Unit Plan 18 (Grade 8 ELA): Presenting Findings Clearly
8th graders turn research into polished oral presentations with clear visuals, precise language, and audience-aware delivery. Students design effective slides, refine word choice for clarity, and adapt tone to context for confident, professional speaking.
Focus: Oral presentations with visuals; precise language; adapting speech
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Speaking/Listening; Writing—Tech Integration; Language—Style & Precision)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students transform recent research and explanatory work into a concise, audience-ready presentation. They will organize claims and key findings, design supportive visuals, and practice delivery with attention to precision, concision, and register. Emphasis is on clear reasoning, slide economy, and adapting language and tone to purpose and audience.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Present claims/findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound reasoning, and effective delivery (SL.8.4).
- Integrate multimedia/visuals (slides, charts, images, brief audio) that clarify ideas and strengthen claims (SL.8.5).
- Adapt speech to context and task, using formal English and domain vocabulary when appropriate (SL.8.6).
- Use technology to produce/publish the slide deck and, if desired, record a talk (W.8.6).
- Apply language knowledge to speak precisely and concisely, eliminating redundancy and choosing words for effect (L.8.3).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 8
- SL.8.4: Present claims and findings with organization, relevant evidence, and clear delivery.
- SL.8.5: Integrate multimedia/visuals to clarify and strengthen meaning.
- SL.8.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when appropriate.
- W.8.6: Use technology to produce and publish writing/presentations and present relationships among ideas efficiently.
- L.8.3: Use knowledge of language to make effective choices for meaning or style; express ideas precisely and concisely; reduce wordiness.
Success Criteria — student language
- My presentation has a clear through-line (claim → two to three key findings → implication).
- My visuals clarify (not decorate) and are referenced explicitly.
- My spoken language is precise, concise, and audience-appropriate.
- I demonstrate confident delivery (volume, pace, eye contact) and professional slide design.