Universidad del Valle Escuela de Ciencias del Lenguaje

Departamento de Lenguas Extranjeras Inglés con fines Académicos y Generales I

Guidelines for the task 2: “Great masterminds of all times”

The task aims to put in practice what you have learned in Unit 2. The oral presentation is going to help you to
develop your communicative skills in English. You should assume this project as part of your language learning
process; therefore, your commitment and responsibility are needed to succeed in this task.
Procedure

1. The task should be done in pairs. You will have 10 minutes for the presentation (5 minutes each
student).

2. Content of your presentation

Select one scholar/scientist that has made major contributions to your academic field*.
Consider several names at first; you might want to talk to professors in your discipline if necessary. Make
a selection of the scholar and make sure there is information about his/her life and achievements in
English.
*Remember NOT to choose a celebrity, like Shakira, Messi, Brad Pitt, etc.

Get to know the selected person thoroughly: Search for information about the chosen person’s life and
work in English. You must read at least three sources (1 article taken from internet or magazines and 1
video). Focus on his/her biography facts and on his/her scientific achievements and contributions to the
discipline.

2.1. Make a plan to develop your presentation. Greeting (Hello everyone, Nice to see you again, etc.);
Topic (I’m going to talk about..., My subject today is...); Plan (My presentation is in three sections.
Firstly, ...); Aim (To give a clear idea of ...). Then, write a composition based on the outline. 4 paragraphs
(introduction: support your choice; body: personal and academic life: information about date and place or
birth, family, studies, work; and achievements and contributions, closure: for example, personal remarks
about the scholar). Remember to use connecting words to show chronology, sequence and addition.

2.2. When you prepare your presentation, remember you need to include most of the grammar and
vocabulary topics covered in the class (Simple Present, Simple Past, use of articles, discourse markers:
also, besides, however, since, from...to)

2.3. Visuals aids and/or other aids are needed. You can use videos, slides, cardboard, flashcards or any
visual aid that helps you show your presentation successfully. Do not include paragraphs in your
presentation. Include images, pictures, maps, key words and phrases, graphics, etc.

2.4. Make an outline of your presentation and a glossary and turn in both to your teacher before your
presentation.

2.5. You might schedule virtual appointments with your teacher or Red CAAL monitors to check
some concerns about your presentation.
3. Practice in front of a mirror, measure time and observe your body language. Practice with someone
else, record what you are going to say and listen to the recording.

4. Present. Be ready on the day of your presentation. Remember, it is an oral presentation, not a reading
presentation, avoid reading.

Timetable
What When
Final Presentation assignment From 6th to 7th September
Tutoring From 9th to 30th September
Presentations From 4th to 8th October

Evaluation criteria to be considered:

 Content: Content relevant to the task. See point 2 above.

 Fluency: Natural use of the language, avoiding mumbling. Use of short, complete sentences connected by linking
words such as: and, but, but also, besides, however, since, from...to, etc.
 Accuracy: Correct use of grammar and vocabulary.
 Pronunciation: Comprehensibility based on how words are pronounced. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7hi-
ipU2n0 (for the final –ed sound of regular past tenses), (www.howjsay.com, http://es.forvo.com/)
 Visual aids. Use of slides and other aids.
Evaluation rubric
Task: “Great masterminds of all times” Date: _______________________
Student: _______________________________ Grade: _______________________

Criteria 4 3 2 1
Task completion Understands, follows Understands, follows Understands, follows The product does not
and fully fulfills the task and fulfills most of the and fulfills part of the show clear
(100%). task (99-90%). task (89%-75%). understanding of the
task.
Vocabulary Uses sufficient His/her vocabulary His/her vocabulary Lacks sufficient
vocabulary to fully fulfill allows him to complete allows him to complete vocabulary to complete
the task most of the task. the task partly. the task.
Accuracy Is always clear and uses Is usually clear and uses Is sometimes clear and Is not clear enough and
the correct form of the correct form of occasionally uses the does not use Simple Past
Simple Past tense all the Simple Past tense most correct form of Simple tense or uses it
time. of the time. Past tense. incorrectly.

Pronunciation Pronunciation is always Pronunciation is clear Pronunciation is clear Key words are
clear enough to be enough to be understood but sometimes mispronounced and
understood. most of the time. mispronounced words block communication
block communication most of the time.
Coherence Uses linking words such Uses linking words such Uses linking words such Does not use linking
as also, besides, as also, besides, as also, besides, words.
however, since, however, since, however, since,
from...to, etc. to connect from...to, etc. to connect from...to, etc. to connect
short sentences short sentences in most short sentences in some
whenever it is occasions when it is occasions.
appropriate. appropriate.
Visual aids Student uses several Student uses 1 prop that Student uses 1 prop The student uses no
props that show shows considerable which makes the props OR the props
considerable work/creativity, and presentation better. chosen to detract from
work/creativity, and which make the the presentation.
which make the presentation better.
presentation better.

General comments: ______________________________________________________________________________

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