Sample Assignments
Sample Listening & Critique Component (15% of Grade)
Students will:
- Evaluate peer presentations using the rubric above.
- Submit written critiques (1-2 pages) addressing:
- Strengths and areas for improvement.
- Substance, bias, and rhetorical effectiveness.
- Apply feedback to their own revisions.
Grading for Critiques:
- A (90-100): Thoughtful, specific, and constructive feedback.
- B (80-89): General but useful observations.
- C (70-79): Superficial or vague comments.
- D/F (Below 70): Incomplete or irrelevant critiques.
Sample Revision & Improvement Process
- First Presentation: Graded with detailed feedback.
- Second Presentation: Must show measurable improvement in at least two areas from feedback.
- Online Courses: Recorded presentations must include a self-critique video (2-3 mins) explaining revisions.
Sample Rubrics
Sample Oral Presentation Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent | Proficient | Developing | Unsatisfactory |
| Clarity & Organization |
- Clear purpose and logical flow. - Smooth transitions between ideas. - Strong introduction/conclusion. |
- Purpose is clear but structure could be tighter. - Some awkward transitions. - Basic intro/conclusion. |
- Unclear or rambling. - Weak/no transitions. - Missing intro/conclusion. |
- No discernible structure. - Confusing or disjointed. |
| Delivery |
- Engaging tone, strong eye contact, and gestures. - Audible, paced, and articulate. - Professional demeanor. |
- Minor issues (e.g., rushed speech, limited eye contact). - Mostly clear but some mumbling/filler words. |
- Monotone or stiff. - Hard to hear/understand. - Nervous habits distract. |
- Unprepared/unprofessional. - Inaudible or incoherent. |
| Content & Evidence |
- Original, well-researched ideas. - Persuasive evidence supports claims. - Balanced, unbiased analysis. |
- Solid content but lacks depth. - Adequate evidence, but could be stronger. - Minor bias detected. |
- Weak or clichéd ideas. - Little/no evidence. - Noticeable bias. |
- No substantive content. - Misleading or false claims. |
| Audience Engagement |
- Adapts to audience (questions, tone adjustments). - Holds attention throughout. |
- Some audience interaction, but could be stronger. - Occasionally loses focus. |
- Minimal engagement. - Audience seems disinterested. |
- No attempt to engage. - Audience visibly disengaged. |
| Q&A & Responsiveness |
- Answers questions confidently and thoroughly. - Revises approach based on feedback. |
- Adequate answers but may lack depth. - Somewhat defensive to feedback. |
- Struggles to answer questions. - Ignores/dismisses feedback. |
- Refuses to respond. - Hostile to feedback. |