Mrs.

Romanicks Literacy Class MULTI GENRE PROJECT

CRITERIA
Writer's Purpose: Your job is to inform your readers about a specific topic using research to back up your writing. Your projects and writings may be strictly informational in tone, you may create an argumentative thesis and persuade your readers, or you can take on a more entertaining project. Finding a Topic: For this project you may choose to do your research on a person (ex: historical figure, politician, entertainer, etc.), a general topic (ex: the history of marbles), or a theme of your choosing. Some guidelines: Pick something that interests you! You'll be spending a lot of time on this project so you'll want to be researching something you enjoy. Pick a general topic so that you'll be sure to find resources on it, and then narrow your focus to a particular aspect you discover through research. Have a few topics in mind before you look for information. Some topics might not work out depending on the resources you find. If you get stuck for a topic idea, talk with friends, surf the net, or browse through the library. Do anything you can to get your mind going and ideas flowing. Research: You must reference and take notes from a minimum of 7 different sources. You will be taking notes on note cards, you can use 3x5 or larger cards which are more efficient and easier to use. Of the 7 sources you use, one must be an encyclopedia or other physical book. Use a variety of sources to gather information from magazines, books, internet sources, pamphlets, etc. Note Cards: You will be required to have at least 21 note cards taken from your required minimum 7 sources. Each source should average 3 note cards but taking more notes is always going to benefit you more in the long run. Source Cards: You will also be required to write your source information on note cards for each of the sources referenced. This means an ADDITIONAL 7 or more note cards that you will need. This will help in the organization of your bibliography (list of sources that you used) and general information. MORE TIPS and REQUIREMENTS Use the Internet to find templates and examples These MUST be unique and original writings and projects (you may use templates, but the words must be YOURS) ALL writings and projects MUST make sense and relate to the person you chose for your subject. ALL writings and projects MUST be related to the subjects life, lifestyle, personality, or profession in some way. Final copies of works must be either typed or written in black pen Final copies of projects must be as REAL as possible and as close to the real thing as you can create! BE AS CREATIVE AS POSSIBLE!

CHOICE WRITINGS
The following is a list of WRITINGS. There are 6 REQUIRED writings that we will work on as a class. You will pick 6 more of your choice to complete for a TOTAL OF 12 WRITINGS! The ones listed with MUST DO next to them are writings you will be doing with me. These are the REQUIRED ones. Please choose other writings as your choice writings. Advice columns Like the ones you find in magazines or newspapers, an advice column features a letter from a reader who needs advice or help and a response from the columnist whose expertise allows him or her to sincerely give this help. You should consult a real column in a newspaper to see how you could format yours. Check out your newspaper for advice columns to get a feel for how they are written! Autobiography- MUST DO Simply put, an autobiography is the story of ones life as written by oneself. That said, many people think that their lives should be written about, but lack the writing talent to tackle this project alone. For that reason, many autobiographies are co-written with the help of someone other than the subject. Remember, you are writing this about YOU this time, NOT your subject! Award acceptance speech This is your moment. When you walk up on stage to receive that trophy, the most important moment is what happens next. Will you say something blithering, or will you be memorable? Search the internet for tips on memorable acceptance speeches!! Biography MUST DO A biography is a description or account of someone's life and the times, which is usually published in the form of a book or an essay, or in some other form, such as a film. A biography presents the subject's story, highlighting various aspects of his or her life, including details of experiences. A work is biographical if it covers all of a person's life. As such, biographical works are usually non-fiction. Board Game Design and create a board game with rules, a game board, playing pieces, and cards about your subject. You must be able to play this game following the rules and have enough questions to last the whole game through. Review games you have at home and their rules to help you!

Campaign speech Politicians who are running for office give speeches that they hope will get them elected. These speeches usually include the person's views on important issues as well as statements that they hope will help voters understand what kind of people they are. Critique A critique is a careful analysis of an argument to determine what is said, how well the points are made, what assumptions underlie the argument, what issues are overlooked, and what implications are drawn from such observations. It is a systematic, yet personal response and evaluation of what you read. Visit http://www.hws.edu/academics/ctl/pdf/critique.pdf for ideas! Compare/Contrast MUST DO You will need to compare and contrast your subject with another subject. The 2 nd subject should have relevance to your 1st subject. For example, it would make sense to compare/contrast 2 sports figures but wouldnt make much sense to compare/contrast a sports figure with a food. Diary A personal diary is a daily journal, a recording of the significant moments of the day. It begins with the date. Some diary writers begin, "Dear Diary," but that's not a rule. Since a diary is meant to be personal, it often reveals feelings and thoughts that people tend to keep private. You should include diary entries for several days. This genre is a good way to show a process over time. Also, remember, you are writing this diary AS THE SUBJECT that you choose, not as you. Eulogy/Obituary An obituary can serve as an inspiration or background reference for a funeral eulogy. The better the obituary, the better the eulogy! The obituary is usually found in the newspaper. The obituary is usually what is spoken/read at a funeral service. Obituary - a notice (for example in a newspaper) of a person's death, often with an account of their life and work. Eulogy - a speech or written tribute, especially praising someone who has died. Interview When trying to figure out appropriate questions to ask an interviewee follow this guideline. First, get the facts. Next, ask your interviewee to clarify what has been said. (What do you mean by...?) Then the interviewer is supposed to verify information given, provide any follow-up questions, and provide closure to the discussion. Letter Writing MUST DO

