[This applies to the presentations by teams for the Middle Ages and for the Early Seventeenth Century. For your individual performance of a Sixteenth Century poem, see About Performing Poems.]

• Overview: What is the plot of the story? What is the statement of the poem or essay?
• Value: Why is this piece worthwhile? Does it speak to you? To our times?
• An expressive reading: If the piece is short, read the whole thing to the class; if the piece is long, read a significant, eloquent passage.

• Background: Is there a connection between the piece and the author's life and/or times? Does the author have personal experience with the subject matter? (Please do not give general biographical information. It's already in the text.) Is the author commenting on current events or issues?
• Comparisons: Are there enlightening comparisons to be made to other works by the same author or within the same period?

• Presentations with pictures, songs, YouTube links, etc. are usually more interesting, and more fun to make. If you play a song, please show the lyrics.
• Please plan your presentation to last 12-15 minutes.
• Please proofread anything you put up on the screen. English majors do not make spelling mistakes, or let auto-complete make them look foolish.
• There will be a Q&A period after each presentation.
• Take notes when others are speaking; what is said in a presentation may show up on the following test.