FRANKENSTEIN GROUP PRESENTATION
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a dynamic novel filled with rich atmospheres, symbolic language, and complex issues. Select one of the following topics that interests your group.
Prepare a 10-15 minute presentation with a visual, using at least four different sources. Sources should be cited in MLA format.
Organize your presentation around two key questions. Present these questions to the class at the beginning of the presentation. Listeners will answer the questions in their notes.
They will give you feedback on the clarity of your presentation. In turn, you will have the opportunity to comment on their notes, correct misunderstanding, answer questions, etc.
The Myth of Prometheus
Why did Shelley subtitle her book “Modern Prometheus”?
Given the motivations and actions of various characters, which one best resembles Prometheus? Why?
The Meaning of “Gothic” – Past and Present
Describe various meanings for “gothic” or “goth” – looks, styles, moods etc. How is Frankenstein an example of Gothic literature? Explain the significance of the gothic
elements to the text as a whole.
The Life of Mary Shelley
What inspired this 19-year-old to write such a horror story? Who was Mary Shelley? Highlight important aspects of her family, her upbringing, her personality, and any other
interesting aspects of her life.
Monstrosity in Frankenstein
The theme of monsters is a common one in literature and film. How is Frankenstein’s monster similar and different to other monsters? What information is given to describe
him? What information is not included? How do you picture him?
Science and Technology
How did the advancement of science and technology make The Industrial Revolution possible? What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on the writing of Frankenstein?
What questions does Frankenstein pose about science and technology in general?
FRANKENSTEIN PRESENTATION RUBRIC
SKILLS
Name:
A-level
Appropriately focused topic with a clearly
communicated understanding of the
purpose for the presentation
Two targeted questions are presented to the
audience at the beginning of the
presentation.
B-level
Focused topic with partially
demonstrated understanding of the
purpose for the presentation
Two clear questions are presented to the
audience at the beginning of the
presentation. They may not be as
targeted as A-level presentations.
Clear and convincing command of facts
and information with insightful
explanations that help to illustrate the
speaker’s ideas and arguments.
Clear use of facts and information with
partially developed explanations in
support of the speaker’s ideas or
arguments
C-level
Somewhat focused topic or a vague sense
of the purpose for the presentation,
which require the audience to make
assumptions
Two questions are presented to the
audience at the beginning of the
presentation. They may not be clear or
targeted.
Partially clear use of facts and
information with limited or incomplete
explanations to support the speaker’s
ideas or arguments
At least five different resources are used
and cited appropriately.
At least five different resources are used
and cited appropriately.
May not use five different resources cited
appropriately
Clearly and logically organized
presentation with an engaging
introduction, a logically sequenced body
with appropriate transitions, and a clear
and convincing conclusion
Clear attempt at organization with a
beginning, middle, and end and an
attempt to use transitions
Some inconsistencies in organization
and/or a lack of sustained focus
throughout the speech with inconsistently
use transitions
A lack of organization makes it difficult
to follow the speaker’s ideas;
presentation may be too conversational
and may ramble without a clear
beginning, middle, or end
Uses sophisticated and varied language
and sentence structure that is suited to the
topic and audience; word choice is concise,
original, and effectively conveys the
appropriate tone given the purpose of the
presentation
Uses appropriate language and word
choice, but with less sophistication,
expressiveness and/or originality
Use words that may be unsuited to the
topic, audience or purpose of the
presentation; word choice lacks
originality and fails to convey an
appropriate tone for the speech
Inappropriate use of language distracts
the audience because it is too informal or
too imprecise given the topic and
purpose of the presentation
A combination of appropriate and effective
eye contact, clarity and projection of voice,
tone and pace, and gestures significantly
enhance the speaker’s words
A combination of appropriate eye
contact, clarity and projection of voice,
tone and pace, and gestures are used but
without the smoothness of level four
Inconsistent use of eye contact, clarity
and projection of voice, tone and pace,
and/or gestures interrupt the flow of the
speech
Lack of eye contact, clarity and
projection of voice, tone and pace, and/or
appropriate gestures make the speech
difficult to follow
A professional and creative visual aid is
used to enhance the presentation
A visual aid is used, but it may not
enhance the presentation
Listener
Response
Effectively responds to other presentations
Demonstrates active listening
Responds to other presentations
May show a gap in understanding
A poorly planned/designed visual aid is
used OR no visual is used
Little to no effort is given to respond to
other presentations
Overall
Effectiveness
Speaker remains enthusiastic, audience
attention is maintained, and the purpose of
the presentation is achieved
Speaker shows some enthusiasm, the
audience remains mostly interested, and
the purpose of the presentation is
achieved
A visual aid is used with limited
effectiveness
Responds to other presentations
Shows more than one gap in
understanding
Speaker shows limited enthusiasm,
audience interest is not sustained, and the
purpose of the presentation is only
partially achieved
Topic
Research
Analysis
Organization
Language
Delivery
D or F-level
A lack of focus or confused purpose,
which result in confusion on the part of
the audience
Two questions are not presented to guide
listeners.
Confusing or incomplete facts with little
and/or confusing explanations as to how
the facts support the speakers ideas or
arguments
Speaker lacks enthusiasm, the audience
shows a lack of interest, and the purpose
of the presentation is not achieved
Total points: __________________/100