Middle Level Communication Arts/Literature (Grades 5–8) Subtest 2

Subarea 1. Listening and Speaking

0007

Apply knowledge of strategies for effective listening.

demonstrating knowledge of the components of the listening process (e.g., focusing, decoding)
identifying the characteristics and purposes of various types of listening, including critical (e.g., listening to determine a speaker's point of view), empathetic (e.g., listening to improve mutual understanding and trust), and deliberative (e.g., listening to learn information)
recognizing the barriers to listening effectively (e.g., internal and external noise, delivery, language, perceptions)
applying knowledge of strategies for listening actively (e.g., clarifying, restating, validating, building or reflecting on a speaker's message)
demonstrating knowledge of how to delineate a speaker's argument, specific claims, and intended audience
demonstrating knowledge of how to evaluate the soundness of a speaker's reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of a speaker's evidence, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not

0008

Apply knowledge of strategies for effective speaking.

demonstrating knowledge of a systematic approach to preparing a speech (e.g., selecting a topic, adapting to the audience)
demonstrating knowledge of the forms of speech anxiety and apprehension (e.g., audience-specific, situational) and ways of managing them (e.g., practicing, focusing on the topic, using relaxation techniques)
demonstrating knowledge of types of speech delivery (e.g., memorized, extemporaneous, impromptu) appropriate for various topics, purposes, audiences, and occasions
demonstrating knowledge of how to present claims and findings, emphasizing important points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound reasoning, and well-chosen details
demonstrating knowledge of rhetorical techniques used in speeches (e.g., repeating key words and phrases, establishing common ground, appealing to emotion)
demonstrating knowledge of how to adapt speech to a variety of contexts, audiences, tasks, and feedback from self and others
recognizing the different roles that voice (e.g., volume, rate, tone) and body language (e.g., hand gestures, facial expressions, eye contact) play in speech delivery

0009

Apply knowledge of interpersonal communication and academic discussions.

demonstrating knowledge of various types of collaborative discussions (e.g., one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) and of strategies for effective participation in collaborative discussions (e.g., observing guidelines, setting specific goals and deadlines, defining group members' individual roles)
demonstrating knowledge of strategies for participating in academic discussions, such as referring to evidence, posing and responding to specific questions with elaboration and detail, and using reflection and paraphrasing to indicate understanding of multiple perspectives
demonstrating knowledge of the principles of group dynamics and factors that influence group effectiveness (e.g., group size and composition, group members' roles, cultural dispositions)
demonstrating knowledge of strategies for identifying, managing, and resolving conflict in groups (e.g., compromise, mediation, problem solving)
recognizing the importance of social etiquette, civility, norms, and conventions in interpersonal communication (e.g., digital citizenship) and how these are influenced by factors such as power, intimacy, and culture