grade 8 unit 3: the informative speech

Grade 8 Unit 3: The Informative Speech

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Unit Objectives 2

Lesson 1: Features of Informative Speech 3 Warm-up! 3 Learn About It! 3 Check Your Understanding 7 Let’s Step Up! 7

Lesson 2: Writing an Informative Speech 8 Warm-up! 8 Learn About It! 9 Check Your Understanding 15 Let’s Step Up! 16

Lesson 3: Delivering an Informative Speech 17 Warm-up! 17 Learn About It! 17 Check Your Understanding 20 Let’s Step Up! 21

Performance Task 22

Self-Check: How Well Did I Learn? 24

Wrap Up 25

Bibliography 25

GRADE 8|English

UNIT 3

The Informative Speech In this age where information abounds, being uninformed is unforgivable. Nowadays, no one is too young to be learned and informed. Thus, it is inevitable that you do not just receive information. You also find yourself giving directions, describing how you spent your vacation or explaining how you were able to solve a mathematical problem. You also provide information. Conveying information or knowledge is the purpose of an informative speech. In this unit, you will learn more about informative speeches.

Unit Objectives

In this unit, you should be able to: ● use appropriate cohesive devices in composing an informative speech; ● use parallel structures; ● deliver a self-composed informative speech; and ● use appropriate prosodic features of speech when delivering lines.

2 Copyright © 2018 Quipper Limited

Lesson 1: Features of Informative Speech

What makes informative speech different from other types of speeches? You will find out in this lesson.

Warm-up!

Have you heard of someone learn how to play the guitar by watching a video on a video-sharing website? I guess you also did in one of your tasks. “Vlog” is a blog in video form. Others post their videos on websites to teach and inform. To see a sample, check the video made by Quipper entitled, “Getting started with Quipper School!”. Here is the URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO4uoNKY-NA

Learn About It!

A Vlog is a form of an informative speech. It is a fact-based speech intended to teach its audience about a specific topic. It aims to provide useful information to its audience. A good informative speech conveys accurate information to the audience in a way that is clear and keeps the listener interested in the topic. This type of speech is intended for the delivery of knowledge, thus, expressing an opinion should be avoided.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO4uoNKY-NA

1. Structure An informative speech contains three sections:

● The introduction presents the topic in a captivating manner to draw people to the importance of your message. In the video, “Getting Started with Quipper School”, the prompt gives us a brief background of what Quipper School is all about and its importance.

● The body provides greater details about the topic or subject. It is delivered in sequence

or in order to avoid confusion. Detailed points do not mean wordiness; it only means completeness in the necessary information. In the same video, the prompt presents clear and detailed instructions on how to create an account.

● The conclusion summarizes the subject. The prompt summarizes the presentation on

the features of the application. 2. Other Features of an Informative Speech

● Topic As already discussed, the sole purpose of an informative speech is to inform the audience about a topic that is useful, unique, and engaging. Therefore, the topic that one should choose for this type of speech should be something that creates interest. It should also be presented in a manner that the audience can relate to. ● Organization Another characteristic of an informative speech is organization. When a person writes this type of speech, he or she should research the topic thoroughly and organize the information in a clear and logical manner. ● Details Speeches of this type use relevant examples and utilize smooth transitions. They are delivered in a conversational tone. Providing examples either orally or through the use of visual aids helps the audience understand the main point.


3. Categories of Informative Speech

● Informative Speeches about Objects Speeches about objects focus on things existing in the world. Objects include people, places, animals, and products or anything that is visible and tangible. This speech is merely used to talk about something that has a physical value.

Sample topics: Corregidor, Benigno Aquino; the Lymphatic system

● Informative Speeches about Processes

These speeches focus on patterns of action or the manner in which something is created, made, done, or works. Speeches of this type are designed to explain a series of activities that end in a result. Process speeches help the audience both understand the process and be able to replicate the process themselves.

Sample topics: How the Internet works; How to create a concise resume

● Informative Speeches about Events

Speeches that belong to this category focus on things that happened, are happening or will happen. Event speeches describe the occurrence in full, including the time, date, location, and circumstances. Details are arranged chronologically in a timeline so as to show the progression of the event.

Sample topics: The 1991 earthquake; EDSA Revolution

● Informative Speeches about Concepts

These speeches focus on beliefs, ideas, theories, attitudes, and principles. Whereas speeches about objects, processes, and events are fairly concrete, speeches about concepts are more abstract. This type utilizes concrete ideas in order to make abstract ideas more relatable and tangible to the audience.

