Study Guide
Field 016: Speech/Drama/Debate
Test Design and Framework
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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.
Test Design
*Does not include 15-minute C B T tutorial
Test Framework
| subareas | range of competencies | approximate percentage of test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| selected-response | |||
| roman numeral 1 | elements of communication | 0001–0006 | 20 percent |
| roman numeral 2 | interpersonal and public communication | 0007–0013 | 6 percent |
| roman numeral 3 | group communication | 0014–0017 | 12 percent |
| roman numeral 4 | debate | 0018–0021 | 13 percent |
| roman numeral 5 | mass communication | 0022–0025 | 12 percent |
| roman numeral 6 | oral interpretation and drama | 0026–0032 | 22 pecent |
| this cell intentionally left blank | 85 percent | ||
| subareas | range of competencies | approximate percentage of test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| constructed-response | |||
| roman numeral 2 | interpersonal and public communication | 0007–0013 | 15 percent |
Subarea roman numeral 1–Elements of Communication
Competency 0001–Understand the characteristics and functions of the human communication process.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze elements of communication (e.g., source, encoding/decoding, channel, feedback).
- Recognize the roles and analyze characteristics of senders, receivers, and messages in various contexts.
- Evaluate the use of denotation and connotation in the communication of messages.
- Analyze the influence of internal and external variables on messages and the contextual importance of cultural, social, economic, and historical factors.
Competency 0002–Understand the principles of listening to, comprehending, and interpreting messages.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze characteristics of listening skills for different purposes.
- Apply appropriate listening strategies for comprehension and interpretation of messages.
- Analyze characteristics of listening barriers, and develop strategies for overcoming them.
Competency 0003–Understand the similarities and differences between speech communication and the other language arts.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Compare and contrast the language arts of speaking, listening, viewing, reading, and writing.
- Analyze ways in which the language arts influence one another.
- Integrate speech into reading, writing, viewing, and listening activities.
Competency 0004–Understand the elements, functions, and relationships of verbal and nonverbal communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify types, characteristics, and functions of verbal cues (e.g., word choice, vividness of expression, clarity) and nonverbal cues (e.g., space, body language, gestures, vocal tone, emphasis).
- Analyze cultural factors that may affect message delivery and comprehension.
- Recognize and interpret discrepancies between verbal and nonverbal cues.
Competency 0005–Analyze principles of ethical communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify examples of unethical behavior in communication.
- Apply ethical standards in the selection of evidence and evaluation of public communication (e.g., advertisement analysis, response to political speakers, the decision-making process in business meetings).
- Apply questioning principles or other devices of communication inquiry to help discover fallacies.
- Analyze factors that may reveal potential bias in the presentation of information.
Competency 0006–Understand the principles of vocal production.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze the functions of anatomical structures used in the production of speech.
- Demonstrate understanding of the effects of vocal characteristics (e.g., volume, pitch, rate, vocal tone and emphasis) in the communication of messages.
- Evaluate the effects of pronunciation and articulation on message communication.
- Apply strategies for improving vocal style.
Subarea roman numeral 2–Interpersonal and Public Communication
Competency 0007–Understand theories and principles of interpersonal communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze the role of interpersonal communication.
- Apply strategies for establishing and sustaining interpersonal communication (e.g., receptivity, empathetic listening).
- Demonstrate a knowledge of various forms of feedback (e.g., understanding, supportive, probing).
- Apply methods of conflict resolution (e.g., considering point of view, using confirming techniques, delaying response, reaching compromise).
Competency 0008–Understand the characteristics and processes of one-to-one communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify elements and purposes of one-to-one communication (e.g., relationship building, companionship, persuasion).
- Apply strategies for the expression of agreement and disagreement in various situations.
- Analyze the effectiveness of messages delivered in different styles.
Competency 0009–Analyze factors that influence interpersonal communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze how socioeconomics, culture, religion, race, gender, and disabilities may affect interpersonal communication.
- Evaluate ways in which these factors may influence communication (e.g., proximity, eye contact, touch).
- Interpret behaviors that express agreement and disagreement in various conversational situations.
