By Definition, a Statement Is a Declarative Sentence That Is Either True Or False

Independent Study Unit Topic List Term IA “Statement of Personal Beliefs”

By definition, a statement is a declarative sentence that is either true or false. In this case, you will be providing a more detailed declaration that reflects accurate and irrefutable information about yourself and what forms your core values. Sounds ominous right?

I. Well, it can be, so here’s what I’m expected first:

1. Brainstorm, in web organizer form, what defines YOU as a person. You may want to consider pooling from your family resources, peers, or other people who really know you and have them conduct an interview. 2. Organizer your thoughts under these headings:

- past and future goals - what you truly believe in (and that means more than believing in the existence of those who create complex structures of art using illegally-acquired scrap metal from around garbage sites located in the GTA…run-on sentence aside) - contributions to society and including life outside your immediate social circle, friends and family (e.g., church groups, philanthropic organizations, that person in House #5).

Note: part of your statement must include mention (with supportive evidence) of a prominent figure that exudes the core values you hold so dear.

I really like the information and support from the site given below. It’s a little “texty”, but is rich with information. http://www.quintcareers.com/creating_personal_mission_statements.html

This is a powerful site and contains statements crafted by a whole lot of people: http://thisibelieve.org/search/

Here’s a video statement:

Comical, brief: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b99xjFbxy58&feature=related (What would you add to this video though?)

Here’s one that’s guaranteed to spark controversy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyWX2Uoq-CM

Why do this? Is something that many teens and adults have to do as they prepare for the world of work, so why not start now?

What do I want second? Independent Study Unit Topic List Term IA “Statement of Personal Beliefs” II. A more organized variation of your, er, organizer, complete with a MISSION STATEMENT. Here’s a great sample from the first site I gave you:

“To live life completely, honestly, and compassionately, with a healthy dose of realism mixed with the imagination and dreams that all things are possible if one sets their mind to finding an answer.”

Almost “poetic” eh? Agreed. What do you notice is included in this mission statement?

Jot them down here:

III. The final part of this task is then craft a statement of beliefs that is…

- about a page in length - about 5 minutes in duration if read aloud - if presented using audio or video software, the timeline stands, however one can add a musical soundtrack and images if you wish.

Assessment Rubric and Curriculum Connections:

Although this task will involve writing and critical thinking, it will count towards your oral mark this term>

Curriculum Connections:

• use the conventions (e.g., sentence structure) of oral language, and of the various media, that are appropriate to the grade – use the specialized vocabulary appropriate to the topic in oral presentations (e.g., investigations in mathematics, demonstrations in science);