ENG 3U1 – Seminar Guidelines
Description of Criteria:
1. You must individually prepare your fair share of the assigned topic.
2. Seminars will be presented towards the end of the unit.
3. Each seminar is to be 25-30 minutes in length. This time frame includes both class
interaction and questions.
4. Use a variety of audio-visual aids.
5. Present a clear introduction and thesis.
6. Use effective capture techniques, clearly connected to your topic, suitable for grade eleven
level study and intelligence.
7. You must integrate quotation support from course texts into your arguments.
8. Provide a thorough analysis that incorporates class discussion and links back to your thesis.
9. If you do research on your topic beyond the primary texts, you must provide a proper
bibliography.
10. You must engage the class in meaningful discussion throughout the seminar.
N.B. Meet with your teacher during lunch or after school approximately two weeks prior to your
presentation date. Being able to provide a clear working thesis and a detailed outline at this
point will greatly help your preparation.
Hints:
1. Use the writing process to break down the topic, gather material, and arrive at a thesis. Yes,
you need to produce rough work.
2. Book necessary equipment, such as a school projector, well in advance.
3. Make sure that your thesis and topic sentences are always "in sight".
4. Decide on an overall strategy for your presentation.
Timelines:
1. Familiarize yourself with your text(s) as soon as possible.
2. You should be ready to present on the first day of presentations for your unit.
3. Two topics will be presented each day
On presentation day:
1. Ensure that needed equipment and materials are in place before class begins.
2. Give your teacher the checklist (on back) before you start presenting.
3. After your presentation, give a folder to your teacher which contains your notes, overheads,
rough notes, etc.
ENG 3U1 – SEMINAR EVALUATION
Name(s):____________________
Categories/Criteria
Topic:________________________
R
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Knowledge/Understanding
/20
• relevant and thoughtful
capture technique
• use of relevant and substantial
quotations
• inclusion of relevant and challenging
questions
Thinking/Inquiry
/30
• thesis is specific, substantial and clearly
stated
• clear topic sentences
• quotations set in context, speaker
identified
• use of primary and secondary sources in
a meaningful manner
• analysis is detailed and supports thesis
Communication
/25
• clear projection and of varied tone of
voice
• use of appropriate and varied vocabulary
• effective eye contact
• energy and enthusiasm
• good pace, lack of hesitation
• effort and ability to lead discussion
Application
/25
Introduction
• transition from capture
• includes preview of arguments
Conclusion
• restate thesis and arguments
• strong final statement
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