South Dakota ELA 11-12.SL.4

11-12.SL.4 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• 11-12.SL.4.a

  Demonstrate organization, development, substance, and style.

• 11-12.SL.4.b

  Demonstrate effective nonverbal communication (eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, presence, and proximity).

• 11-12.SL.4.c

  Demonstrate effective verbal communication (volume, pace, tone, enunciation).

01

What Students Need to Do

Students plan a talk for a named audience and purpose. They order useful details and credit borrowed facts, words, and images. They speak clearly and use eye contact, gestures, and movement to help listeners follow.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student states a point, backs it with relevant evidence, and ends with a clear takeaway. They name sources aloud and choose words that fit the listeners. They speak audibly, pronounce words clearly, vary pace and tone, and look up while using natural gestures.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may give the same informal pitch to friends and the school board, or list facts without a point. Some read slides, rush through words, or mistake volume for clarity. Others cite direct quotes but not borrowed photos or statistics.

04

How to Assess It

Give each pair a printed cafeteria menu. Each student gives a 45-second pitch for one lunch change, names the menu as evidence, and gets a partner check for a clear reason, audible pace, and eye contact.

1. 01

   Give groups index cards with a claim, three facts, and a source label; have them arrange a one-minute talk and rehearse where to cite.

2. 02

   Ask students to write two openings for a school policy pitch, one for classmates and one for the school board, then compare word choices.

3. 03

   Run a partner rehearsal: one speaker gives a 30-second pitch while the listener marks each audible pause, source credit, and glance up.

4. 04

   Have students pitch a safer school crosswalk to the principal, using a photo of the entrance and naming its photographer.

• 6.SL.4

  Present claims and findings appropriate to the purpose and audience.

• 7.SL.4

  Present claims and findings appropriate to the purpose and audience.

• 9-10.SL.4

  The Grades 9–10 version of this standard.

• 8.SL.4

  Present claims and findings appropriate to the purpose and audience.