Midterm Oral Presentation

WRT421A
Mid-term Assessment

6 Trait Breakdown

For your midterm assessment, you will completing an oral presentation. This will be based on the independent novels you have been reading this term, and will occur during the scheduled exam period. There will be only one day for presentations; therefore, attendance is mandatory. Failing to attend without justification will result in an automatic zero.

Requirements:

- All novels must be approved by your teacher.

- Presentations must be 4-5 minutes.

There are two components to your 6 Trait Breakdown.

Component 1 - Should be 1 minute. In this section, you will give a brief plot summary of the novel. This section might include information on such things as type of conflict, theme, setting, and characters (identify protagonist and antagonist, are they static or dynamic?).

Component 2 - Should be 4 minutes. In this section, the focus should be on analyzing and discussing how the author employs the 6 Traits of Writing in the novel. You are to select a paragraph or two from your novel, and put it on an overhead. The paragraph(s) must be carefully selected in order to illustrate how well the author uses the 6 Traits.

Your task: Deconstruct a paragraph in a way that clearly demonstrates each trait. Your presentation should show evidence of thorough analysis and preparation. You will lead the class through your analysis of the paragraph(s) in a clear, structured, and audience appropriate manner. It is expected that you will use your overhead as a visual aid.

Items to be addressed: - Voice (Author's style and individuality)
- Organization (Chronology and Structure)
- Word choice (Diction/Imagery)
- Ideas (Familiarity of author with subject)
- Sentence fluency (Clarity and meaning)
- Conventions (Readability)

The 6 Traits of Writing
Ideas A writer should:
*Narrow the topic to something specific
*Use a fresh, original perspective
*When possible, write from experience
*Use important, interesting details
Organization -- A writer should:
* Use an inviting lead that hooks the reader
* Use logical and effective order, structure, & sequence
* Use smooth transitions to emphasize main idea
* Place supporting details where they are most appropriate
* Use a conclusion that gives the reader a sense of resolution (clincher)
Word Choice A writer should:
*Use words that create a mental picture for the reader
* Use powerful action verbs (vivid verbs)
* Use specific nouns and adjectives
* Use language that is natural and not overdone
* Be concise (tighten sentences)
* Avoid repetition, slang, and clichés
Sentence Fluency A writer should:
*Vary sentence beginning, structure, and length
* Use complete sentences
* Use transitions (internal & external) to promote cadence
Voice A writer should:
*Write honestly and from the heart
* Interact with the reader
*Use language that brings the topic to life
* Care about topic
* Use expression to voice personality
Conventions A writer should:
*Turn in a clean, edited, and polished final draft
* Reinforce the organization with good paragraphing

*Use correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar