Title: the Book I Am Reading Is Called

Book Talks

We will be having book talks frequently throughout the school year. They will be based on your independent reading. You will be expected to read five times a week during oral and visual communication. You will also be expected to read on your own time. Once a term you will be expected to give a book talk on a book you have read that term. We will decide together on the due dates. Mark it on your calendar. Be sure to practice before you present as you will be marked on this talk. Clarity of voice, audience awareness, selection of details, choice of words, posture, gestures and general preparedness will be considered.

Your book talk should last approximately five minutes and should consist of three separate parts. In the first part, you will tell us information about your book as well as give your opinion. In the second part you will read a passage you have selected for us, or you can select a character from your novel and re-enact a scene. Part three will give your friends a chance to comment or ask questions on your presentation. Each of the three parts is important.

Part 1

You must include the following: I have given you an example of how you may begin, but you do not necessarily have to begin this way.

Title:“ The book I am reading is called...”

Author: “ It is written by...”

Setting: “The setting takes place in...” (Also include time and other details.)

Characters: “The main characters are...” give a few character traits about each main character.

Synopsis:“The story is about...” 5 or 6 sentences

Critique:“I found the book funny/scary/disturbing/intriguing/because...”

Your opinion about the book- include theme or message the author is attempting to convey.

Part 2

Now you read a passage from the book. Be sure to select a page that has meaning for you and will be of interest to your friends. Remember to read witha clear voice, know all of the words and use expression. You will be marked on the quality of your reading as well as your choice of passage.

“Here is a passage from the book that will show you ....”

You may also select a character and role play a scene from the book.

Part 3

This is where your friends have a chance to ask you about your book or to comment on your presentation. Be sure to listen carefully to their questions or comments and respond appropriately.

“Are there any questions or comments?”

1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Identify main ideas / Has difficulty explaining the basic plot / Explanation of plot is brief and incomplete / Generally explains the main events / Explains plot thoroughly and effectively
Make judgments and draw conclusions / No theme is provided / Theme is given but not explained / Theme is explained with general accuracy / Theme is well identified and explained
Presentation and fluency when reading aloud / Reads unclearly with many pauses/errors / Reads with some clarity and precision / Reads clearly and precisely / Reads clearly, precisely and confidently
Effectiveness of presentation / No eye contact with audience, difficult to hear/understand / Some eye contact, most information can be heard / Presentation is generally effective/easily understood / Presented clearly, effectively and naturally
Effectiveness in answering questions / Doesn’t answer question(s) presented / Answers questions with very little detail or reasons why / Answers questions with detail and explains why / Answers questions with lots of detail and backs up ideas with proof from the novel

Oral Presentation Rubric – Book Talks

Oral Presentation Rubric – Book Talk