Formal Oral (Moderated, 15% of grade, see blue Oral Rubric)
Three parts:
1. Cultural presentation (3-4 minutes)
2. Response to my questions about presentation (3-4 min)
3. General discussion
Part 1: Cultural Presentation
The purpose of this activity is for candidates to show they can speak freely and coherently about
something that they know about.
Presentations might include
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a brief description of the chosen material
a rationale for the choice of the material
an analysis of the chosen material
Before the day of the oral, students prepare a 3-4 minute presentation on a cultural topic. Every
student must have a different topic, and must have their topic approved by me beforehand.
Students should choose support material (cultural article from book/song/photograph/tv program) that
will enable them to reflect on the culture studied in the course. Article/material must be in Spanish and
bring a copy for me!
You may take a note card with 10 short points into the interview. DO NOT MEMORIZE WHAT YOU WILL
SAY/JUST READ FROM YOUR NOTECARD.
Part 2: Follow up Questions
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probe more deeply into your understanding of the culture reflected in the material
give your opinions
I will challenge your views in order to generate an authentic discussion (it doesn’t mean I don’t
like you or you are wrong)
expect why/how questions, and the longer your answer, the better
Part 3: General Discussion
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I will discuss subjects other than your presentation with you
topics: your own interests (fav book/film/stuff from you survey)
issues affecting young people in general (relationships/education/employment-stuff we talk
about in class)
social issues (crime, drugs, health, smoking-stuff from debates)
global issues (eg, current affairs, conservation, energy, war, terrorism)
argue with me/defend your opinions!
List of excellent topics-current textbook:
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35.
36.
La corrida de toros/el encierro: pgs 19 +25
Diferencias entre la comida hispana y la nuestra pg 5, 56
Museo Fernandez Blanco pg 8
los bares de España / las tapas/ la vida social; te invito pg 37 +55-56
Remedios caseros latinoamericanos pg 41
los hechizos-pg 65
Puerto Escondido-pg 69
el triángulo de las bermudas-pg 73
el rodeo pg 90
centro comercial larcomar pg 95; 131 green book
el gaucho argentino-108-109
la quincenera pg 141
el uniforme escolar 161
Popo e Ixta-leyenda de amor 172-173
Last year’s textbook
el dia de los muertos pg 22; 45-46
el lago titicaca-51
la isla de pascua- pg 59
el dia del estudiante- pg 69
boticas/farmacias- pg 101
las onas de tierra del fuego-pg 122
la noche vieja-141
la llorona- pg 142
la leyenda del volcan irazu pg 147
el carnaval de Oruro pg 151
yoro, donde llueven peces pg 155
la telenovela pg 159
la invitacion boliviana pg 166
la pollera panamena pg 175
al compas del candombe- pg 179
Other-if you have a diff. idea, check w/me 1st
una apreciacion de una pelicula-Motorcycle Diaries; El laberinto del fauno; El norte; Eva Perón;
Frida; Como agua para chocolate; Maria Full of Grace; Abre los ojos; Real Women Have Curves;
El mar adentro; Sin dejar huella; Volver; El ché; tv series-Los epitafios
la influencia de la religión en los países latinos
la inmigración a los EEUU de México
la diferencia entre las escuelas mexicanas y las estadounidenses
una comparación entre las familias españolas y norteamericanas
los desparecidos
36. la virgen de guadalupe
análisis de un aspecto cultural en una canción 37. el machismo
38. los chupacabras