Book Talk
You will be giving a 2-3 minute book talk. During the first half, you introduce us to the book and give us the background for the passage you will read aloud. The second half consists of you reading aloud an interesting passage from the book. Choose the book you’ve read this quarter that you like the best. Choose the passage carefully—grab our attention! Practice! Uh’s and likes count against you! (No more than three!) Time yourself to make sure of the length. It would help to write your main points on a note card, but it is not required.
· In the first half: a) Begin with title, author, and genre. b) Briefly tell us about the book. What’s it all about? Why is it good? Try to sell us on the book. C) Set the scene for the part you are going to read. Give the context of the passage.
· In the second half: a) Read a brief selection from the book. B) At least half of your book talk should consist of oral reading.
Copy this link for a great example:
http://youtu.be/C7yySePej0A
Rubric (Test Grade- 40pts)
- (1-6) Introduction-Presentation: How well done? Did reader give title, author, and genre of the book and brief setting of the scene? Did reader capture the audience's attention immediately?
- (1-6) Mechanics: Reading Clarity and Inflection. Is the pacing good? Are words pronounced correctly and easily understood? Are words read slowly enough for the audience's understanding? Is there enough volume?
- (1-6) Stage Presence: Does the reader appear confident? Does the reader establish eye contact with the audience during the intro? Are gestures, if any, natural and appropriate to the reading?
- (1-6) Reading Interpretation: Are characters easily identified? Are characters well-differentiated by your voice? Can you tell when it's a question? Can you tell when description ends and dialogue begins? AVOID THE MONOTONE DRONE!
- (1-6) Quality of Selection: Does it have an effective beginning and ending? Is it entertaining, whether dramatic, suspenseful, or funny? Does it lend itself to interpretation?
- (1-6) Audience Appeal: Is the reader holding the listeners' attention?
- (1-?) Level of Difficulty: Is the book chosen appropriate?
- Three or fewer "uh’s" or inappropriate "likes." (Subtract 1 point for each after three.)
- 2-3 minutes long, with at least half being oral reading. (-1 point for every 15 seconds too long or short)
- Bonus? Up to 4 bonus points for performances above and beyond the call of duty.
You will be responsible for giving one book talk each quarter. A sign-up sheet will go up towards the end of the quarter. Be prepared to give your book talk the last week of the quarter.