1. The I.O.C.
Quit Panicking

2. To Begin Preparation: (20 minutes)
You pull a poem from an envelope. The poems are selections from the Plath packet studied in Part 2.
You have 20 minutes to annotate and outline what you will discuss.
During this time, Mr. King will observe you.

3. What do we do with the poem?
Situate the extract as precisely as possible in the context of the poem from which it has been taken or if given a whole poem, the context of the body of work as a whole.
Comment on the effectiveness of the writer’s techniques, including the use of stylistic devices and the effects on readers.
Identify and analyze closely all significant aspects of the extract

4. What to do with the poem (cont.)
The commentary should focus on the poem or extract, relating to the whole poem and/or the body of work.
DO NOT TRY TO PROVE THAT YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT THE POEM.
DO NOT DELIVER A SERIES OF UNCONNECTED POINTS
DO NOT PARAPHRASE THE POEM LINE-BY-LINE

5. HOW LONG??? YOU SHOULD AIM TO TALK UP TO, BUT NOT BEYOND, 8 MINUTES.
YOU MAY USE THE QUESTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POEM (THE GUIDING QUESTIONS) OR YOU MAY IGNORE THE QUESTIONS
If you are flailing, I can prompt you.

6. After the 8 minutes
Two minutes are spent in discussion of the work. This is an opportunity for me to have you improve or expand your analysis of the writer’s technique.

7. What else do I have to do?
After the first ten minutes, I will prompt the commencement of the discussion about the poem.
You will then pull one of the other works studied in Part 2.
I will ask you a question about the work or group of works.

8. What else??
With you beginning the talk, we will discuss an answer to the given question(s).
The discussion is NOT limited to the guided question I ask.
You just need to demonstrate an independent understanding of the work.

9. How long??
This discussion should last approximately 10 minutes. Remember that it is more of a conversation than a commentary. I will guide you.

10. Rubric Criterion A Knowledge and understanding of the poem 5 marks
Criterion B Appreciation of the writer’s choices marks
Criterion C Organization and presentation of the commentary marks
Criterion D Knowledge & understanding of the work
used in the discussion marks
Criterion E Response to the discussion questions marks
Criterion F Language marks
Total 30 marks