THE INDIVIDUAL ORAL PRESENTATION

The IOP is based on a work (or works) studied this semester: In Cold Blood Chronicle of a Death Foretold Death and the King’s Horseman

IOP – THE FOCUS Depth of KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING of the work(s) Thorough appreciation of whatever ASPECT of the literature you discuss Knowledge & use of an appropriate register for the delivery CONSIDERATION of the how the author has explored and addressed your topic

PRESENTATION You will deliver your IOP without interruption - preferably without notes or Powerpoint slides When completed, teacher will ask questions (probe further) to check your understanding The class may then join the discussion

Tips for preparing for the IOP Select a topic that is tightly focused. For example, “Race and Gender” is too simplified. This is better: “How racial hierarchy is set up in the novels and the way it impacts on gender.” Or, instead of “Power Relations” you could say “How different characters’ power is presented through the use of language.” Or – instead of “Death and its consequences” – “The way in which death impacts other characters”

Select the most appropriate extracts (passages from the text) to demonstrate your point of view. The extracts you choose should be the most appropriate to highlight the points you want to make. Make sure that you focus on every literary technique contained in the extract and explain their effect. Include syntax and diction, as well as any other of the more obvious literary techniques used in prose.

Make sure that you fulfil the criteria listed on the Assessment Sheet (Rubric) Look at what marks are awarded for and make sure that you fulfill all of the criteria on the rubric.

Rehearse your speech – again and again – and TIME IT. You should sound confident, self-assured. Face the audience. Make sure to make eye contact - throughout. Notes may be referred to but not read the whole way through. You should sound interested in your own speech – vary tone and gesture. POWERPOINT presentations should be there to refer to, not to rely on. You must fulfill time requirements or you will be penalized.

Questions, Questions, Questions! You will be asked questions at the end of your presentation. Make sure that you come up with a list of possible questions you might be asked and think about the answers. Make sure you understand how the extract fits into your understanding of the rest of the novel. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OVERPREPARE.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBILITIES? TOPIC CHOICE You can choose topics based on any aspect(s) based on the works studied: the cultural setting of the works & related issues theme; characterization; authorial technique & style; the author’s attitude to particular elements of the works - character, subject matter, etc.

ACTIVITIES YOU CAN USE STRUCTURED DISCUSSIONS Class discussion – one presenter but this can involve whole class participation Presentation of material lending itself to discussion – e.g. Two opposing readings of a text and taking questions

ORAL EXPOSES An introduction to a writer or work An explanation of a particular aspect of a writer’s work An explanation of a particular interpretation of a work The setting of a work against another body of material (e.g. social background, political views) A commentary on the use of a particular image or symbol in a text or writer’s work

AND THERE’S MORE ROOM FOR CREATIVITY: An imitation of a studied work followed by discussion and explanation of what was attempted A comparison of: two passages, characters, works A commentary on an extract of a studied work An account of a student’s developing response to one of the works

ROLE PLAYING A monologue by a character at an important point in a work Reminiscences by a character from a point later in life An author’s reaction to a particular interpretation of his/her work – e.g. A critical defense of the work in response to criticism

PROPER PERFORMANCE PREPARATION PREVENTS PATHETICALLY POOR REMEMBER THE 6 Ps: PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS PATHETICALLY POOR PERFORMANCE

GOOD LUCK! I BELIEVE IN YOU. I LOVE YOU. YOU are going to be AMAZING!