to time tell us that due to increasing use of gadgets, children are suffering from health problems like- back pain, weak eye sight etc. Due to less physical activities obesity is quite common in today’s children.

Technology has posed a bad impact to social relationships as well. The children are addicted to gadgets. They don’t have time to sit with their parents and to spend some good time with them. They prefer to connect with their friends via text messaging, chatting etc. rather than meeting them actually.

The most negative impact of technology is on the character of children. Due to increasing use of technology, children are going away from moral values. Internet is working as a curse for children. Rather than using it in a productive way, children use it for wrong things.

By now it is quite obvious that technology has more negative impacts than positive ones. By having a closer look at the critical factors and by limiting the involvement of technology in children’s life we can easily bring an end to all negative impacts listed above.

5.         Suppose yourself to be Shubhan/ Shubhi.Write an article on Importance of Newspaper in our Life in about 150- 200 words.

IMPORTANCE OF NEWSPAPER

By- Shubhan

In the modern era the revolution of newspaper has spread to the whole country. It has become almost unimaginable to start our day without a newspaper. They are printed in each and every language known to man all over the world. They can be called the “Mirror of the world.” They reflect and report the trends all around the world. This is the reason that from a common man to the Prime Minister all like to begin their day with a newspaper.

Newspapers are the guardian of democracy. They keep the general people well-informed which is quite important for the success of democracy. They form the public opinion and turn the people for or against the moves of the rulers. This is why even the fiercest dictator fears the press.

The newspapers cover every aspect- national, international, social, political, cultural etc. They also inform people about inventions, discoveries and products. The advertisements published in newspapers also serve a great purpose. Matrimonial advertisements help people find a suitable life partner. They help people to buy and sell property. The job-seekers are benefitted through ‘Wanted’ column. Newspapers also help boost the sales of consumer products and guide people about investing the money wisely. They are also used as a potent means for propagating a policy or a programme.

There is one great responsibility that the newspaper should deem as the most important. They should published unbiased and correct news without distorting the facts so that the public is not misled. Distortion of news is against the true spirit of journalism. Yellow journalism, described as crude and obscene in the field of journalism should be avoided as it strikes the root of journalistic ethics. Journalism flourishes well only in a democracy but the newspapers also need to understand their responsibility in enlarging and encouraging the democratic spirit.

PREVIOUS YEARS' QUESTIONS

(2019)    Abundance of advertisement in newspapers, magazines and even on television is a watage of both time an money of readers and viewers. You are Shobha/ Sameer. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic "Excessive Use of Advertisement in Media".             [10 Marks]

(2018)    Recent floods in the many metropolitan cities of the country during the monsoon season laid bare the hollowness of the claims of the civic authorities of their preparedness. The poor had to bear the brunt of the problem while no one was ever held accountable. Write an article in 150-200 words on the common man’s woes during the monsoons and the need for accountability of the officials concerned. You are Sumit/ Smita Verma.                [10 Marks]

(2017)    Our performance in Rio Olympics has told us that we don’t pay enough attention to athletics and outdoor games. It is time we revised our attitude. Sports should be an important part of a school’s daily routine. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Importance of Outdoor Games.’ You are Sreeja/ Thomas.                                                                                          [10 Marks]

(2015)    Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school has shown that this evil has not yet come to an end. Write an article in 150 - 200 words on  'Ragging, an Evil'. You are Navtej/Navita .

          *   a practice from the British era

          *   original aim, respect for hierarchy

          *   enforcing traditions, discipline

          *   Prefect - a teacher substitute

          *   misuse of authority

          *   vulgar aspect

          *   fatalities

          *   solution

OR

              India is a tourist's dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India in an article in 150 - 200 words. You are Navtej/Navita.

          *   places of worship - religious tourism

          *   foreigners - places of historical interest

          *   the rich - hill stations during summers

                         - the sun-kissed beaches in winters

                         - leisure tourism

          *   medical tourism - world class hospitals                                                                  [10 Marks]

(2014)    Last week as you were coming back from school you happened to see a huge plastic bag full of leftovers of food being flung into the middle of the road from a speeding car. You wondered how people can be so devoid of civic sense. Write an article in 120-150 words on why we lack civic sense and how civic sense can be inculcated in children at a very young age. You are Shiva/Shamini.            [Set 3]                                                             [10 Marks]

OR

              You saw a stray dog beaten to death by a group of boys. Their act infuriated you and you scolded them for their cruel act. You decided to write an article on cruelty to animals. Write the article in 125-150 words. Your are Nikhil/Naina.

(2014)    A newspaper report on a recent terrorist attack in your locality shattered you. You decided to write an article in a local daily on terrorist attacks and the need to maintain peace and harmony in society. Write the article in 125-150 words. You are Madhav / Meena.                                                [Set 2]                                                           [10 Marks]

OR

              India is a tourists' paradise. But we have not really exploited our tourism possibilities. Write an article in 125-150 words on 'Tourism in India'. You are Ravi/Rani.

(2013)    Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine on the topic, 'Obesity among School Children'. You are Mohini/Mohit.                                                                [10 Marks]

OR

              You are Raman/Ruchika. Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine on the topic, 'Life without Modern Gadgets'.

(2012)    Spurt of violence previously unknown in Indian schools makes it incumbent on the educationists to introduce value education effectively in schools. Write an article in 150-200 words expressing your views on the need of value education. You are Anu/Arun.                                                                                                                                                      [10 Marks]

(2011)    Increase in the number of vehicles causes pollution and traffic jams. Write an article in 150-200 words for 'The New Indian Express', Delhi, highlighting the urgent need to solve these man-made problems, giving suitable suggestions. You are Madhav / Madhury.                                                                                                                                                          [10 Marks]

(2010)    As compared to the older generation to youth of today are greatly inclined to pursue adventurous activities either for money or for fun. There is a latest craze for joining reality shows, rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on which life you would prefer-safe or adventurous.

OR

              Science attempts to explore the secrets of nature while religion wants to reveal the very purpose of existence. The aim of both science and religion is to discover the truth. Write an article in 150-200 words on 'Science and Religion'.                                                [10 Marks]

(2009)    Children living in cities are rarely seen playing outdoors in the neighbourhood. Being busy with other attractions like the television and computer games, they miss the joy of outdoor play. Write an article in 150-200 words for the magazine, 'Kids Talk' highlighting the need and value of outdoor games. You are Vidya/Vinod.                                                [10 Marks]

OR

              Today the 24-hour television news channels give us instant news from every nook and corner of the world. But the fact remains that the importance of the newspaper remains intact. Write an article in 150-200 words expressing your views on ' The Relevance of Newspaper'. You are Sunil / Sunita.

(2008)    Joint family system is gradually disintegrating in the country. Many elderly people get neglected because of the nuclear set up of families. It increases the need of homes for the aged. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic entitled "Should there be Homes for the Aged in India."                                                                                                         [10 Marks]