Universidad del Norte Instituto de Idiomas

Integrated Speaking Assessment

What am I going to do?
You are going to record an individual video response of approximately 2-3 minutes.
Your video can be submitted via: CD/DVD, USB, or as video file via Blackboard.
All communication will be in English. You cannot use Spanish.
Using ideas from Units 2 & 3 of your textbook as well as those from the two supplementary
listening texts your teacher has posted on Blackboard for you to listen to BEFORE responding.
You are going to talk about ONE of the two options below:

Option One Option Two
In Unit 2 and in Supplementary Listening 1,
we hear about people with physical
disabilities. Who is someone you know that
has a physical disability? What kind of
disability do they have? Do they still
struggle with their disability? Do you think
Barranquilla is a handicap or disability-
friendly city? Why or why not? Give
examples and reasons to support your
answer.
In Unit 3 and in Supplementary Listening 2,
we hear about some sleep problems,
especially in relation to teenagers. What
kinds of sleep problems do teenagers suffer
from? Did you suffer from any of these
problems? Do you think changing start
times for school would decrease teenagers
sleep problems? Why or why not? Give
examples and reasons to support your
answer.

The objective is for you to relate your knowledge, experiences and opinions to the themes
from the listening texts in your textbook and the supplementary listening texts your teacher
has given you.
This is your opportunity to impress your teacher. Show him/her what you can do. Speak, speak,
and speak!

What grammar, vocabulary, and expressions do I have to use?
Use the English that you know to communicate your ideas.
When possible, use grammar, vocabulary, and expressions that you practiced in class. Review
the units that you studied in NorthStar 4a (Units 2 & 3) to help you prepare also.

How is my teacher going to assess me?
He/She is going to use a rubric. He/She will explain it to you and post it in Blackboard.
The rubric includes the following criteria:

Relate knowledge, experience and views
to listenings.
Vocabulary

Accuracy Fluency


Guidelines for the video recording:
Preparation
Re-read the rubric to know exactly what is expected.
Prepare your response in advance, so your ideas are well organized.
Refrain from memorizing. You will lose point1s if you do.
Manage your time properly.
Rehearse and time your responses.
Make adjustments accordingly.

Setting and clothing
Prepare the setting, i.e. the room where you are going to do the recording.
o A nice, tidy, and proper setting speaks of the kind of professional you are.
Make sure you have proper lighting on your face.
Sit close enough to your audio equipment to ensure good audio and video quality.
Dont wear any kind of sunglasses or earphones, headsets, etc.
Dress properly (no underwear, pajamas or revealing clothes).

Video Recording
Start your video by saying your name and course code.
State the number of the option youve chosen.
The time reading your questions is not included in the 2-3 minutes of the task.
Make sure your response is complete.
Look at the camera the entire time.
Dont read your responses. You should sound natural, not reciting.
Avoid exaggerated body movements.
Articulate well.
Avoid fillers such as eh, hmmm, ah, este, etc.
Use academic language.

Saving and Submitting Video File
Dont manipulate the video once it is done.
o The video should not be cut or edited in any form; however, you may re-record your entire
response if you are unhappy with the first version.
o It should be recorded in one single shot.
o No color filters should be used.
To submit your video you may do one of the following:
o Save your video on a DVD /CD and put it in an envelope, writing:
TO: (your teachers name)
FROM: (your name and class)
Bring the envelope with the DVD /CD next class.
o Save your video to a USB and turn it in to your teacher.
o Save your video as a file on your computer and submit it via Blackboard.
Do this within 48 hours after receiving instructions.