EnglishCBSE Class 11 · Speech Writing

Speech Writing (Class 11 English Core): Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches

Updated 17 October 2026 · Fact-checked

A speech of 120 to 150 words carries 5 marks (format 1, content 2, expression 2). Give it a title, greet the audience, introduce yourself and the topic, build the body from the cues in two or three points with a reason or example each, and close with a memorable appeal and thanks. Write for the ear: short sentences, direct address and signposts.

Every speech moves from Opening to Body to Closing: hook the audience, develop each cue with proof, then end with an appeal and thanks.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches

Format. (1) Title or topic. (2) Greeting to the audience: "Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends." (3) Self-introduction and statement of the topic. (4) Body. (5) Conclusion with an appeal and thanks. Do not sign it like a letter.

Using cues. The question gives a few phrases, a quotation, a data box or a picture. Use every cue at least once, and build each into a point with a reason or example. Extra ideas are welcome, but the cues come first.

Content. Aim for two or three developed points: the problem, its causes or effects, and what the audience can do. Content marks go to relevance, range and the use of cues.

Expression. A speech is heard. Use short sentences, "you" and "we", rhetorical questions ("Have we ever asked ourselves...?") and signposts (firstly, moreover, finally). Avoid long, complex sentences and heavy vocabulary.

Opening and closing. A strong opening hooks attention with a question or a fact; a strong closing returns to the central message and ends with a call to action and thanks.

Length. 120-150 words. Neighbouring topics (debate) are on the chapter page.

Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches: key facts

Structure: Title
Greeting
Introduction
Body
Conclusion; Five parts.
Content mark: Every cue
Reason
Example; Build each cue into a point.
Expression mark: Short sentences
Direct address
Signposts; Write for the ear.

How to answer Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches questions

Use this for any speech with cues.

1Write the title and greeting.
2Introduce yourself and state the topic.
3Turn each cue into a point with a reason or example.
4Use signposts and one rhetorical question.
5Conclude with an appeal, thanks and a count of 120-150 words.

Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

An announcement that works

Suppose a student reading morning announcements says, "Dear friends, have you ever left a tap running while brushing your teeth? In one minute that wastes several litres." Classmates listen and pay attention.

Which speech technique is the student using?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

A direct question to the audience.
A simple, relevant fact.
A friendly address.

Answer: The student uses a rhetorical question and a direct address, techniques that capture attention in the opening of a speech.

Memory hook: Ask, then tell.

Tricks to remember Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

T-G-I-B-C
Title, Greeting, Introduction, Body, Conclusion.
Use it when: The five parts.
Ask-Fact-Appeal-Act
Question, Fact, Appeal, Call to action.
Use it when: A flow for the whole speech: hook, body and ending.

Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Greeting · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

The best greeting for a school assembly speech is
(a) Dear Sir (b) Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and friends (c) Hi guys (d) To whom it may concern

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

A formal greeting to all present (1 mark).

Answer: (b)

Example 2: Hook · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level

Write an opening sentence (not more than 25 words) for a speech on "Digital detox" that uses a question.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Question form (1).
Relevant and short (1).

Answer: How many times have you checked your phone since you woke up this morning? Today I want to talk about a digital detox.

Example 3: Speech with cues · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

You are Kabir Rao, Head Boy of Greenfield School. Write a speech (120-150 words) for the morning assembly on "Road safety". Cues: helmets; speed limits; seatbelts; students as influencers.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Format (1).
Content: all four cues with reasons (2).
Expression: short sentences, appeal, within word limit (2).

Answer: Road Safety
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. I am Kabir Rao, and today I speak on road safety.
Have you ever seen a close shave on the road? Firstly, a helmet is a shield for your head. Wear it, every time. Secondly, speed limits exist to protect lives, so respect them. Thirdly, a seatbelt takes a second to fasten and may save a life. Remember, accidents are rarely planned; they usually come from small careless acts. Many of us travel by two-wheelers or cars every day, so these rules concern every one of us. Finally, as students we are influencers. When we remind our parents and friends, others follow.
Let us promise to be safe and to make others safe. A moment of care can save a lifetime. Thank you.

Example 4: Speech on a value · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

You are Meera Nair of Class XI. Write a speech (120-150 words) for the school assembly on "The value of reading". Cues: knowledge; imagination; reduce screen time; library hour.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Format (1).
Content: all four cues (2).
Expression (2).

