Viva discussion

Assignment brief - viva discussion

This is your first assessed speaking practice, and will be a discussion with one of your classmates based on the work you've done for your academic profile assignment. It is designed to practise the following skills:

Carrying out research and wider reading
Summarising what you've read in your own words
Listening to and interacting with one of your peers in a spontaneous discussion
Incorporating a range of natural words and structures into your spoken English

Introduction

This discussion will be based on the Academic Profile assignment. You will be working with another student, and you'll each take turns introducing the person you've chosen to research, and explain why you think they've made an important contribution to your field of study. You'll then ask each other some questions about the research you've carried out, and then finally the teacher will ask some questions. The whole assessment will last 10-12 minutes.

How will I be assessed?

In order to produce a strong piece of work, you will need to incorporate the language and study skills that we are covering in class. Specifically:

Task Achievement

Is what you're saying relevant?
How does it contribute to answering the question?

Interaction and fluency

Are you able to listen to your partner and respond appropriately?
Is your speech spontaneous and fluent?

Language range and accuracy

Have you tried to use new language and phrases that you’ve encountered while reading?
Are you able to accurately use any phrasal verbs, colloquialisms or collocations?
Is your grammar accurate?

Use of sources

Have you read at least three different texts, accurately presented the key ideas using your own words?

Assessment criteria for discussion

Assignment information

Dates of assessment: Week commencing 16th December 2019 (September start) and 30th March (January start).
Further details: Your teacher will inform you of the exact time and venue for the discussion. The assessment is based on your ability to engage in an interactive discussion, so you do not need to rehearse for the assessment beforehand. The only preparation you need is the a familiarity with the background reading you have done for the written assignment.

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