Real World Reading

1. Real World Reading Sample Presentation & Style Elements

2. Elements of Style • When designing a PowerPoint presentation, it’s important that you: • Use contrasting colors (light background with dark font OR dark background with light font). • Consider that colors often look different (darker or brighter) on a personal computer screen than they do on a projector screen. • Use a large font (28 pt. or more). • Limit the number of bullets per slide (try not to have more than 7 or 8). • Make each bullet “bite sized.”

3. “Bite sized”? • For your bullets, include just the basics—the most important info. • Save the details and examples for the talking part of your presentation. • No one wants to hear you simply read your slides as you present. (Really.) The audience can do that! • Your job is to introduce the point with the bullet (on the screen) and then elaborate as you talk.

4. Elements of Style • A good rule of thumb: Simpler is better. • Don’t clutter up the slides with too many graphics, bullet points, or other items. • If the slides are too “busy,” the audience will lose interest.

5. Real World Reading Presentation • Check the blog for your class’s presentation specifications (info sheet) and schedule. • Thoroughly read the RWR info sheet. • This sheet gives all details needed regarding the presentation requirements. • You may use this PowerPoint slideshow as a template for your own presentation. • Just save the presentation and edit/add slides as needed.

6. Your 20-25 minute group presentation should include: • Summary of the reading (no more than 1/3 of the presentation time. • Vocabulary: 5-7 new words you found in the reading • Evaluation and analysis: What’s the “big picture” related to the text? • Critical thinking questions: NOT yes/no questions; at least 3 are required

7. Summary • This should be brief; use no more than 1/3 of the overall presentation time. • Only include the major points/“big ideas” presented in the reading. • Don’t use too many details, yet give enough detail to prove that you are very familiar with the text.

8. Vocabulary • 5-7 words from the text required • Correct pronunciation is critical! • You must show the words with their definition + their context within the text. • Context: Where you found the word in the reading. • Do NOT show an example/context from another source. • Example: • (word/definition) attestations: testimony, evidence • (context from the reading) “They sent along academic transcripts and SAT scores, along with attestations of athletic or artistic success.”

9. Evaluation & Analysis • This is the time to “think outside the box”! • What do you interpret to be the social, cultural, educational, and/or political significance of the article? • How can you use this article to explain other phenomena or trends in American society or at the world at large? • In short, why is this article important? Why should we, as readers and students, care about its message? • You may include your opinion (individual or group) in this section.)

10. Critical Thinking Questions • Craft as least 3 critical thinking questions (based on the text) for class discussion. • Generally speaking, a good critical thinking question involves asking “how,” “what,” or “why.” • Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” or other one-word answers. • It’s your turn to “play teacher.” Call on your classmates for an answer if the group isn’t talkative.

11. Critical Thinking Questions • Bad example: “Do you agree with what the author says in this article?” •  because it can be answered yes/no. • Good example: “What is your opinion about what the author says in this article?” •  because the person responding must articulate their thoughts.

12. Final Notes • There are no maximum or minimum number of slides required for this presentation. • However, be judicious. Don’t make a slide for every single thing you want to say. • Put the “bite sized” highlights on the slides, and talk through the rest. • Good luck on your presentation! 