When the tasks and rating criteria are pulled from unit objectives, specific vocabulary and grammar that were learned determine the topic and function of the assessment. The unit vocabulary and grammar are reflected in the rating criteria as well. Students need to be aware in advance of how they will be evaluated. To familiarize students with your expectations, do an in-class practice activity similar to the assessment, then show students how they will be evaluated. Students can work in pairs or groups during practice.
Textbooks generally present a topic linked to a specific grammatical function.
For example, a chapter on things students must do to prepare for school or to get ready for a party could be presented with verbs expressing obligation, or by using a future tense. You may want to mention when, where, or for whom you do these things, whether you do them with a friend or a family member, and whether or not you like doing these things. Task Be sure to write about the things you have to do using a verb or expression of obligation. You can construct a CoSA segment in the same manner. In this assessment situation, students have a printed copy of a speaking task or a booklet containing segments that have been developed for your context.