ENG1515 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 18 JUNE 2026
SECTION A: Content-based questions (Text A)
Read Text A (the speech about confidence and body language) and answer the
questions that follow.
Question 1
Modal verbs are useful to listeners as they contribute to the creation of meaning.
Give the purpose of the underlined modal verb in paragraph 1. (
paragraph 1 can in the sentence: "In fact, body language can make or break your
presence as a speaker".
The modal verb can is used to express possibility. It shows that body language has the
potential to either help or harm a speaker's presence, but this outcome is not certain or
guaranteed
(Tutorial Letter 501, Unit 3, section 6.6.8.2).
Question 2
Words can provide powerful clues that support listening when the rules of
grammar are applied correctly. Two similar words 'would' are underlined in
paragraph 3. Explain the grammatical differences between the two words. (2
marks)
In paragraph 3, the two 'would' words appear in:
"...I would do it..." (first instance)
,"...looking calm and in control, I just looked stiff..." (the word 'would' appears in the
context of past habit)
The first 'would' is used as a condition
nal modal verb expressing a hypothetical or imagined situation in the past. The speaker
is describing what they thought would happen if they moved their hands.
The second 'would' referring to past habit functions as a modal verb indicating repeated
past actions or typical behaviour. The speaker is explaining what they used to do
habitually before changing their behaviour
(Tutorial Letter 501, Unit 3, section 6.7.1).
Question 3.1
Read the whole speech and provide TWO features that indicate that this is a
speech. Justify your answers by referring to evidence from the text. (2 marks)
Feature 1 The use of first-person pronouns "I", "my" and direct address to the audience.
Evidence: "I used to think confidence..." and "Think about it: The most engaging
speakers..." This personal connection is typical of spoken speeches.
Feature 2 The use of rhetorical questions and conversational language. Evidence:
"Think about it:" and the conversational phrase "The truth is..." These engage listeners
directly and create a dialogue-like feel, which is characteristic of spoken rather than
written texts.
, Question 3.2
Identify the speaker, the intended audience, and the purpose of the speech.
Speaker: A public speaking coach, communications expert, or an experienced speaker
who has learned about body language through personal experience.
Intended audience: General public - people who want to improve their public speaking
skills, possibly including learners, professionals, or anyone who needs to speak in front
of others.
Purpose: To teach and persuade the audience that body language posture, gestures,
eye contact, pauses, and smiling is just as important as words when speaking
confidently. The speaker aims to change the audience's beliefs about what makes a
good speaker.
DUE 18 JUNE 2026
SECTION A: Content-based questions (Text A)
Read Text A (the speech about confidence and body language) and answer the
questions that follow.
Question 1
Modal verbs are useful to listeners as they contribute to the creation of meaning.
Give the purpose of the underlined modal verb in paragraph 1. (
paragraph 1 can in the sentence: "In fact, body language can make or break your
presence as a speaker".
The modal verb can is used to express possibility. It shows that body language has the
potential to either help or harm a speaker's presence, but this outcome is not certain or
guaranteed
(Tutorial Letter 501, Unit 3, section 6.6.8.2).
Question 2
Words can provide powerful clues that support listening when the rules of
grammar are applied correctly. Two similar words 'would' are underlined in
paragraph 3. Explain the grammatical differences between the two words. (2
marks)
In paragraph 3, the two 'would' words appear in:
"...I would do it..." (first instance)
,"...looking calm and in control, I just looked stiff..." (the word 'would' appears in the
context of past habit)
The first 'would' is used as a condition
nal modal verb expressing a hypothetical or imagined situation in the past. The speaker
is describing what they thought would happen if they moved their hands.
The second 'would' referring to past habit functions as a modal verb indicating repeated
past actions or typical behaviour. The speaker is explaining what they used to do
habitually before changing their behaviour
(Tutorial Letter 501, Unit 3, section 6.7.1).
Question 3.1
Read the whole speech and provide TWO features that indicate that this is a
speech. Justify your answers by referring to evidence from the text. (2 marks)
Feature 1 The use of first-person pronouns "I", "my" and direct address to the audience.
Evidence: "I used to think confidence..." and "Think about it: The most engaging
speakers..." This personal connection is typical of spoken speeches.
Feature 2 The use of rhetorical questions and conversational language. Evidence:
"Think about it:" and the conversational phrase "The truth is..." These engage listeners
directly and create a dialogue-like feel, which is characteristic of spoken rather than
written texts.
, Question 3.2
Identify the speaker, the intended audience, and the purpose of the speech.
Speaker: A public speaking coach, communications expert, or an experienced speaker
who has learned about body language through personal experience.
Intended audience: General public - people who want to improve their public speaking
skills, possibly including learners, professionals, or anyone who needs to speak in front
of others.
Purpose: To teach and persuade the audience that body language posture, gestures,
eye contact, pauses, and smiling is just as important as words when speaking
confidently. The speaker aims to change the audience's beliefs about what makes a
good speaker.
