referát

Referát is a term used in Czech and Slovak educational contexts to designate a short report or presentation prepared by a student on a specific topic. It can be written as a concise report or delivered orally to a class, often as part of the assessment in a course or subject. The exercise tests research skills, the ability to summarize information, and the capacity to present clearly.

A referát typically has a simple structure that may include a title, author, introduction, main body, conclusion, and a bibliography. The written version often spans several pages, while an accompanying or standalone oral presentation usually lasts a few minutes and may be supported by slides or other visuals. Form and length can vary by school or university.

Preparation involves topic selection, gathering and evaluating sources, note-taking, and organizing material into a coherent argument or account. Students are expected to cite sources properly and avoid plagiarism. Evaluation usually considers content accuracy, clarity of presentation, logical structure, depth of analysis, and the ability to answer questions.

Usage and variations: the term refers mainly to student work, but in some contexts a referát can be part of a university seminar or conference. In comparison with related terms, a referát is often distinct from a longer written zpráva (report) and from a přednáška (lecture) given by a teacher or expert. The concept is also found in other languages, notably German Referat, with similar meaning.