***Speaking Midterm Grading Criteria***

Speaking Practice Midterm Examination will test the student’s ability to express their thoughts and ideas in spoken English language. The speaking exam will cover Units 1-2 of Summit 1 & Summit 2 textbook. The midterm will be conducted in groups of (2-4 students) may choose from the two options: group discussion or interview style questions. Students will be graded individually despite the group examination. 

1. In the group discussion, students will be tested on the following grading criteria: rhythm & intonation, the ability to support the answer with relevant examples and facts, fluency, and the ability to ask follow-up questions.  You can choose the topic of your choice or something related to Unit 1-2.  Asking proper follow-up questions while someone is talking is crucial for the success of this examination. Students should NOT take turns talking as this does not mimic a natural speech or discussion.

2. In the interview style questions, students will randomly answer 2-4 questions related to Units 1-2. The answers will also be graded on the following criterion: accuracy of the answer, the ability to support answers with relevant examples and facts, stress, rhythm & intonation, and fluency.  Each student in the group will get to answer different questions.

Students will be graded on the following criteria: 5 points each

·         Rhythm, Intonation & stress—Usage of correct rhythm, stress of words, and intonation to aid in understanding of the speech.

·         Follow-up Questions—Ability to focus on others to ask appropriate follow-up questions.

·         Fluency-- Spoken smoothly and with ease: flowing speech that doesn’t hinder understanding

·         Support/detail/reason-- Answers are supported with sufficient reasons and details to support the answer.

In addition, small talk at the beginning of the session will measure your ability to have a naturally flowing conversation with the instructor.  During this time, feel free to share about how you’re doing and to ask questions. This will be worth 2 points. Total midterm exam score will be 22 points.

Your speaking midterm is worth 15% of your final grade so please come prepared. I can tell when zero preparation has been done for the examination.

Lastly, come at least 10 minutes before your group’s scheduled time. If I’m running late, please be patient and wait for the prior group to finish and then just come into the classroom once you see the previous group leaving. This would help to save time by eliminating the need for me to get the next groups outside. PLEASE BE QUIET OUT IN THE HALL WAY WHILE YOU’RE WAITING!  It’s difficult to hear students speaking when it’s noisy out in the hallway. In addition, I do not want other professors yelling at you all so please use your best judgment and speak quietly.

Good luck!

If you're interested in viewing the rubric, here's the link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4nqu3tx0jphqml/SP-Mid-C3C4D1-June.docx?dl=0