Nomination Speech

Title: Nomination Speech

Author:Rene Ribant-Amthor

Grade Level: 9-12

Subject/Content: English/Research and Presentation

Summary of Lesson: Thestudentwill research an influential American author in order to nominate that person for an awarddesigned by the student. The student will write and present a speech in which he or she nominates the author for this award.

Focus Question: What award does your chosen author deserve?Why?

Databases:Biography in Context, Student Resources in Context

Procedures

Teacher Preparation Planning

  1. Instruct students to choose an author. They might focus on contemporary authors, authors of a particular genre, or authors meeting some other criteria correlated to the curriculum.
  2. Direct students to research the author using Biography in Context or Student Resources in Context. Have students focus their research on the author’s biography to identify significant accomplishments or milestones in the author’s career or life.
  3. Instruct students to use this information to create an “award” for which they would like to nominate the author. For example, “Most Satirical Author of the 20th Century,” “Author Most Read by Teenagers,” “Author Appearing in the Greatest Number of Reading Lists,”and so on. Encourage students to be creative in the design of this award.
  4. Instruct students to write and present a speech nominating the author for the award. Students will be assessedon the following:
  5. Introduction of author, including background information
  6. Explanation of the student’s award, if necessary
  7. Three specific reasons the author is being nominated
  8. Conclusion and summary of the author and award
  9. Quality of research, logic/reasoning, organization
  10. Presenter’s enthusiasm, tone, and knowledge of author
  11. Presentation time (2-3 minutes)

Steps/Activities by Students

  1. Select an author to research.
  2. Access Biography in Context orStudent Resources in Contextto research your author. Focus on specific accomplishments or milestones in the author’s career or life.
  3. Determine the most significant accomplishment or milestone and create an award related to this accomplishment/milestone. Be creative.
  4. Write and present a speech nominating your author for this award.
  5. You will be assessed on the following:
  6. Introduction of author, including background information
  7. Explanation of the award, if necessary
  8. Three specific reasons the author is being nominated
  9. Conclusion and summary of the author and award
  10. Quality of research, logic/reasoning, organization
  11. Enthusiasm, tone, knowledge of author
  12. Presentation time (2-3 minutes)

Outcome:Students will practice basic research and reasoning skills in identifying and learningabout an influential author. Students will write and present a speech based on the research performed.

Related Activities

Students write an acceptance speech from the point of view of the author.

Content Standards

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

  • CCSS Informational Text 7 (Grades 9-10). Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person’s life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.
  • CCSS Informational Text 7 (Grades 11-12). Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to address a question or solve a problem.
  • CCSS Writing 4 (Grades 9-12). Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • CCSS Writing 7 (Grades 9-12). Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • CCSS Speaking and Listening (Grades 9-12). Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Source: Common Core State Standards Initiative (2010)

NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

  • NL-ENG.K-12.4 Communication Skills. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
  • NL-ENG.K-12.5Communication Strategies. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
  • NL-ENG.K-12.7 Evaluating Data.Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
  • NL-ENG.K-12.8Developing Research Skills.Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Source: National Council of Teachers of English (1996)

ISTE NETS for Students

  • NETS 2Communication and Collaboration. Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
  • NETS 3Research and Information Fluency. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
  • NETS 4Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
  • NETS 6Technology Operations and Concepts. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Source: ISTE NETS for Students (2007)

Information Literacy Standards

  • Standard 1.The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.
  • Standard 2. The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.
  • Standard 3. The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.
  • Standard 6. The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation.
  • Standard 8. The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology.

Source: American Library Association (1998)

Standards for the 21st Century Learner

  • Standard 1.Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
  • Standard 2.Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.
  • Standard 3.Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.

Source: American Association of School Librarians (2007)