Study Notes
In speech writing, you are asked to express your views on the best qualities a person can have, using examples and appropriate language. Your response should include qualities you admire, examples of people with these qualities, and other relevant points.
- Compassion — the ability to feel for others and be aware of their pain and suffering.
Example: Mahatma Gandhi embodied compassion and empathy. - Empathy — the ability to put oneself in another person's shoes and understand their emotions.
Example: Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick. - Integrity — being honest and having strong moral principles.
Example: Nelson Mandela embodied integrity and resilience. - Resilience — the ability to bounce back from setbacks and overcome obstacles.
Example: Malala Yousafzai embodies perseverance and courage. - Perseverance — being persistent and determined in pursuing one's goals.
Example: Martin Luther King Jr. showed perseverance in his civil rights work.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Compassion: Feeling for others and being aware of their suffering.
- Empathy: Understanding others' emotions by putting oneself in their shoes.
- Integrity: Being honest and having strong moral principles.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and overcoming obstacles.
- Perseverance: Being persistent and determined in pursuing goals.
Common Confusions
- Confusing empathy with sympathy.
- Mistaking resilience for stubbornness.
Typical Exam Questions
- What are the qualities you admire in a person?
Discuss compassion, empathy, integrity, resilience, and perseverance. - Can you provide examples of people who possess admirable qualities?
Mention figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Malala Yousafzai. - How do positive qualities contribute to personal and societal growth?
They help achieve success, happiness, and build meaningful relationships.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to use appropriate vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Use of examples to support arguments.
- Structure and clarity of the speech.
- Use of linguistic devices to engage the audience.