Midterm: English III

2011

Purpose: A midterm should reflect a student’s learning from the first semester. This learning should present itself through concepts, themes, and conclusions, based on the state standards.

Objective:The students will collaborate to answer a key driving question, using the literature and informational material they have mastered in class. They will present the proposal both orally and in a written portfolio.

Driving Question: What corrupts people?

Literary Focus: Macbeth, The Canterbury Tales, anything in society that deals with corruption.

World Focus: unlimited

Product: Based on the theme of corruption, this product/proposal should create/affect social change. You will create a ‘solution’ to corruption that you see in society and present it to the class.

Theme: It’s all political.

Standards:

E3-1.3 – Evaluate devices of figurative language (metaphor, paradox, pun oxymoron).

E3-1.1 – Compare/contrast ideas within and across literary texts to make inferences.

E3-1.4- Evaluate the relationship among character, plot, conflict, and theme ina given literary text.

E3-1.5- Analyze the effect of the author’s craft (including tone and the use ofimagery, flashback, foreshadowing, symbolism, motif, irony, andallusion) on the meaning of literary texts.

E3-1.6- C03410reate responses to literary texts through a variety of methods (forexample, written works, oral and auditory presentations, discussions,media productions, and the visual and performing arts).

E3-2- The student will read and comprehend a variety of informationaltexts in print and nonprint formats.

E3-2.7- Evaluate propaganda techniques and rhetorical devices ininformational texts.

E3-4 - The student will create written work that has a clear focus,sufficient detail, coherent organization, effective use of voice,correct use of the conventions of written Standard AmericanEnglish.

Components of Project:

1. Compose a newspaper article for the tabloid “The Tattler”. The article will cover the corruption of Macbeth and should include:

  1. A catchy headline (pun)
  2. A description of Macbeth (metaphor)
  3. Focus on the bloody deeds – remember it is for a tabloid and blood and guts sell!
  4. Quotes from witnesses and family members of the victims (direct quotes from the play)
  1. Proposal- Create a proposal that answers the driving question. In the proposal, you will present your solution to the problem of corruption in society. The oral proposal will include:
  2. a final “product”- something that creates social change.
  3. A visual representing your product
  4. A connection to Macbeth through themes/ideas
  5. Symbols from Macbeth and your product

The proposal will be graded on: nonverbal and verbal skills, content (see rubric)

  1. Portfolio- Given after presentation

Will include:

  1. A summary of your proposal/product
  2. A personal reflection that states: the role you played, what you learned, how it ties in with political literature. This must include a work from the Canterbury Tales and Macbeth (individual)
  3. An interview of your peers asking 5 questions about corruption.
  4. Interview questions (typed).

Your project will be graded using the criteria listed in your checklists and rubric.

Points Breakdown:

  1. Presentation50 points
  2. Proposal(all must be included)50 points
  3. Final product
  4. Visual
  5. Macbeth connection
  6. Symbols
  1. Portfolio50 points
  2. Interviewquestions and responses (20)
  3. Personal reflection (30)

4. Tabloid article50 points

Total:200 points

Benchmarks:

Nov. 30/Dec. 1: Create proposal/planDec. 5/6: Tabloid Draft Due

Dec. 7/8: Work Day Dec. 12: Final Touches

Dec. 13-16: Presentations/Portfolios Due