Competency 0010–Understand interviewing strategies and skills.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify types and characteristics of interviews (e.g., employment, research, media).
- Analyze the interpersonal relationship between the interviewer and interviewee in various contexts.
- Apply strategies for participating in interviews as interviewer and interviewee (e.g., role playing, preparing questions in advance, directing conversation, controlling nervousness, using appropriate listening skills).
Competency 0011–Apply audience analysis to public communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply principles of demographic analysis to specific audiences.
- Apply principles of situational analysis to specific audiences.
- Apply strategies to adapt language, structure, and evidence to hostile or critical audiences.
Competency 0012–Understand the planning, preparation, and organization of speeches.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify and analyze characteristics of speech types (e.g., informative, persuasive, entertaining).
- Apply techniques for adapting speech strategies and topics to intended audiences.
- Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for gathering relevant subject information and supporting evidence (e.g., statistics, examples, testimony) and for selecting appropriate visual aids (e.g., charts, slides, multimedia).
- Evaluate different types of organizational patterns (e.g., chronological order, compare-contrast, problem-solution).
Competency 0013–Apply skills in speech delivery and critique.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify and analyze characteristics of speech delivery methods (e.g., manuscript, memorized, impromptu, extemporaneous).
- Analyze the effects of verbal and nonverbal cues on speech delivery (e.g., gestures, vocal variety).
- Apply various strategies for overcoming speech anxiety.
- Identify elements of constructive feedback (e.g., citing specific examples, using objective language, offering concrete suggestions for improvement).
- Demonstrate knowledge of audiovisual communication aids (e.g., transparencies, projectors, video equipment, computer-generated visuals).
Subarea roman numeral 3–Group Communication
Competency 0014–Understand the principles of group communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify types, characteristics, and purposes of group communication.
- Analyze positive and negative factors that affect group communication (e.g., cohesiveness, subgroups, individual agendas).
- Analyze the effects of physical factors (e.g., seating arrangements) on group communication.
- Apply the principles of parliamentary procedure.
Competency 0015–Understand the participation roles and functions of the individual in group communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the individual in group communication (e.g., energizer, gatekeeper).
- Recognize positive and negative behaviors of individuals in groups (e.g., active listening, paraphrasing for comprehension, forcing false consensus, creating distractions).
- Apply strategies for responding to various behaviors in group settings.
Competency 0016–Understand the roles and responsibilities of leadership in group communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the importance of leadership roles in various settings (e.g., informal social group, formal service organization).
- Apply knowledge of the responsibilities of group leaders.
- Identify types of leadership style, and analyze their characteristics.
- Analyze the effects of various leadership approaches.
- Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for developing agendas and conducting meetings.
Competency 0017–Understand the processes of group decision making, consensus building, conflict resolution, and complementary techniques of group communication.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply communication strategies (e.g., empathetic listening, objective feedback) that promote consensus building and group decision making.
- Apply methods of conflict resolution within groups.
- Apply techniques of problem solving within groups.
- Demonstrate knowledge of group decision-making techniques (e.g., brainstorming, role playing).
- Identify formats of group presentation (e.g., panel, symposium, forum).
Subarea roman numeral 4–Debate
Competency 0018–Understand the principles of argumentation.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Understand the importance of individual decision making in a democratic society.
- Analyze various types of arguments.
- Apply knowledge of various research strategies for argumentation (e.g., critical thinking skills).
Competency 0019–Understand the characteristics of policy debate.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the roles of policy debate in a democratic society.
- Recognize the steps in analyzing a policy debate proposition (e.g., stock issues, burden of proof).
- Apply standards for research evidence.
- Apply guidelines for effective refutation and cross-examination.
- Identify elements of debate format (e.g., speaker order, speaker responsibilities).
- Apply strategies for case construction (e.g., affirmative and negative).
- Apply strategies of policy debate in a competitive setting.
Competency 0020–Understand the characteristics of Lincoln-Douglas debate.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the role of values in decision making.
- Recognize the steps in analyzing a value debate proposition (e.g., philosophical issues, burden of proof).
- Apply standards for research evidence.
- Apply guidelines for effective refutation and cross-examination.