You will need to complete at least 2 letters. You can choose to write letters TO your person/topic, or you can write 1 to that person/topic and write 1 back to YOU as if you were that person writing the letter. You must make sure your letters have all the correct forms, and include an addressed envelope for both letters! Magazine Article Create an article for a magazine that features your subject! Look in various other magazines for examples of what your writing needs to look like and sound like as your reader reads the article. Dont forget that you MUST have a purpose for your article! Why are you writing this article for this magazine? Think about this before starting your writing. News Report/Article Create a report in the voice (style of writing) of a news reporter about your person/topic. You will need to include vital information and great details of the situation you are discussing! Narrative- MUST DO (can be Picture Book, Fairy Tale, Ghost Story, Pop-Up Story Book, etc) The following was taken from http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Narration.html Please feel free to access this web address for more information and tips on writing Narratives! Narrative writing tells a story. In essays the narrative writing could also be considered reflection or an exploration of the author's values told as a story. The author may remember his or her past, or a memorable person or event from that past, or even observe the present. When you're writing a narrative essay, loosen up. After all, you're basically just telling a story to someone, something you probably do every day in casual conversation. Use first person and talk it through first. You might even want to either tape record your story as if you were telling it to someone for the first time or actually tell it to a friend. Once you get the basic story down, then you can begin turning it into an essay. In a successful narrative essay, the author usually makes a point. Feel free to use the following site for tips as well: http://www.thewritingsite.org/resources/genre/narrative.asp Argument/Opinionated Writing- MUST DO an argument, is used to convince the reader of a writers argument(s) relating to a debatable issue. An ARGUMENT or OPINIONATED essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. You must use FACTS to prove your point. Poems (lots to choose from- MUST create 3) Types can include (but are NOT limited to) Feel free to use the following site for tips:

http://www.poemofquotes.com/articles/poetry_forms.php Feel free to use the following site for tips: http://www.thewritingsite.org/resources/genre/poetry.asp Final copies MUST be typed Time Line Create a time line of the life of your subject. Include birth date, special events, etc. Must also include at least 3 pictures on the timeline that match with the event. Memory A memory is similar to a monologue in that it is the reflection of one speaker. To write a memory is to single out an important event from the past and recall its details (who, what, when, and where) and to write also about why the memory is important. How did the event change the person (speaker, narrator) or why does it still come to mind? Why was this event important? Memories are written in first person point of view and should be full of details that make the event seem true to life. Your reader should be able to visualize the event, almost as if he or she were there. One act play A one act play introduces characters in a conflict that is resolved in one act. Before writing your own, read a one act play to give you an idea of how to proceed. The play must be written using the typical conventions of a play or drama. Announcement We hear announcements each day in school. There are also announcements in church or before a meeting. Announcements alert people to important events that are coming up. Create an announcement that gives critical information about an upcoming event: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Top the announcement with an attention-getting label, such as "Attention all athletes," or "important information for all drivers." Song/ballad Write lyrics to a song or ballad (a song that tells a story). You should have several verses. Think of the main ideas you want the song to express. Remember that songs are to be sung, so think of that as you compose. If you're really adventurous, record your song and make your genre an audio file. Look at the structures of some of your favorite songs to use for examples. Words/Lyrics MUST be appropriate for school. Eyewitness account When important events happen, someone is generally there to see it happen. An eyewitness is asked to give details about exactly what happened, when it happened and how it happened. The eyewitness would provide specific, concrete

details like colors, sizes, distances, times, etc. that make the account as factual as possible. While not everyone sees an event in the exact same way, eyewitness accounts help us put the event into perspective. The account could be prompted by a reporter's or a police officer's questions. YOUR CHOICE WITH MY APPROVAL!!! If you have an idea that is not listed here that you would like to create or write about, you need to OK it with me first.

