SPEECH
- 227 candidates;
156 passed (69 per cent)

This was a relatively straightforward story about controversial plans to construct a windfarm on the Oxshire Hills, 15 miles south west of Oxdown, and the formation of an action group to oppose the development.

Candidates were expected to show an environmental and visual awareness of the impact the proposal would have on the Oxshire countryside: 18 "super" turbines, each 80 metres high and visible over a radius of 25 miles; the threat to wildlife; and historical sites put at risk.

Strong quotes were provided (but not always used) and additional statistical information was available, although in many cases this was either ignored or incorrectly reported. Markers were looking for comparisons with other tall structures - the new turbines, candidates were told, would be taller than Nelson's Column and half the height of Blackpool Tower - but some candidates did not consider this of interest.

The speech produced a number of exceptional stories. Other candidates impressed with bright and inventive intros but, sadly, often flattered to deceive as subsequent errors and omissions detracted from the overall result. Examples included no location for the proposed windfarm, and failure to identify the consortium behind the project or the newly-formed action group. In some cases reference to an all-important protest meeting was omitted or buried in the story and the number of turbines proposed was incorrectly given - ranging from eight to 80.

The surname of the action group spokesperson, Malcolm/Maureen Chisholm appeared as Chishold, Chrisholm, Chisolm and Chissholm. All too often the impression was given that he/she was conducting a one-person campaign against the development.

A reference to "whirling windmills" also produced some interesting variations - twirling, swirling, winding, whirring, whirling circles and whirling with windfarms.

In a number of cases errors occurred due to a failure to understand or make use of the candidates' brief or sheer carelessness. Markers also drew attention to the apparent shorthand deficiencies - either an inability to take accurate notes or transcribe them correctly. Perhaps that explains why the turbines became "higher than Blackpool Tower" or even, twice the height of the famous seaside structure!

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