Fall Thematic PRESENTATIONS: 10% of Fall Semester Exam Grade

(and 25% of IB English Score)

The plan:

  • Choose your work: The Things They Carried, Frankenstein/Poisonwood Bible,or In Cold Blood/Into the Wild.
  • Sign up for a presentation date. If you choose The Things They Carried, you will present during the 1st six-weeks. If you choose Frankenstein/Poisonwood Bible, you will present during the 2nd six-weeks. If you choose In Cold Blood/Into the Wild, you will present during the 3rd six-weeks. If you present during the 2nd or 3rd six-weeks, remember that some of your classmates read a different book and plan accordingly.
  • Review the rubric.
  • The presentations will be ongoing throughout the semester.

PREPARING FOR THE PRESENTATION:

  • Read “Playing Twenty Questions with Literature.”
  • Choose an approach from the article. This will be the lens you use to study your work.
  • Develop a thematic statement that demonstrates your understanding of the text.
  • Write a statement of intent for your presentation. The statement of intent must include:
  • A description of your approach (see “Playing Twenty Questions with Literature”)
  • A plan for how you will use your time during the presentation
  • An explanation of how your presentation method will become a vehicle for your insight into the work
  • A suggestion regarding your intended outcomes- What do you hope your class will learn from your presentation?
  • Submit your statement to turnitin.com BY 9 pm THE FRIDAY BEFORE YOUR PRESENTATION.
  • Suggestions:

Introduce and analyze a chapter. Aim to teach the class something new. / Present an analysis of a passage. Aim to teach the class something new. / Write a chapter or poem in the style of the author. Explain the process. / Write a piece of original writing in response to the text. Explain the process. / Become a character in from the book. Write a dramatic monologue. Perform it. Costumes and props would be useful.
Create a painting or a collage of images or symbols from the book. Describe the art and explain your choices. (Medium can vary). / Present a verbal collage or striking sentences or images from a work. Perhaps your own sentences. Explain your choices. / Prepare and present a series of visual responses to a text. Explain your choices. / Lead a class discussion about a topic related to your book. Aim to teach the class something new. / Add a chapter, prologue or epilogue to a text. Explain the process and critique your writing.
Write music and or lyrics to reflect a text. Perform the piece and explain the process. / Compare and contrast passages from two works. Aim to teach the class something new. / Come up with your own original idea. Share with your teacher. / Come up with your own original idea. Share with your teacher. / Come up with your own original idea. Share with your teacher.

If you are stuck, please make sure to plan a conference with your teacher a week or two before the presentation. Poor planning or procrastination on your part will not result in a changed presentation date.

  • The day of the presentation:

Be sure to have any props, costumes, handouts, annotations, or artwork with you. You may drop off anything in your teacher’s classroom in the morning.

Aim to present for 15 minutes. Your presentation must be at least 10 minutes to receive full credit.

Your teacher and classmates will ask you questions. Be prepared to answer them.

Know that you must review your classmates’ presentations throughout the semester.

Commonly asked questions and answers:

  1. Why do we have to do this? The aim of this presentation is to share your understanding and knowledge of the work(s). We are also encouraging you to develop your speaking and listening skills.
  2. What book should I choose? Choose the one that interests you the most. Choose the one that highlights your reading skills.
  3. What presentation method should I choose? We want you to create a presentation that is interesting to you. Be creative.
  4. Can I work with a partner? You may elicit the help or participation of others in your class, but this is an individual grade. For example, if you are acting as a character and need a scene partner, you may have one, but he or she will only receive participation credit.
  5. What should I do when my classmates are presenting? You should be listening and engaged in the activity. Be supportive and kind.
  6. How will this be graded? See the rubric. IB, this is an internal assessment that is worth 25% of your IB English score. AP and AP/IB, this will count as 10% of your Fall Midterm grade.
  7. What if I’m in IB English? If you are in IB, you must complete the thematic presentation, not a non-fiction presentation. This counts as part of your IB score.