> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.timelygrader.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.timelygrader.ai/d2l-support-articles/tutorials-oral-assessments-d2l-brightspace/oral-review.md).

# Grading an oral attempt

The recording, the transcript and evidence map, and the rubric, all on one screen. You grade the final answer each student accepted.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2F2fxvIUk6kO5NV6YbNqZ3%2Farticle-banner.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Updated · October 2026*

## Before you start

* The student has finished. An attempt in progress can’t be graded yet.
* For an Oral Defense, decide whether you’ll also review the submitted file.
* Grading suggestions are set up in Grading Settings, if you want them.

## Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the grading view

Click Start Reviewing on the activity page, or a student in Manage Submissions. The recording sits top left, the transcript and evidence map bottom left, and the rubric and feedback on the right.

1. The recording.
2. Evidence map, one row per criterion.
3. Questions asked. Click one to jump to its answer.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Use the evidence map

Each mark shows where an answer addressed a criterion, coloured by whether it was answered well, needs review or was weak. Click a mark to move the recording there.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Read the final attempt for each question

Each question shows the student’s final accepted attempt by default. Earlier attempts sit in an expandable history and are labelled. Grade the final attempt; earlier ones are there for context.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Review the submitted file (Oral Defense)

If the submission is shown in the grading view, tabs at the top switch between the student’s oral attempt and the file they submitted. The rubric stays in view on both.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Rate and write feedback

Pick a rating for each criterion and write feedback. Save your progress and come back, or confirm to finish. Nothing reaches the student until you confirm.

{% hint style="success" %} <img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2Fms2lmbcFJs7XOGunUDRn%2Fhugo-head.svg?alt=media" alt="Hugo" data-size="line"> **Hugo’s tip:** Pace, accent and hesitation are never scored. Small transcription errors are normal and aren’t held against the student.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>The transcript has errors.</summary>

Play the recording wherever the exact wording matters to your rating.

</details>

<details>

<summary>There’s no file tab.</summary>

Turn on Also show student submission in the grading view, under Grading Settings. It’s only available for Oral Defense.

</details>

<details>

<summary>A defense is incomplete.</summary>

It stays marked incomplete. It isn’t treated as a finished attempt with a zero.

</details>

## FAQ

<details>

<summary>Which attempt do I grade?</summary>

The final accepted attempt, the latest one the student confirmed.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do students see the evidence map?</summary>

No. It’s instructor-only.

</details>

## Related articles

* [Reading attempt history](/d2l-support-articles/tutorials-oral-assessments-d2l-brightspace/oral-attempts.md)
* [Sending oral grades to your LMS](/d2l-support-articles/tutorials-oral-assessments-d2l-brightspace/oral-passback.md)
* [Grading and feedback settings for oral activities](/d2l-support-articles/tutorials-oral-assessments-d2l-brightspace/oral-grading-feedback.md)