Book Talk Assignment
For your Book Talk, you will give one 3 minute presentation on a book you’ve read this quarter. The purpose of
a book talk is to convince the listener to read the book you are recommending. This book talk is essentially a
persuasive speech to convince the listener that they should read a specific book.
Your book must be at least 250 pages and you may not use this book to fulfill reading assignment pages. You
may also not duplicate another student’s book. Sign-ups will be available on the door.
A book talk is very similar to a trailer for a film, which shows you just enough information to convince you that
you should watch the movie.
The book talk will cover some elements of the novel, but you should focus much of your time on the plot,
themes and conflict in the novel. NO SPOILERS!!! (Don’t give away anything juicy.)
Your presentation must include a visual aid, such as an illustration or original book cover, poster, power-point,
or Prezi presentation. If you are super tech-y, you might have an even better idea. Any pictures that you use
from the Internet must be cited properly!
Presentation Outline:
Attention getter:
Find an interesting, exciting, or mysterious excerpt from the book to start off your presentation (at least 3-5
sentences). This excerpt should grab the reader’s attention. Don’t just pick any old excerpt. You might want to
choose an excerpt that shows something about the character/conflict/theme in the story. Also explain why you
chose the excerpt.
Introduction:
Clearly introduce your book by giving the title, author and genre of the book.
Body:
The body of the presentation will cover the setting, and characters of the book without giving away too much of
the story. Tell a little about what kind of action or conflict is involved in the book, and what it is about in
general (Think about the summary on the back cover of a book, but do NOT just read what is written on the
back - you must write this overview yourself). Mention the theme of the novel and give support to explain why
that is the theme. Under no circumstances should you give away the specific ending of the novel. Do not just
list the characters and the setting and don’t give a drawn out summary of the book.
Conclusion:
Without giving away the ending, convince the reader that you loved this book and that this is the book they
want to read next. Make some predictions about what kind of student would enjoy this book (“if you like…,
you’ll love…”).
Tips:
Practice your presentation a few times before you present. Time yourself.
You may use note-cards or an outline.
*DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, READ DIRECTLY FROM THE CARDS, THE
OUTLINE, OR THE PRESENTATION!
Be prepared to turn in your organizer and give your presentation on May 12 th.
Name:
Book Talk Organizer
Attention-Getter (Quote to hook the audience)
Introduction (Title, Author, Genre)
Body (Describe the setting, characters, conflict, and theme without giving too much away!)
Conclusion (Why you loved the book, and why other students should read it—be specific)
Name:
Rubric for Book Talk
Criteria
Introduction
attracts audience
Discusses the plot,
setting, and
characters
Discusses the
theme
Conclusion makes
us want to read
the book (or not
read the book)
Excellent
20 - 16
Exceptionally
creative beginning
with an excellent
quote
Thorough and
interesting
summary of these
elements
Makes an
insightful
argument about
the theme
Very enticing
conclusion –
draws the listener
to read the book
Very enthusiastic
and
knowledgeable
Presentation skills
&
Enthusiasm for
the book
Voice is clear,
words are
pronounced
correctly and
tempo is good
Maintains eyecontact
Visual aid
Above Average
15 - 10
Creative beginning
with a good quote
Inconsistent
summary of these
elements
Correctly discusses
theme but fails to
elaborate on the
importance
Average
10 - 7
Not a very creative
or interesting
beginning with a
quote
Below Average
0-6
Average summary
of the elements
Missing a component
Not a very good
beginning with no
quote
Does not discuss theme
or makes a very
general statement
about the theme
Touches upon
theme without
much depth
Somewhat
interesting
conclusion- listener
might want to read
the book
Concluded but did
not draw the
Very boring conclusion
listener to read the or no conclusion at all
book
Somewhat
enthusiastic and
knowledgeable
Shows average
enthusiasm and
understanding
Voice is mostly clear
and audible,
Sometimes hard to
understand or
hear the student
Mostly maintains
eye-contact
Visual aid is well
Visual aid is
done, colorful, and
colorful, and helpful
very helpful to the
to the presentation
presentation
Not enthusiastic at all
Spoken word is too
soft, mumble, speaking
much too fast or slow.
No eye-contact
Little eye-contact
Visual aid is
completed and
Visual aid is not done
might be helpful to or very poorly done
the presentation
Stays within time limit: Yes / No
Comments:
Score:
/100