ENGL 330 Research Project Oral Reports updated 4/5/11
Purpose: To present orally the research project. To show a clear understanding of the primary
and secondary sources by articulating that understanding in speech. To demonstrate the ability
to develop a specific, focused thesis and support it effectively. Oral communication is an
effective gauge for assessing understanding of concepts, as well as an effective means of
developing strong communication skills. In short, if you can clearly articulate your work, you
show that you clearly understand it.
Requirements: A summary of the thesis and support and answering questions about the project.
Time: 5-6 minutes. One possible approach to this summary is by talking about the whole
process of invention, researching, drafting, and revision – what you discovered as you were
working through the project. We will brainstorm other approaches and possible media in class.
Assessment: This counts as your final exam. This will be assessed primarily with the following
categories:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Clearly articulated thesis statement (this is not the same thing as your research topic).
Clearly, accurately, and thoroughly explained support (primary and secondary) – you can
quote, summarize, and/or paraphrase.
Thorough, thoughtful answers to questions posed by instructor and peers to indicate an
understanding of the material and the assignment.
Delivery (voice, eye contact, poise, organization, timing, use of available technology
and/or audio/visuals)
Schedule: We will schedule 5 students to present on the last day of class. The remainder will
present during the exam period. We will have a sign-up sheet. If you present on the last day of
class, you still must attend the exam period and vice versa. I am required to take attendance on
exam day.
Questions from instructor and peers: these will be questions asked for clarification or for
curiosity. There may be connections to make among works and/or presentations that will benefit
the class as a whole.
Technology or AV use: this is a requirement and speaks to your “delivery” skills in our current
educational, social, and economic environment. Creating an effective and relevant means of
delivering information and/or an argument involves (especially in contemporary society) not
only spoken words, but also still and moving visuals and sound. This does not always mean
falling back on the PowerPoint presentation: use your imagination and your technological knowhow. This also should help you organize and present in a clear and coherent way. Because of
time constraints, please be prepared to jump into presentations quickly (have things as ready-togo as possible). Please test out all technology in advance.
As in any assignment, there should be absolutely no plagiarized material in the
presentation delivered orally or in writing. All use of sources must comply with MLA
standards for the correct use of borrowed information. Grammar and mechanics should
also be correct. Any plagiarism, intentional or accidental, will result in failure of the
assignment and submission to Winthrop’s academic integrity code procedures. Failure to
complete this assignment will result in failure of the course.