- Identify elements of debate format (e.g., speaker order, speaker responsibilities).
- Apply strategies for case construction (e.g., affirmative and negative).
- Apply strategies of Lincoln-Douglas debate in a competitive setting.
Competency 0021–Understand the characteristics of legislative debate.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the roles of legislative debate in a democratic society.
- Apply principles of writing a legislative bill.
- Apply standards for research evidence.
- Apply knowledge of format for presentation.
- Apply knowledge of strategies for presentation.
Subarea roman numeral 5–Mass Communication
Competency 0022–Understand the elements of mass communication, including audience, method, feedback, regulation, and the influence of mass media on society.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify and analyze characteristics of mass communication (e.g., intended audience, method of message delivery, feedback process).
- Compare the uses of various types of mass media (e.g., Internet, print media, radio, television/film).
- Recognize the role of government in regulating mass media.
- Analyze laws that affect mass media (e.g., the First Amendment, libel and slander, truth in advertising).
Competency 0023–Understand strategies for evaluating mass media messages.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze purposes of mass media messages (e.g., entertain, persuade, inform).
- Identify types of appeals used in advertising (e.g., testimonial, bandwagon, glittering generality).
- Apply strategies for analyzing media messages based on various factors (e.g., content, nonverbal cues, objectivity).
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical issues related to mass media.
Competency 0024–Understand the principles of radio and television broadcasting.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify types and analyze characteristics of radio and television broadcasts (e.g., drama, news, advertising).
- Analyze the effects of presentation style on a message.
- Select appropriate methods of presenting information on radio or television.
- Apply strategies for effective verbal and nonverbal communication via radio and television broadcasting.
- Analyze the ways in which technical aspects of production (e.g., sound, camera angles, staging) affect communication.
Competency 0025–Understand the uses of mass communication, including the influence of mass media on society.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the role of mass media in the shaping of norms (e.g., role models).
- Analyze the influence of mass media on society.
- Analyze the effects of mass communication on public attitudes and expectations.
- Analyze the influence of mass media on the social and educational development of children and adolescents.
Subarea roman numeral 6–Oral Interpretation and Drama
Competency 0026–Understand elements of oral interpretation.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify types of materials suitable for oral interpretation (e.g., prose, poetry, drama).
- Apply methods of preparing materials for oral interpretation.
- Examine the relationship of the oral interpreter to the text and to the audience.
- Apply critical analysis to literature for oral interpretation.
Competency 0027–Understand techniques of oral interpretation.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize differences between the interpreter and the actor.
- Analyze the demands of characterization, narration, visualization, suggested movement, and vocal performance.
- Apply knowledge of the role of critical listening in the evaluation of oral interpretation presentations.
Competency 0028–Understand guidelines for competitive oral interpretation.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the value of competitive oral interpretation activities.
- Apply knowledge of the rules of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Association regarding humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, prose, poetry, and monologue.
- Analyze the uses of humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, prose, poetry, and monologue in a competitive setting.
Competency 0029–Understand the principles of theater and drama.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Evaluate the relationship between theater and art.
- Recognize basic elements of theater performance (e.g., acting, directing, producing, designing).
- Analyze basic characteristics of various dramatic forms (e.g., comedy, tragedy).
- Analyze theatrical literature (e.g., plot, character, theme).
- Identify major playwrights and plays.
- Identify methods of enhancing theater appreciation.
Competency 0030–Understand the principles of acting.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze characteristics of various acting methods (e.g., method acting and technique acting).
- Recognize methods of characterization.
- Apply strategies for the development of acting performance (e.g., concentration, voice production, movement, memory).
Competency 0031–Understand the principles of theatrical production.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify and analyze principles of effective theatrical production.
- Identify principles of musical theater production.
- Apply principles of stage direction.
- Analyze the effects of stage design, lighting, sound, and costuming in theatrical production.
Competency 0032–Understand the principles of technical theater.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify types, characteristics, and uses of theatrical lighting.
- Apply knowledge of theatrical set and prop construction.
- Apply principles of theatrical costuming and makeup.
- Recognize methods of theatrical sound production.