Your practice oral commentary will occur on ______________________________ starting

You are expected to know key passages and poems from the following works we’ve studied: The Taming of the Shrew, Virginia Woolf’s essays, poetry from Sylvia Plath and Dionne Brand, and The Handmaid’s Tale. Click here to see a more specific list. You will not know ahead of time which passage/poem you will be doing your commentary on.

Requirements of the Commentary

1. You will not be allowed to use anything you bring with you including your books/texts. Pens, pencils, paper, the passage/poem, and other items you will need will be supplied.

2. You will have 20 minutes to prepare your commentary.

3. You will have 15 minutes (no more than, and definitely no less than 10) to give your oral commentary. Ms. Spachman will ask you questions at the end of your commentary.

4. You will be given two guiding questions with your passage/poem to help you form your commentary.

5. You should not try to write a paper during your 20 preparation minutes. You will, however, want to generate a judgment statement, note the function(s) of the passage/poem (if applicable), and develop an outline.

6. You may write on the paper provided using the pens/pencils supplied.

7. You will be expected to fully analyze the passage you receive by paying particular attention to themes, techniques, important aspects, and the context of the passage.