Important Information for Candidates: Delivering the Prepared Talk (Topic Notes)

As part of the Speaking module, candidates are required to deliver a prepared talk on a topic of their choice. To support a clear and well-structured presentation, candidates may bring topic notes into the exam room.

Topic notes are intended as prompts only. They should consist of brief bullet points containing a few key words or short phrases for each point the candidate wishes to cover. They must not contain full sentences, paragraphs, or a fully written script. As a guide, topic notes should not exceed 40–50 words in total.

The purpose of topic notes is to help candidates remember the main areas they wish to discuss, not to provide text to read from or recite during the exam.

Checks by Invigilators

Before the start of every exam session, invigilators will check the front and back of each candidate's topic notes to ensure they comply with the guidance above. Topic notes that contain excessive text, full sentences, or other unauthorised content should not be permitted in the exam room.

Delivering the Prepared Talk

Candidates should avoid memorising a fully prepared talk. The assessment focuses on how the talk is delivered rather than on the content itself. Candidates are expected to speak naturally and communicate effectively, rather than recite a memorised script.

The assessment criteria for the task Delivering a Prepared Talk place particular emphasis on the quality of delivery, including features such as:

• natural rhythm and pace
• appropriate intonation
• clear, effective communication
• confident and engaging delivery

A presentation that sounds rehearsed or recited is unlikely to demonstrate these qualities as effectively as one that is delivered naturally using topic notes as prompts.

A template that candidates can use for their Topic Notes is available here.