Homework Defense

What is Defense?

All homework must be defended orally in a 10-15 minute discussion with instructor or TA.

Purpose: Verify you understand your own solutions

When & Where

• Scheduled after submission deadline
• Sign-up sheet posted in Telegram
• During office hours or dedicated slots
• Attendance mandatory - missing = zero score

What to Expect

You may be asked to:

1. Explain your solution to a problem
2. Justify a step in your reasoning
3. Answer “what if” variations
4. Define terms you used
5. Solve a similar problem

Preparation

• Review all solutions beforehand
• Understand why each step works
• Be ready to solve similar problems
• Bring copy of submission
• Practice explaining aloud

Possible Outcomes

Tips for Success

• Take time to think before answering
• Structure your response clearly
• Use examples to illustrate concepts
• Admit uncertainty (better than wrong confident answer)
• Listen carefully to follow-up questions