Sample topics: beliefs of Confucianism; theory of evolution


4. Informative Listening In this case, the listener’s goal is to understand the message. If you fail to listen properly, you might miss the important information you need in life. Much of learning comes from listening carefully.

Key Points to be a Better Informative Listener

● Vocabulary Increased vocabulary helps you understand better. Beings sensitive with the context saves us time and energy in bringing your dictionary and turning the pages to look for the meaning. There is no better way in learning new words than by reading. The more we read, the broader our vocabulary capacity is, and the better our chance of learning more. ● Focus This means having a right mindset in listening. It is not like listening passively to a song for pleasure while you do other tasks. You must listen actively to the speaker by taking notes or making an outline. Through this, you can easily go back to it when needed. ● Memory Your memories can help you value the information you need, recall past events, and establish expectations. For this reason, presenters sometimes use our memories by asking us questions. You have to understand that you cannot remember everything. Again, taking down notes can be done for better recalling. ● Open-Mindedness Memories can help have a better understanding. However, informative listening does not require our judgment especially when it is based on our memory. We listen to information with an open perspective to learning.


Check Your Understanding

Identify what is being described in each number.

1. What part of an informative speech includes a summary of the points explained? 2. Which feature of an informative speech refers to the clear and logical order of details? 3. Which category of informative speech refers to the series of activities that end in a

result? 4. What is needed in informative listening that requires you to having the right mindset? 5. What kind of disposition in listening is shown when one judges the information

immediately after listening carefully

Let’s Step Up!


Lesson 2: Writing an Informative Speech

In Lesson 1, you learned about what makes up an informative speech and what available types there are. You are now ready to write your own informative speech. This lesson will guide you on how to do it.

Warm-up!

As a listener, what do you expect from an informative speaker? What are the things you expect to see in the manuscript of his/her speech? Write down as many expectations in the spaces below.

1. _______________________________

2. _______________________________

3. _______________________________

4. _______________________________

5. _______________________________


Learn About It!

An informative speech may explain something most readers would not know. It can present the recent research on a topic. It may define an intricate word, evaluate a cause and effect relationship or teach readers how to solve a problem or acquire knowledge to solve a problem. 1. Writing an Informative Speech The main elements needed to write an effective informative speech are the following:

● Knowledge Establish credibility by demonstrating knowledge of the subject. Present ideas, facts, and statistics to adequately inform the audience about the subject. ● Key Points Emphasize and repeat all the key points to ensure information or knowledge retention. ● Interest Convey information with enthusiasm and include unusual facts about the topic.

From what you have learned in the previous lesson, informative speeches have three major parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

●● Introduction The introduction is used to attract the reader's attention and give him/her an idea of what the speech is about. Make your opening sentence interesting and engaging to grab the attention of the audience. It usually starts with one of the following:


a. starting information that is true and illustrates the point you wish to make; b. an anecdote or idea: Be sure the anecdote/idea is short, to the point, and relevant to the topic; c. summary information: A few sentences explaining the topic in general terms can be a good way to open a speech.

● Body

The body is the main part of the speech. It is the part where you elaborate on the topic and the ideas stated in the introduction. It should provide clear main points, including examples, proofs, or evidence. Maintain coherence through the use of connectives from one thought to the next.

○ Transitions

Make clear transitions in getting to the main point of the body and between each of the main points.

● Conclusion

The conclusion is the ending of the speech. Conclude your speech by summarizing the information you presented and offer a suggestion on how the audience will learn more about the subject.

2. Use of Cohesive Devices in Writing an Informative Speech Cohesive devices are useful English language conjunctions, transitional phrases, synonyms, and pronouns that are utilized to express ideas in a closely united manner. They are used to join sentences together to make ideas more understandable to the reader. The following are some useful cohesive devices which may help in showing relationships between ideas:

● Reference — This device is used to describe the different ways in which entities (things, people, events) are referred to within texts.


Chris went to the market while it was raining. She stepped on a puddle and never

went there again.

● Substitution — Substitution is a replacement of one word or phrase by another

word or phrase. This is used to avoid repetition of a particular item.

The car is old. I will buy a new one.

● Ellipsis — This is the process of omitting an unnecessary item, which has been mentioned earlier in a text, and replacing it with nothing.

