Ezine Multi-Genre Writing Portfolio Project

eZine Multi-genre Writing Portfolio Project

A Yearlong Study in Writing, Analysis, and Theme

CCGPS Standards Addressed: ELACC9-10 RL1-3, RL10, W1-10, SL1-6, L1-4

Purpose: A multi-genre writing portfolio is a compilation of work that has been put together for a specific purpose. This eZine multi-genre writing portfolio project has four primary purposes:

1. To demonstrate your achievements as a reader, writer, and critical thinker in a variety of genres during the 2014-2015 year. 2. To assess your work as a reader, writer, and critical thinker. This includes self- and peer-assessments. 3. To evaluate your level of preparedness to continue in more advanced writing and critical-thinking projects as you continue your education. 4. To determine what additional support you may need as a reader, writer, and critical thinker.

At the end of the year, your best work from both semesters will be submitted as an online eZine (eZine is short for electronic magazine). Having this compilation in an electronic form will allow for file sharing with friends, family, colleges, scholarship committees, employers, and others in your life. An academically strong project could land you awards, scholarships, interviews, college entry, jobs…the potential is limitless.

Assessment: Each larger piece of literature we read (novellas, novels, drama…) will result in at least two original products based on the topic given; many shorter pieces of literature (poetry, short stories, periodicals…) will result in one original product based on the options. Each of these will be worth a grade.

To get full credit, each product/piece of writing must include a. Your particular insight into the theme of the literature based on your topic/perspective; b. An obvious relationship to the characters/plot/setting/tone of the works we read; c. Clear evidence that you have read and understand the work; and d. Excellent technique, grammar, conventions.

At the end of Semester 1, you will submit your four (4) best works. You will also present them to the class as your final exam, with an explanation of why each made it into the portfolio, and why others (also shown during the presentation) did not.

By the end of Semester 2, you will submit your ten (10) best works for review (4 from first semester; 6 from the second). These will be produced as an online eZine. There will be a total of at least ten (10) works in your magazine. You will also present them to the class as a final project, with an explanation of why each made it into the portfolio, and why others (also shown during the presentation) did not.

The final summative assignment is worth 20% of the overall grade.

© 2010 Deb Salter & Cherish Donaldson (modified 7/19/2013) Honors English I and II Ola High School, McDonough, GA Any plagiarism will result in a zero (0) for the whole project. No exceptions. This should be 100% original work. This includes art (except clip-art). You may not use photos from movies. You should take your own photographs unless otherwise directed. The Assignment Please note: This assignment will need to be flexible. Check the teacher’s web site frequently .

1. You will choose a thematic topic. 2. You will create an original piece of writing in genres of your choice wherein you connect your topic to the piece of literature, showing both an understanding content and thematic connection. 3. You may work independently or with one (1) partner on this project. That partner must be in this class. 4. If you choose to work with a partner, you must be aware that your grade will affect your partner’s, and vice- versa. Individual grades will not be given. Choose your partner wisely or go it alone (I strongly recommend working alone and may say no to a potential partnership. I also reserve the right to break up partnerships that aren’t working well.). There will be one check-point in the middle of the first semester where you can opt out of a partnership. After that, all partnerships are final. If your partner leaves this class for any reason (quits Honors, changes periods, etc.), you are on your own. 5. During every single piece of literature we read, you must study the work with the central question “What is the author saying about ______(my thematic topic).” When you have done this, you will have arrived at one of the themes of the text. Keep this central question (and its answer) in mind at all times when you discuss, read, and write. 6. After considering this question, you will attach your written analysis of the text. It must be in MLA format, fit the single paragraph essay format, and be attached to your eZine submission. (You can start your SPE using this template.) Include properly formatted and incorporated citations from the text or outside sources (if used) and a properly formatted Works Cited page.

7. You will participate in small and large group Socratic Seminars where you will be discussing the work with people who have different topics/perspectives. 8. This eZine portfolio is primarily an out-of-class activity, but there will be times when you will have time to work in class. 9. For each piece of writing, it is a good idea to pre-write using the following strategy: R - role: what is the writer’s role: reporter, critic, observer, eyewitness? A - audience: who is the intended reader? F - format: which genre is the best way to present this writing? T - topic: who or what is the subject of this writing? What are you writing about?

