Three royal speeches: Comprehension, comparison and analysis
To mark the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, KS3-4 students explore three royal speeches and compare the language and persuasive devices used.
They initially explore The Queen's iconic Coronation speech from 1953, before considering the moving words of her son and grandson following her death in The King's Declaration (Charles III's speech announcing the death of his mother), and Prince William's statement.
There are five questions for students to answer on each speech, as well as speaking and listening tasks. There are also suggestions for homework and extension activities for students to complete, including a letter writing task and a speech task.
Example tasks from the resource:
- The new King uses alliteration and a tricolon (a series of three parallel words, phrases or clauses) to describe his thoughts about his mother’s example as a leader. Identify any quotations which use these techniques and explain the effect they have on the listener.
- The King’s speech has echoes of his mother’s own speech when she came to the throne. Find examples of how his words and thoughts are similar to hers.
- The Queen refers to the Commonwealth and the Empire whereas the new King refers to the Commonwealth Realms and Territories. Why do you think this phrasing has been changed?
- Both The Queen and the new King choose words which create a very serious tone. Select an example word from each speech and explain the connotations of each word.
- Both monarchs use the phrase ‘I shall strive’. Rank the following synonyms for the word ‘strive’ with 1 being the weakest and 4 being the strongest:
endeavour attempt try struggle
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