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Lesson Plan
EN 120
End-of-Semester Presentations

Student range: University freshmen (EN 120: Composition for Non-Native Speakers)

Purpose/Objectives:
Students will:
A. Choose from three previously-written essays to present to the class.
B. Make an engaging PowerPoint presentation, containing both visual and audio
components, to use as an aid.
C. Spend 7-9 minutes presenting their report to the class.
D. Use critical thinking to ask questions after classmates presentations.

Description: Before their presentation date, students will work individually to create a
PowerPoint presentation based on one of their essays from the semester. The students will
then spend 7-9 minutes presenting their essay in front of the class, using the PowerPoint
as audio and visual aid.

Activity preparation:
A. Students have already written 4 essays throughout the semester, each a different
type.
B. Students have chosen which essay theyd like to present, and brought a copy of
this paper to class for the activity.
C. Students are aware of grading rubric for presentations, having received it during a
previous class session.
D. All students have a basic understanding of PowerPoint presentations.
E. Students have been told that the PowerPoint must meet the following criteria:
1. Has title page
2. Has at least 3 examples of photographs or similar visual element
3. Has some type of audio element (YouTube video, song, etc.)
4. Has 6-10 slides
F. Students have used Microsoft PowerPoint to create a presentation based on the
essay that they have chosen.

Activity procedure: The following steps will make up this classs session, along with
two additional class sessions:
A. Students will present for 7-9 minutes, a limit which will be enforced by the
teacher.

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B. After finishing their presentations, students will receive and respond to questions
from their classmates.
C. Remaining students who were unable to present during this class period will be
able to present for two additional class periods.

Tools and resources:

1. Computer with Internet connection
2. Microsoft PowerPoint
3. Projector
4. Speakers

Comments: This activity is helpful, in that it prepares students to express their ideas in a
verbal format using the aid of technology. It strengthens their public speaking and communication skills, while also challenging their English language abilities.

Assessment: Rubric (below), to be used during student presentations.

Development

Student does not

understand information.

Student has minimal understanding of information.

Student has a
good understanding of information.

Student completely understands the information.

Organization

Information is so
poorly sequenced
that audience cannot follow.

Audience has
difficulty following the argument
presented

Student presents
information in a
logical sequence
that audience can
follow.

Student presents
information in a
logical, interesting sequence that
the audience can
easily follow

Mechanics

There are many

grammar and spelling errors that hinder understanding.

There are several

grammar and
spelling errors
that hinder understanding.

There are very

few grammar
and spelling errors that hinder
understanding.

There are no
grammar or spelling errors that
hinder understanding.

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Elocution

Student mumbles,
incorrectly pronounces terms, and
speaks too quietly
for students in the
back of class to
hear.

Student's voice is
low. Student incorrectly pronounces terms.
Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation.

Student's voice is
clear. Student
pronounces most
words correctly.
Most audience
members can
hear presentation.

Student uses a
clear voice and
correct, precise
pronunciation of
terms so that all
audience members can hear
presentation.

Audience
Participation

Student falls asleep,

is absent, or completely unattentative during presentations by others

Student is mostly
unattentative
while others give
their presentation

Students pays
attention for
most of the presentations by
others

Student gives
classmates full
attention during
their presentations.

Total Points:
Grade:

/20