Your Final Project (at the end of Semester 2) must include: 1. A cover that visually and verbally captures your topic/theme; 2. A table of contents; 3. A letter from you to the reader explaining your topic, how the authors developed the theme in each work, and how your work comes together as a unit; 4. Your 10 best works from a variety of genres; 5. Original photographs and art (with captions), layouts, and graphics that lend themselves to the overall piece;

© 2010 Deb Salter & Cherish Donaldson (modified 7/19/2013) Honors English I and II Ola High School, McDonough, GA 6. The completed work typed and uploaded and the link sent to the teacher. You will be provided with the website at a later date. Writing Genres

Any and all of the following genres can find their way into your eZine. Genres are not to be repeated. Use an assortment of genres from each category. Use the chart below to track that you have used at least two pieces from each category. Creative Writing Academic Writing Graphic Organizer/Visual Technology

Many genres have templates that can be found in Microsoft Office – either in Word, Publisher, or PowerPoint. First, check in the templates you already have in your computer, then look at the Microsoft Office online templates. I have also linked to other resources (apps, websites, etc.). Many samples are from www.docstoc.com, where you can search and find even more examples than the ones I’ve linked to. NOTE: they will ask you to pay for downloading. I have no expectations that you will pay for the components of this assignment; I have simply linked to them for you to view the samples. Please let me know as you find good resources. I have tried to find you sites that are safe; please forgive any errors and let me know ASAP. Also, I do not expect you to pay money for any of these. I have tried to find free resources throughout. Remember when searching to find examples that let you give lots of detail and clear thematic connection to the book. For instance, a simple birth certificate will only let you write in the name and date. You are looking for much, much more than that! All products must include writing of some sort, even if only as an explanation of the theme attached to the creative work. All products must relate directly to plot, theme, tone, setting, characterizations, etc. Pay close attention to creating realistic details in relation to the book. For instance, if you’re creating a Facebook page for a character from Romeo & Juliet, even though there was no Facebook in 1500s Italy, all elements should relate to that time period. A final note: all work – including art – should be original. That means draw or take your own photographs. The only exception is if you use work that you have access to via clipart. Do not break copyright laws. Creative Writing 1. Series of Journal/diary entries click link for proper formatting 2. Personal letter click link for proper formatting 3. Greeting card 4. Schedule/things to do list (no fewer than 10) 5. Inner monologue representing internal conflicts 6. Classified or personal ads (at least ½ page) click link for examples 7. Top 10 list 8. Poetry/song lyrics 9. Contest entry application click link for examples 10. Newspaper article (news, scientific, eye-witness, business, personal, etc.). Two realistic generators: This one and this one. 11. Lesson plan click link for blank template 12. Short scene from a play with notes for stage directions click link for directions and examples 13. Short scene from a movie with notes for camera shots click link for directions and examples 14. Dialogue of a conversation among two or more people click link for directions and examples 15. Story: short story/adventure magazine/ghost/myth/tall tale/fairy tale/prediction of future/rewrite ending 16. Talk show interview script

© 2010 Deb Salter & Cherish Donaldson (modified 7/19/2013) Honors English I and II Ola High School, McDonough, GA 17. Recipe with ingredients and instructions 18. Comedy routine or parody script 19. Brochure or newsletter (ReadWriteThink has several templates, as does Microsoft) 20. Restaurant description/menu/review Click link for free menu generator 21. Advertisement (travel, product, service) Click link for generator. You may also create commercial or other form 22. How-to or technical directions 23. Campaign (or other) speech 24. Wedding/graduation/birth/special event invitation or announcement (detailed) 25. Detailed birth certificate click link for template 26. Detailed death certificate click link for template 27. Review for movie/tv show/book click links for directions 28. Horoscope page with each zodiac sign with clear connections to the characters click link for directions/examples 29. Letter to the editor click link for directions/example 30. Obituary/eulogy/tribute click link for directions 31. Advice column click link to Dear Abby example 32. Detailed character or author résumé click link for generator 33. Interview transcript click link for example 34. Eyewitness accounts 35. Case file/police report click link for example 36. Trial transcript click link for example 37. Facebook page (this link goes to a template. DO NOT create a real one. It violates their terms of service.)

Academic Writing 38. Personal reflective essay 39. Analysis of time period art from smarthistory.khanacademy.org in relation to the text 40. At least five Level 3 philosophical questions and thoughtful personal responses that reference the text 41. Autobiographical essay (as the character) 42. Business letter/correspondence or persuasive/advocacy letter click, choose, and follow the appropriate letter format 43. Biographical summary of the author or nonfiction character with at least three sources 44. Critique of a published source (with hyperlink to original source) 45. Speech or debate 46. Historical times context essay (find good videos via Khan Academy, www.history.com, www.pbs.com, www.discoveryeducation.com) 47. Character analysis essay click link for example starter. Turn blurbs into fully supported essay. 48. Thoroughly respond to a www.historypin.com collection in relation to the text