My brothers like sports. In fact, both love football.

● Conjunction — This is a word which joins words, clauses, or sentences in a text.

Conjunctions are divided into four types: a. Additive conjunctions — These are used to connect units that share semantic similarity. These conjunctions are: and, likewise, in addition, furthermore b. Adversative conjunctions — These are conjunctions that are used to express contrasting results or ideas. These conjunctions are: but, however, whereas, in contrast c. Causal conjunctions — These introduce results, reasons, or purposes. These conjunctions are: so, thus, therefore, because d. Temporal conjunctions — These are used to express the time order of events. These conjunctions are: finally, soon, at the same time, then

● Lexical cohesion — This type is established through vocabulary. Lexical cohesion are concerned with the relationship that exists between words or phrases in a text. It has two types:


a. Reiteration — These are two items that share the same referent and could either be repeated or have similar meanings in a text. It has the following forms:

1. Repetition is the restatement of the same lexical item.

Jannah ate the apple. The apple was fresh.

2. Synonymy is used to refer to items if similar meaning.

attractive and beautiful

3. Antonymy is the relation between items of opposite meanings.

hot and cold

4. Hyponymy is a type of superordination that refers to items of “general specific” or “an example of” relationship.

vehicle is the co-hyponym of car

5. Meronymy is a type of superordination that refers to a “whole-part” relationship between items.

cover and page are co-meronyms of the item book

b. Collocation — This refers to a combination of vocabulary items that co-occur together. Collocation includes combinations of adjectives and nouns, verbs and nouns , and others.

Adjectives and nouns: fast food Verbs and nouns: run out of money


3. Parallel Structure Parallel structure is also a stylistic device that refers to the repetition of the same pattern of words or phrases within a sentence or passage to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

Many people like riding, hiking, biking, and swimming.

The teacher told the students that they need to get up early in the morning, that they need to sleep soundly, and that they need to eat properly.

The cat runs across the garden, jumps over to the plant, and moves down the road.

In writing sentences with parallel structures, take note of the following:

1. Parallel structures with words and phrases must not have mixed forms.

Wrong: Your new training program was stimulating and a challenge. Right: Your new training program was stimulating and challenging.

Wrong: He likes to swim but not diving. Right: He likes to swim but not to dive.


Wrong: Tanya has to bake, delivering, and order. Right: Tanya has to bake, deliver, and order.

Right: Tanya has to bake, to deliver, and to order.

In these examples, the first word should be parallel with the second word. This is why in order to make the sentence parallel, the forms should be similar with one another. Mixing the forms, like mixing gerunds and infinitives, would confuse readers.

2. Parallel structures with clauses must keep on with clauses.

Wrong: We were wondering what he wanted and fetching him. Right: We were wondering what he wanted and who he was fetching.

Wrong: They never judged what he said or his actions. Right: They never judged what he said or what he did.

Wrong: Marc said that they will get up early and leave early. Right: Marc said that they will get up early and that they will leave early.

In these examples, there are inconsistencies with the clauses as the sentences did not follow parallel structure of clauses. This is why in order to make the sentence parallel, the other phrases or words should be converted to clauses.

3. Keep all elements of a list in the same form.

Wrong: I want to watch comedy, action and movies that have love stories. Right: I want to watch comedy, action and romance.

Wrong: Alex needs to wash the dishes, to clean the house, and be feeding the cat. Right: Alex needs to wash the dishes, to clean the house, and to feed the cat.


Wrong: They get love, care, and affectionate in relationships.

Right: They get love, care, and affection in relationships.

In these examples, words, phrases, or clauses in lists (separated by commas) should follow the same form to make the sentence parallel.


Identify the cohesive device used in the following sentences: _________1. Myrna is a studious person. She is known to be very bookish. _________2. The White House gave a statement this morning. _________3. My mother thinks it was sweet but my brother said it was sour. _________4. Theo made an apple pie; however, it was eaten by his sisters. _________5. More heads are needed to make this project work.

Correct the following sentences to make them parallel:

1. Fiona’s ideas are sound and of great sense. 2. She likes to party and sleeping late. 3. The have discussed adjectives, adverbs, and using prepositions. 4. Rea works as a makeup artist and taking pictures. 5. Romeo, who drove a BMW and loves Juliet, attended the party.


Write a paragraph with at least 10 sentences about your favorite hobby using at least three cohesive devices. Make sure that your sentences observe parallel structures.