Answer: The Value of Reading
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and friends. I am Meera Nair of Class XI, and I am here to speak about reading.
What do a book and a window have in common? Both show us a bigger world. Reading adds to our knowledge and strengthens our imagination. It also helps us reduce screen time, giving our eyes and minds a rest.
Moreover, our library hour is a gift. Let us not treat it as a free period but as a chance to explore new places through stories. Even twenty pages a day adds up to a whole shelf of books in a year, and each book teaches us something new.
So I urge you to pick up a book this week. A reader today is a leader tomorrow. Thank you.

Example 5: Find the faults · 3 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

A student wrote a speech that begins "Dear Sir, I am writing to you about road safety" and ends "Yours faithfully". Explain three faults. (3 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Fault 1: letter format, not a speech (1).
Fault 2: no greeting to the audience or direct address (1).
Fault 3: no appeal or thanks (1).

Answer: The student used a letter format, with Dear Sir and Yours faithfully, but a speech has a title, a greeting to the audience and thanks. It also lacks direct address to listeners and an ending appeal, so format and expression marks are lost.

Where students lose marks in Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Letter format
A speech is spoken.
Wrong working
Dear Sir, ... Yours faithfully.
Right working
Good morning, respected Principal... Thank you.
Do this: Use greeting and thanks.
Usually costs: 1 mark of 5.
Mistake: Ignoring cues
Content marks depend on them.
Wrong working
A general speech on road safety.
Right working
A speech that uses helmets, speed limits, seatbelts and students.
Do this: Tick each cue.
Usually costs: 1 to 2 marks of 5.
Mistake: Wrong length
The limit is part of the task.
Wrong working
A 90-word speech.
Right working
A 135-word speech.
Do this: Count and adjust.
Usually costs: 1 mark of 5.

Exam tips

Begin with a greeting and a hook.
Use every cue in the body.
Use signposts: firstly, moreover, finally.
End with an appeal and thanks.
Keep it between 120 and 150 words.

Practice questions on Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
A speech should end with
(a) Yours faithfully (b) a memorable appeal and thanks (c) a signature (d) a postscript
Hint
It is spoken.
Answer
(b)
Q2 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
Write a speech (120-150 words) on "Say no to plastic" for the school assembly. Cues: harm to animals; clogged drains; cloth bags; each student's role.
Hint
Greeting, four cues, appeal.
Answer
Say No to Plastic
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and fellow students. I am Anita Rao of Class XI, and I will speak on plastic.
What happens to a plastic bag after we throw it away? Animals may swallow it and fall ill. It also clogs drains and causes waterlogging in the rains. Cloth bags can replace plastic, and they last for years. Moreover, each student has a role: refuse plastic cups, reuse bottles and tell friends.
Big change begins with small steps. Let us carry a cloth bag to school tomorrow and start now. Think about it: a bag used for five minutes can stay in the environment for years, long after we have forgotten it. We must not let that happen. Thank you.
Q3 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
Write a speech (120-150 words) on "Mental health matters" for a school assembly. Cues: stress before exams; talking to friends; counsellor; sleep and exercise.
Hint
Be sensitive; give practical steps.
Answer
Mental Health Matters
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and friends. I am Rahul Singh of Class XI, and I will talk about mental health.
Have you ever felt your mind racing before an exam? Stress is common, but we should not carry it alone. Firstly, talk to a friend or a family member. Secondly, our school counsellor is there to help, so do visit. Moreover, good sleep and exercise keep the mind healthy.
Let us look after our minds as we look after our bodies. A kind word may help someone more than we know. There is no shame in asking for help; it is a sign of strength, not weakness. Small habits, like a short walk each evening or a regular bedtime, can lift our mood more than we expect. Thank you.
Q4 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Compare a speech and a debate on three points of format and purpose. (3 marks)
Hint
Stand, rebuttal, purpose.
Answer
A speech informs or persuades on a topic and need not take a side, while a debate has a motion and a clear stand. A debate includes rebuttal of the other side. Both are addressed to an audience and use direct address, but a speech has a conclusion with thanks.
Q5 · 2 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
Rewrite this opening to make it stronger: "Today I will speak on water. Water is important." (2 marks)
Hint
Use a question or a fact.
Answer
Can you imagine a day without a single drop of water at home? Good morning, everyone. Today I speak on why saving water matters.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.How many marks is the speech?Show answer
5 (format 1, content 2, expression 2).
2.What is the word limit?Show answer
120-150 words.
3.What greeting is used?Show answer
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and friends.
4.What should the body use?Show answer
Every cue, with a reason or example.
5.How does a speech end?Show answer
With an appeal and thanks.

Speech Writing: Opening, Body and Closing with Model Speeches: frequently asked questions

Is a title needed?

Yes, it is part of the format.

Can I add my own points?

Yes, but use all the cues first.

Should I use a letter format?

No, a speech is spoken to an audience.