TRANSITIONS
The following is a list of TRANSITIONS. You will need ONE transition between each writing project. This totals 15 transitions of your choice. Award Certificate This is a certificate showing appreciation for a job well done! Search the internet for examples to create your certificate to match your topic! Book jacket This description of the book is found on the cover. It may hint at the exciting parts of the plot or begin to describe a character. A book jacket is also art that incorporates a design that represents the book. The author's name and the title are also on the book jacket. Look at the covers of books for real life examples. You can use (but dont have to) the book cover maker at: www.readwritethink.org Birth Certificate A certificate stating important information about you and your birth. You can search online for examples and templates to use or you can even check out your own! Cartoon/Comic Strip You can create a comic using your subject as the main character. Must be colored and the words must be legible. Look through your newspaper for examples! Character Sketch A detailed sketch (drawing) of your subject. Map w/ legend

Your map should be hand made to represent the "geography" of your concept. Make a legend to help the reader understand your map. Look at a highway map for an example, but also, try to find old maps to see their artistry. You can model your map after either kind. University of Georgia Libraries: Hargrett's rare map collection is a good resource as well. Death Certificate Similar to the Birth Certificate, but at the opposite end of the life cycle. Again, you can search online for examples and templates to use or you can even check out your own! Documents (receipts, budgets, etc) Any type of paper trail that your subject might leave. You will need to research your subject and his/her habits and lifestyle to get an idea of where they may spend their money and/or what types of documents may surface with this person. Doctors Report A report from a medical center and doctor explaining in detail the health of an individual. You can Google images of these to get and good idea of what yours needs to look like and the type of information on it. Remember, the medical report must make sense for your subjectexample: it would make sense for a sports figure to have a broken bone or a race car drive to have been in an accident and gotten injured. You may be able to get your hands on real forms at a med center or doctors office if you are lucky, but dont be disappointed if you cant get them. Facts You need to list in COMPLETE SENTENCES at least 15 FACTS (not opinions) about your subject. You will also need to write the SOURCE (book name, magazine title and date, newspaper title and date, etc.) that you found each fact. Example: 1. Written Fact #1 SOURCE Info 2. Written Fact #2 SOURCE Info Handbook/How-To Manual This can be a play book for a football star, or a step by step instruction booklet for a subject who, for example, discovered a scientific breakthrough.

Invitation

Create an invitation to a special event that your subject is either hosting or attending him/herself. Remember to include a short description of the event, time, date, and RSVP information as well as an addressed envelope!

Magazine Cover Create a cover for a magazine that features your subject! Look at various other magazine covers for examples of what you need yours to resemble! Menu A menu that you write for your multi-genre web might include a pamphlet of various choices your topic has to offer or your subject enjoys eating, followed by a description and a price guide based on importance. For example, if your topic was a famous person in history, each menu item might be listed as people and events that were critical to that person's development. The price listed next to it might be ranked according its affect it had on the development of the individual. Pay close attention to the lay out of menus next time you are out to eat! Police Report A report written by a police officer for a citation or a complaint that is being filed. If your subject is a race car driver this can include, for example, a speeding ticket. Again, use the internet to get examples of formats or get a real one! Powerpoint Create a presentation of at least 10 slides about your subject/person. Dont forget to add pictures and color! You will also need to print out a paper copy of your slides. You can have up to 6 slides per piece of paper. Resume A resume is created as a material handed in to a person or business in hopes of landing a job. Create a resume for your person/topic. You may want to make sure your resume is modeled after REAL resumes. You can use the internet to help you search. Travel poster A travel poster can use graphics, photos, or drawings to reveal a certain place in the world relevant to your topic. Make sure you use the space on you poster/web site effectively. Capture the viewers attention and keep it. Your travel poster should reveal the essence of the destination and what it has to offer. Keep the design simple yet inclusive of all necessary information. Achieve unity in the design by the use of balance and repetition. Top Ten List Create a Top 10 list of things that would be top 10s for your subject! For example, if your subject is a Chef, he might do Top 10 Favorite Meals.