Let’s Step Up!


Lesson 3: Delivering an Informative Speech

Writing an informative speech is one thing, but delivering the speech is another story. It can even be a more challenging one as you face an audience to whom you will share your ideas with. This lesson will guide you on how to ace delivering your informative speech.

Warm-up!

Think of an effective informative speaker you heard recently. What made you listen to his/her speech all throughout? Share your answers with a seatmate.

Learn About It!

Unlike written informative essays, delivery is a key part in the effectiveness of informative speeches. Speaking too quickly or softly and losing pace during the delivery of speech are common pitfalls when delivering an informative speech. For some, delivering a speech is an intimidating aspect, but one can make himself or herself much more comfortable by following a few basic delivery guidelines.


1. The Five-Step Method for Improving Delivery

a. Read aloud your full sentence outline. Listen to what you are saying. If there is a need, adjust your language to achieve a good, clear, simple sentence structure. b. Practice the speech repeatedly from the speaking outline. Become comfortable with your keywords to the point where what you say takes the form of an easy, natural conversation. c. Practice the speech aloud. Recite it until you are confident you have mastered the ideas you want to present. Once you know the content, you will find the way that is most comfortable for you. d. Practice in front of a mirror, record your delivery, and present your speech to a friend. Ask for feedback on your rate of delivery, volume, pitch, non-verbal cues, and eye contact. e. Do a dress rehearsal of the speech under conditions as close as possible to those of the actual speech. Practice a day or two before. Be sure to incorporate as many elements as possible in the dress rehearsal, especially visual aids.

2. Carriers of Meaning In public speaking, it is not just words that convey meaning. We convey feelings, moods, and attitudes through a variety of voice qualities or features. These qualities or features also serve as carriers of meaning. Consider the following when delivering an informative speech:

●● Volume A slight increase in loudness indicates stress. Volume is used to show emotions such as fear or anger. ●● Projection It is a technique used to command respect and attention such as a king giving orders to his subjects.


●● Pitch Changes in pitch are known as inflections. Different pitch levels, or intonation, can affect meaning. An example is a way in which speakers raise the pitch at the end of a question. Patterns of rising and falling can indicate feelings of astonishment, boredom, or puzzlement. ●● Stress At word level, stress can differentiate between the noun re´cord or verb record´, a distinction which cannot be shown in writing. At the sentence level, which word is stressed can alter the meaning of the sentence. Consider the sentence “Mary had a little lamb.”

Stressed Words Meaning

Mary had a little lamb. Mary, not Jane, had the lamb.

Mary had a little lamb.

Mary had it once, but she does not have it now.

Mary had a little lamb. Mary had one, not two

Mary had a little lamb. The lamb was little, not big.

Mary had a little lamb. It was a lamb, not a dog.

●● Intonation A rising pitch and falling pitch carry a different meaning. A rising pitch asks a question. A falling pitch answers the question.

Anna: (rising intonation) Ready? Elsa: (falling intonation) Ready.


●● Juncture Disregarding juncture can make your speech hard to understand. If you tell a carpenter to build a greenhouse, make sure that you don’t end up with a green house or a house that is green. If you ask someone to give you the night rate, see to it that it does not sound like nitrate. ● Speech rate Speech rate is calculated in the number of words spoken in a minute. Slow rate projects calmness, acceptance of others, and formality, while too slow projects an image of dullness, listlessness, apathy, laziness, and lack of intelligence. A fast rate projects animation, enthusiasm, excitement, and informality, while too fast suggests nervousness, tension, anxiety, or a flighty personality.


Identify what carrier of meaning is being described in each number.

1. This refers to loudness or softness of the voice. 2. This refers to the strength of speaking. 3. This refers to the emphasis given to a word, phrase, or sentence. 4. This refers to the rise and fall of the voice of a speaker. 5. This refers to the speed of the speech.


Let’s Step Up!


Performance Task

Eureka Speech

Goal: • Your task is to deliver an informative speech about a recent scientific discovery. Role: • You are a scientist who would like to share your findings about a recent discovery . Audience: • You will present your findings to a group of highly respected scientists that are involved in the same field of study as yourself. Situation: • The challenge involves convincing the panelists of the authenticity of your discovery. Your speech must be as comprehensive and concise as possible, something you have to focus on in order to convince them. Product/Performance and Purpose:

1. Read a recent scientific discovery that interests you the most. 2. Write a 3-minute informative speech about it, following the guidelines mentioned in

Lesson 2. 3. Practice delivering your speech keeping in mind the carriers of meaning. You can do

this in front of your peers. 4. Be ready to deliver it in front of your classmates and teacher.

