Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) English Language Arts / Literacy: Speaking and Listening Syllabus

What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in a speaker's argument?

A fact can be verified as true through evidence; an opinion is a personal belief or judgment that cannot be proven true or false.

What is speaker bias, and how does it affect an argument?

Bias is a speaker's prejudice or one-sided perspective; it can lead to selective evidence, slanted language, and conclusions that favor the speaker's interest over a balanced view.

What is a counterargument, and why might a strong speaker include one?

A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint; addressing and refuting it strengthens a speaker's credibility and shows the argument holds up against objections.

What should a student do to prepare for a collaborative discussion?

Read and research the material in advance, and come prepared with evidence, ideas, and questions so they can refer explicitly to the text to stimulate a thoughtful exchange.

What is the purpose of setting norms or rules before a group discussion?

Norms (e.g., taking turns, listening respectfully, staying on topic, defining roles and goals) ensure orderly, productive, and equitable participation.

What are common roles assigned in a structured group discussion?

Roles such as facilitator/leader (guides talk), note-taker/recorder (documents ideas), timekeeper (manages pace), and reporter (shares conclusions).

Why is reviewing key ideas and reflecting an important step in discussion preparation and follow-up?

It lets participants connect new ideas to evidence, demonstrate understanding, and refine or justify their own views in light of the discussion.

What is the difference between an open-ended and a closed-ended discussion question?

An open-ended question invites elaboration and multiple responses ('Why...?', 'How...?'); a closed-ended question can be answered with a single word or yes/no, limiting discussion.

What does it mean to 'build on others' ideas' in a discussion?

Responding directly to what others say by adding, extending, connecting, or respectfully challenging their points so the conversation develops collectively rather than as isolated comments.

What are useful sentence starters for building on another person's contribution?

Phrases like 'Building on what ___ said...,' 'I agree, and I'd add...,' 'That connects to...,' or 'To extend that point...' link your idea to a previous speaker's.

How should you respectfully disagree with someone's idea in a discussion?

Acknowledge their point, then offer your differing view with reasons and evidence using respectful language, e.g., 'I see your point, but the evidence suggests...'

What is a 'clarifying question,' and when is it used in discussion?

A clarifying question asks a speaker to explain or elaborate (e.g., 'What do you mean by...?'); it is used to ensure understanding and to draw out their reasoning and evidence.

How does 'qualifying' or 'justifying' your own views advance a discussion?

Qualifying means refining your view in light of new evidence or arguments; justifying means giving reasons and evidence—both deepen the exchange and show open, reflective thinking.

What is consensus in a group decision-making context?

Consensus is a general agreement reached by a group in which members support a decision, even if it wasn't everyone's first choice, after discussion and compromise.

What is the difference between reaching consensus and majority-rule voting?

Consensus seeks an outcome the whole group can accept through discussion and compromise; majority rule decides by the largest number of votes, even if some members disagree.

What is compromise, and why is it important in reaching group decisions?

Compromise is settling a disagreement by each side giving up part of its demands; it allows a group to move forward and reach a workable, mutually acceptable decision.

What steps help a group move from discussion to a decision?

Summarize the options, weigh the evidence and pros/cons of each, identify points of agreement, resolve differences through compromise, then confirm and state the final decision.

Why should a group acknowledge new information or differing views before finalizing a decision?

Considering all perspectives and evidence leads to a better-informed, fairer decision and helps ensure all members can support the outcome.

What is the basic three-part structure of an organized presentation?

An introduction (hook and main idea/thesis), a body (main points with supporting evidence in logical order), and a conclusion (summary and closing/call to action).

What is the purpose of the introduction in a presentation?

To grab the audience's attention, introduce the topic, and clearly state the main idea or thesis the presentation will develop.

What does it mean to present claims and findings in a 'logical sequence'?

Arranging ideas in a clear, purposeful order—such as chronological, order of importance, cause-and-effect, or problem-solution—so the audience can follow the reasoning.

How should main points in the body of a presentation be supported?

With pertinent descriptions, facts, details, examples, and quotations that are relevant and develop the central topic or claim.

What is the function of the conclusion in a presentation?

To restate the main idea, summarize key points, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought, call to action, or insight.

What does it mean to 'adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks'?

Adjusting your content, vocabulary, tone, and formality to fit the audience, purpose, and situation of the communication.

What is the difference between formal and informal English, and when is each appropriate?

Formal English uses standard grammar, precise vocabulary, and no slang—appropriate for presentations and academic settings; informal English is casual and conversational—appropriate among friends or in relaxed contexts.

How does knowing your audience change how you prepare a presentation?

It determines your word choice, level of detail, examples, tone, and assumed background knowledge so the message is clear, relevant, and engaging for that specific group.

What verbal and nonverbal delivery techniques improve a spoken presentation?

Verbal: appropriate volume, clear pronunciation, varied pace, and adequate eye-level diction; nonverbal: eye contact, posture, gestures, and facial expressions that match the message.

What is the purpose of using digital media and visual displays in a presentation?

To add interest, clarify information, and strengthen claims and evidence by presenting them visually (graphics, images, audio, video, data displays) for the audience.

What guidelines make slides and visual aids effective rather than distracting?

Keep them simple and uncluttered, use readable fonts and clear images, limit text, ensure visuals are relevant and accurate, and let them support—not replace—the spoken message.

Why must you cite sources for images, data, and media used in a presentation?

To give credit to creators, avoid plagiarism, and add credibility by showing the audience that visuals and information come from reliable sources.

How can a strategic use of digital media strengthen the evidence in an argument-based presentation?

Charts and graphs make quantitative evidence clear, images make examples concrete, and video/audio provide authentic support—all making claims more persuasive and easier to understand.