Wanted Poster Create a WANTED poster with your subject as the wanted person. Dont forget to put on there his/her photo (close-up of face), what they are wanted for (must pertain to his/her life or profession), and the reward amount! Make it look as authentic as possible! You can use the internet to gather ideas on what these should look like. Just Google wanted posters. Job application Type in the following to get a .pdf version of a city of Madison employment application as an example. You can print this out to view what is on an application. You will need to create an application of your OWN an fill it out according to the stats of your person/topic. Remember, the application should be for something that pertains to your subject/person. Quiz You've taken many quizzes, so you know how they look. Make yours a multiple choice quiz with at least ten questions. Then, at the bottom of the page, put a key to the answers and any explanations you need. Quizzes are great places to put facts. Advertisement Create a one page advertisement like you'd see in a magazine. You want to get your reader's attention, demonstrate the need for what you are selling, and show how your product/service will satisfy that need. Study professional ads to see how these goals are accomplished and use those examples as your models. Example: Many sports figures do ads for running shoes and sports equipment. CD cover Create the art work for the front. Include the name of the band and the title of the CD. Then, on another "square," include your list of song titles. CDs generally have between 10-13 songs. See a real CD or album for a model of how yours might look. Greeting card A typical greeting card has a specific purpose: wishing someone a happy birthday or anniversary or expressing a feeling about another occasion. There is a sender and a receiver of the card. Also, the card itself has a cover with an illustration or picture, maybe even a cartoon and an inside with the main message or the punch line to a joke begun on the cover. See several real cards to get a sense of how you could design your card. Be sure you also include a little note to the receiver of the card to make the card personal. Your topic/person can either be the one WRITING the card to someone or he/she can be the one receiving the card.

Post card A post card must have three parts. On the front is the picture and a greeting, such as "Hello from Ontario," or "Wish you were skiing with us." On the back are the address and stamp to the right and the message to the left. People generally write in small print on postcards to let them say everything they want to say or they may write brief ideas. Be sure that each word in your message counts or means something. List We can tell a lot about people, sometimes, by what they buy at the store. For example, someone who never buys any fresh fruits or vegetables may not be eating healthy, well balanced meals. This list can also extend beyond the grocery store to a different store or a list of things to do. Your list should reflect some aspect of a person's preferences or habits. You should include a title at the top, such as "groceries," or "camping supplies," or "what to pack." You must have at least 20 items on your list. Recipe A recipe includes a list of ingredients, directions for mixing, combining, preparing, baking or cooking and serving. To create a recipe for something non food, such as peace or health or a good marriage, think of the essential ingredients. What does it take to be healthy or what are the things a couple must have for a good marriage? List these ingredients. Then show how these ingredients are used or managed. The recipe should be written in typical recipe form. See samples of recipes from magazines or cookbooks for examples. You must create your own, original recipe RELATING to your topic/person. Collage Create a collage of images that represent the key ideas you are representing. The collage can include words and phrases to reinforce ideas. You must also include a short paragraph explaining the significance of the images in your collage. You can create a collage on paper (8 1/2 x 11) and copy it. Graph/chart Create a graph or chart in Excel or on paper. Make sure that the graph or chart is complete with details, numbers, percents, etc. The graph or chart should be able to be read without additional explanation. See other charts or graphs in textbooks, newspapers, or magazines to use as examples. Add a paragraph explaining the data, if you need it. Illustration An illustration is a drawing that illustrates a concept or an idea. It is often accompanied by labels or margin notes to explain aspects of the drawing. An illustration is often done in ink on white paper and is detailed. Think of how a scientist illustrates the process of cell reproduction or how a naturalist illustrates the stages maples trees go through during the four seasons.

Photo gallery/album If you have several pictures, you can create a photo gallery or a photo album where you describe each picture. It cannot be of you, unless you are WITH the person/subject. The description can be a caption that tells who, what, when, where, why and how, and of course, supports your main theme. Also, you could write a short poem or descriptive caption to accompany the photograph. YOUR CHOICE WITH MY APPROVAL!!! If you have an idea that is not listed here that you would like to create or write about, you need to OK it with me first.

NAME_______________________________________Date_____-_____-_____

Checklist for Multi-Genre Project

Check off as you complete each project
Once totally completed, give to Mrs. Romanick to place in your folder for safe keeping!

Cover Front/Back Table of Contents Choice Writing #1__________________________________ Choice Writing #2__________________________________ Choice Writing #3__________________________________ Choice Writing #4__________________________________ Choice Writing #5__________________________________ Choice Writing #6__________________________________ Transition #1______________________________________ Transition #2______________________________________ Transition #3______________________________________ Transition #4______________________________________ Transition #5______________________________________ Transition #6______________________________________ Transition #7______________________________________ Transition #8______________________________________ Transition #9______________________________________ Transition #10_____________________________________ Transition #11_____________________________________ Transition #12_____________________________________ Transition #13_____________________________________ Transition #14_____________________________________ Transition #15_____________________________________ Bibliography (list of resources) 21 note cards from 7 sources o Source 1: o Source 2: o Source 3: o Source 4: o Source 5: o Source 6: o Source 7:

REQUIRED WRITINGS Autobiography: Required Writing #1 Biography: Required Writing #2 Compare/Contrast: Required Writing #3 Letter Writing: Required Writing #4 Narrative Writing: Required Writing #5 Argument/Opinionated Writing: Required Writing #6