Standards & Criteria for Success: • Your work will be judged by looking at the following:

Criteria Beginning (0-12 points)

Developing (13-16 points)

Accomplished (17-20 points)

Score

Content (Complete speech elements)

Lacks a compelling introduction,

Has complete parts but not compelling

Has complete parts; very compelling for


body, and conclusion.

enough. the audience.

Organization Did not use any cohesive device.

Used 2-3 cohesive devices effectively.

Used 4 or more cohesive devices effectively.

Language (spelling, mechanics, grammar and usage)

More than 3 errors were found

One to three language error/s were found

No language error was found

Research Did not use interesting information from his/her research.

Used a few interesting information from his/her research.

Used varied interesting information from his/her research.

Vocal Delivery Did not use the right volume, speed, pitch, juncture and stress most of the time.

Used the right volume, speed, pitch, juncture and stress occasionally and effectively.

Used the right volume, speed, pitch, juncture and stress consistently and effectively.

Total Score:


Self-Check: How Well Did I Learn?

Do a self-check on how well you learned the lessons in this unit. Place a checkmark in the appropriate box.

Skills I think I need more

practice and assistance

I am familiar and can perform well

with minimal assistance

I am confident that I can perform this on

my own

I can use appropriate cohesive devices in composing an informative speech.

I can use parallel structures.

I can deliver a self-composed informative speech.

I can use appropriate prosodic features of speech when delivering lines.


Wrap Up

An informative speech is a fact-based speech intended to teach its audience about a specific topic. It aims to provide useful information to its audience.

● A good informative speech conveys accurate information to the audience in a way that is clear and that keeps the listener interested in the topic.

● When writing an informative speech, select a small number of key points about a subject that you want the audience to remember from your speech.

● Utilize these key points to develop an organizational structure that will provide a course that guides your audience as you expound the main points.

● This structure includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

● Unlike written informative essays, the delivery is a key part of the effectiveness of informative speeches. Speaking too quickly or softly and losing pace during the delivery of speech are common pitfalls when delivering an informative speech.

Bibliography

Bahaziq, Afnan. 2016. Cohesive Devices in Written Discourse: A Discourse Analysis of a

Student’s Essay Writing. English Language Teaching. Accessed June 9, 2017. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1101750.pdf

Defining an Informative Speech. Boundless Communication Boundless. 2017. Accessed June 9,

2017. https://www.boundless.com/communications/textbooks/boundlesscommunications-textbook/informative-speaking-13/introduction-to-informativespeaking-69/defining-an-inf


ormative-speech-270-76/

Dictionary.com. Accessed June 9, 2017. http://www.dictionary.com/ Emphasis. Changing Minds. Accessed June 9, 2017.

http://changingminds.org/techniques/language/modifying_meaning/emphasis.h tm Informative Speech Outline Format. Accessed June 9, 207.

http://www.hffmcsd.org/webpages/sgale/files/informative%20speech%20outline %20format.pdf

Informative Speeches. Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication

Studies. Accessed June 9, 2017. http://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/11-1-informative-speeches/

Kadian-Baumeyer, Kat. 2017. Informative Speaking: Purpose and Types. Accessed June 9,

2017. http://study.com/academy/lesson/informative-speaking-purposeand-types.html

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Accessed June 9, 2017. https://www.merriamwebster.com/ Parallel Structure. Literary Devices. 2017. Accessed June 9, 2017.

https://literarydevices.net/parallel-structure/ Prosodic Features of Speech. Accessed June 9, 2017.

http://www.litnotes.co.uk/prosodicspeech.htm Qubein, Nido R. 2017. Voice Tips for Effective Speaking. Accessed June 9, 2017. Recommended Links for This Unit: Diehl, Bekah. (n.d.) The Rare Phobia. Youtube.com. Accessed February 16, 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x32tfY7JXRU Riegel, Deborah. (n.d.). The Importance of Vocal Variety in Presentations. Accessed February

16, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdBNUDIOIP8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x32tfY7JXRU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdBNUDIOIP8

grade 8 unit 3: the informative speech

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