Graphic Organizer/Visual 49. Infographic click for link to free design website. There are several others. 50. Book cover with liner notes 51. CD cover with liner notes and full playlist 52. Chart/map/diagram with explanation and analysis 53. Timeline or chain of events click for link to free interactive timeline website 54. Detailed character family tree 55. Detailed receipts, applications, deeds, budgets, or other documents 56. Informational flyer click for link to free flyer generator 57. Wanted poster click for link to free flyer generator 58. Comic strip or graphic novel. Several websites include www.pixton.com, www.toondoo.com, and www.makebeliefscomics.com. 59. Poster for movie/book/tv program 60. Political cartoon 61. Photo collage using original art/photos with accompanying captions 62. Diorama with explanation and analysis 63. Memory Box with explanation and analysis 64. Model with explanation and analysis

Technology 65. PowerPoint presentation 66. Create a collection on www.historypin.com 67. Video – use sites like www.animoto.com, www.goanimate.com, www.vimeo.com, www.qwiki.com. Movie ideas include: o Book promo/trailer o Commercial o Music video o Talk show with characters o Reality show o Anything you can imagine! 68. Web site click for link to free web site creator 69. Character blog – online resources include www.kidblog.com; www.edublog.com 70. Webquest click for link to details and suggestions for creating a webquest 71. Podcast click for information about podcasting

A Yearlong Study in Writing, Analysis, and Theme

CONTRACT

We have read and discussed the policies and procedures for the eZine Multi-genre Portfolio Project. We understand that this project  covers the academic year;  is large in size and scope;  requires regular submissions of student drafts;  necessitates personal responsibility for working on the project in class whenever a moment is available;  requires student involvement in small and large group discussions;  compels the student to present and explain his/her best works to the class; and  obligates the student to dedicate time outside of the classroom to work toward completion.

We recognize that semester presentations are required and will be graded as a summative score which will be the equivalent of a semester exam (20% of the student's overall average).

We realize that computers are available for student use in classrooms and the media center during study hall time and before and after school. Though the teacher will try to take students to the computer lab on a few occasions, the student will have to manage his/her time wisely as most of the work will need to be completed outside of class.

We know that the teacher is available with advance notice and that it is the responsibility of the student to make the teacher aware if s/he is trudging or having difficulty.

We understand that flexibility is at the core of this assignment and will check the teacher’s web site frequently for updates.

Please print and sign your names below. Return this form by .

Teacher: Print Sign Student: Print Sign Parent: Print Sign Subject Choices

The list of subjects for student projects is below. The teacher can choose to assign these, randomly pull student’s names and have them choose a topic, have students pick a topic from a hat, etc. Topics were chosen based on the literature students will study for the duration of the year. This list is subject to change based on the individual teacher's plans. This list includes pairs of opposing topics; the plan is to have students who study opposing topics to meet in Socratic seminar fashion to discuss their findings and hopefully help each other to become more creative, inquisitive, and insightful.

◆ Change ◆ Tradition

◆ Life/Birth/Rebirth ◆ Death/Resurrection/Afterlife ◆ Loyalty (to self/others) ◆ Betrayal (of self/others) ◆ Strength ◆ Weakness ◆ Justice ◆ Injustice

◆ Dreams ◆ Disillusionment

◆ Acceptance/Tolerance ◆ Rejection/Intolerance ◆ Creation ◆ Destruction ◆ Conformity ◆ Rebellion ◆ Fate ◆ Free Will

◆ Innocence ◆ Loss of Innocence/Coming of Age ◆ Selfishness ◆ Sacrifice ◆ Individualism ◆ Society ◆ Reality ◆ Idealism/Illusions

Literary Work:

Writing Genre:

eZine Topic:

Scale: 10 (Yes!) 5 (Kind of.) 0 (Oh, sweetie – what happened?) Score

RL1: Includes Accurate Detail (x3) (Even on “easy” genres, there is enough detail from the book to prove you read and understand it. The facts from the book and (x3) perspectives of character are correctly represented.) RL2: eZine Related to Theme (x2) (The eZine itself clearly explores your thematic topic in relation to the text) (x2)

TOTAL Reading Literature /50 Grade L1 & 2: Conventions* (Grammar, usage, punctuation, spelling are correct) *misspelling character names or book title will earn a zero in this category L3: Formatting (Formatting is correct, and, when appropriate, in MLA style)

TOTAL Language /20 Grade W1-3: Creative (the work is clever, thoughtful, interesting, unique) W9: Thematic Analysis (The response to “What is the author saying about your topic?” is explained properly in an attached paragraph) W4-6:Well-Designed & Neat (this looks as if it could go in a magazine)

TOTAL Writing /30 Grade