Name : __________________________
Date : _________________________________
Novel – Speaking & Listening – One Minute Speak offs
QUESTIONS
* Would you and the main character be best friends in real life? Discuss why or why not.
* Discuss the main conflict/problem in your book.
* Describe the setting (time, place) of the book.
* Who is the character you like the least and discuss why.
* What you would change about your book if you were the author?
* Talk about something the main character did that you were proud of or that you liked.
* How do you think the main character should deal with their problem/conflict?
* Talk about some parts of the book that you could relate to.
* Try to convince your peers why they should read your book.
* What made you want to read the book? Are you happy with your choice? Why or why not?
* What qualities do you like the most about the characters in your book?
* If you had to add a new character to the book, who would it be and what would be their role
in the story?
* Your book is being made into a movie. Discuss which TV/film/music stars would play the
characters in the book and discuss why would be good choices.
* Describe the dumbest or smartest thing your characters have done so far in the story.
* Have you ever experienced anything similar to the action of this novel?
*What did you enjoy about this book?
* What about the plot? Did it pull you in; or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the
book? Explain.
* Did the actions of the characters seem plausible? Why? Why not?
* Did any of the characters remind you of yourself or someone you know? How?
Name : __________________________
Date : _________________________________
* What motivated your main character to act and react the way they did in the story?
* What were the dynamics of "power" between the characters? How did that play a factor in
their interactions?
* How does the way the characters see themselves, differ from how others see them? How do
you see the various characters?
* Did your opinion of the book change as you read it? How?
* What scene was the most pivotal for the book? How do you think the story would have
changed had that scene not taken place?
* Were there any notable racial, cultural, traditions, gender, sexuality or socioeconomic factors
at play in the book? If so, what? How did it effect the characters? Do you think they were
realistically portrayed?
* How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger
such changes?
* What is this book's message? What ideas do you think the author was trying to get across to
the reader?
Grade 9 ELA Minute Speak Offs
Name: __________________
10/9
Exceeding/
Meeting all
expectations
8
Meeting most
expectations
7/6
Meeting Some
Expectations
5
Just meeting
expectations
4>
Not meeting
expectations
1) Content and Information:
- Student responded thoughtfully and
answered question in detail.
- Student responded in a manner in which the
audience understood the connection between
the answer and the story.
1) Verbal Communication:
- Exceptional tone and clarity for entire
duration of Speak Off. Good flow, easy to
follow
- Projection was clear and expressions were
intentional aiding in the audience’s
understanding of intended message
OUTCOMES
1.3 – thoughtfully answer questions asked by others in order to clarify or give more information
2.2 – Use appropriate vocabulary, sentence structure, speed of talking and tone for different audiences and
purposes