IOP+Specs

Individual Oral Presentation (15% of A1 Assessment)
 The Individual Oral Presentation is based on a work or works studied in Part 4 of the syllabus. Each candidate chooses a topic for this exercise in consultation with the teacher.

Choice of Topic
 Candidates may choose topics which reflect their personal interests. Topics may be based on any aspect(s) of the work(s) studied, including:
 * cultural setting of the work(s) and related issues
 * thematic focus
 * characterization
 * techniques and style
 * author’s attitude to particular elements of the works such as character(s), subject matter
 * interpretation of particular elements from different perspectives.

Activities (Individual Oral Presentation)
 The following lists contain examples of the wide range of activities which are acceptable for the Individual Oral Presentation. These lists of examples are neither exhaustive nor prescriptive. They are only suggestions and may be added to by teachers, or by candidates with the approval of teachers. Candidates should select the activity most appropriate to the topic chosen.

 Structured Discussions  Oral Exposés  Role Play  Candidates who choose role play should provide a rationale for what they have done.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Class discussions where a candidate has been given special responsibilities (advance preparation, particular topics, a short report, a provocative position). The whole class may participate, but only the presenter will be assessed.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The presentation of material lending itself to discussion within the class, such as the offering of two opposing readings of a work (the presenter will take questions from the class).
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Interview of a candidate by the teacher on an agreed topic or work(s).
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">An introduction to a writer, a work or a particular text.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">An explanation of a particular aspect of an author’s work.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The examination of a particular interpretation of a work.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The setting of a particular writer’s work against another body of material, such as details on social background or political views.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">A commentary on the use of a particular image, idea or symbol in one text or in a writer’s work.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">An imitation of a poem being studied. This activity should be followed by some explanation of, and discussion on, what the candidate had attempted to do.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">A comparison of two passages, two characters or two works.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">A commentary on an extract from a work studied in class which has been prepared at home.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">An account of the candidate’s developing response to a work.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">A monologue by a character at an important point in the work.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Reminiscences by a character from a point in later life.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">An author’s reaction to a particular interpretation of elements of his/her work in a given context. For example, a critical defence of the work against a charge of subversion, or immorality, before a censorship board.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Focus of Individual Oral Presentation
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> The focus of each oral presentation will depend on the nature and scope of the topic chosen. The sophistication of literary criticism expected is indicated in the descriptors for the Internal Assessment criteria and is expected to be greater at Higher Level than at Standard Level. Whatever the topic and type of presentation chosen, candidates will be expected to show:
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">knowledge and understanding of the works
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">thorough appreciation of the aspect discussed
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">knowledge and use of the linguistic register appropriate for the type of presentation, where register refers to the candidate’s sensitivity to elements such as the vocabulary, tone, sentence structure and idiom appropriate to the task.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">At Higher Level, where appropriate, a consideration of the effects of the means by which the author(s) have explored the aspect discussed.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Structure of Individual Oral Presentation
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> The structure of each oral presentation depends largely on the type of activity selected for the topic. Some activities, such as the structured discussion and the oral expose, may be well suited to formal discussions which follow a logical sequence, while others, like the role play, may not. It is the responsibility of the candidate to select the type of presentation which most effectively enables the objectives of the topic to be realized. Whatever the activity chosen, all presentations must have a coherent structure.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Preparation of Individual Oral Presentation
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> It is expected that candidates will prepare for their Individual Oral Presentation outside class hours. When candidates have chosen the topic for their presentation it will be their responsibility to:
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">select appropriate material for the presentation
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">organize the material into a coherent structure
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">choose and rehearse the linguistic register appropriate for the presentation.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Presentation and Subsequent Discussion (HL & SL 10-15 minutes)
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> Teachers must allow candidates to do their presentation without any interruption or assistance.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> When the presentation is completed teachers should engage in a discussion with candidates in order to probe further into their knowledge and understanding of the work(s) or topic. Teachers must be satisfied that candidates have justified their selection of: <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> The whole class may participate in the subsequent discussion.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">the material used in the presentation
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">the activity chosen to convey the topic
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">linguistic register for the presentation.

//Information taken directly from IB A1 Subject Guide, 2001//