A Culmination of Middle School Experiences:
THE MULTI-GENRE PORTFOLIO
The Challenge: Choose a concept that truly interests you. You will be spending the next few weeks, analyzing, exploring and interpreting this concept, so choose wisely!!!! You will then demonstrate your findings in a portfolio format.
Our Goal: This Portfolio will be a fusion of…
* Creativity
* Research
* Writing
* Design
The possibilities are endless! Think outside the box & challenge yourself!
General Guidelines:
- This is an opportunity for you to be you! Create a portfolio that accurately reflects your interests, experiences, imagination, talents, views, opinions, and creativity! The more personal this is, the more enjoyable and beneficial this experience will be.
- I encourage you to create projects not on the list- see me with any ideas!
- Never put anything off ‘til tomorrow that you can do today. Procrastination will not help you! This project is not designed to stress you out, but it will take hard work, organization, and it will s t r e t c h your mind.
- You will need to work ahead in order to finish your portfolio on time. When you have finished an assignment for a portfolio checkpoint, you should move on to the next assignment. (You may also work on projects out of order, as long as you have what is needed on specified due dates.)
- Save all your work on a flash drive marked with your name and core. You should bring your flash drive to class every day! SAVE YOUR WORK OFTEN.
- Place published work in a three-ring binder or scrapbook. Each page should be in a plastic sleeve if possible. The published draft has no handwriting, or visible glue or tape. Published drafts are ALWAYS in ink and your BEST work.
PORTFOLIO CONCEPT:
Check #1
Due Date______
1. Superhero /Villain _____/10
2. Etymology _____/15
Check #2
Due Date______
3. Poetry _____/15
4. Creative Writing _____/15
- 3 fifty-word stories
- Fable/Fairytale
- Descriptive VVP
Check #3
Due Date______
5. Argumentative / Persuasive Piece _____/15
- Editorial
- Review
Check #4
Due Date______
6. Informative News Article _____/15
Portfolio Check #5
Due Date______
7. About the Author _____/5
8. Formal Opening _____/5
9. Table of Contents _____/5
10. Works Cited _____/5
11. Cover Page _____/5
+ ______/110
Pieces Within the Portfolio:
* Select a concept. Choose an abstract noun that represents a concept of interest to you.
1. Super Hero
Create a unique super hero or villain based on your concept. Write a detailed profile that includes his or her name, super powers and mission. You should also include an illustration. Here are some possible formats: a descriptive paragraph, a wanted poster, a personal ad, or a resume!
2. Etymology
Research the origin/history of the word, including the root, spellings, and definitions. Also address the connotative and denotative meanings of the word. This should be at least one paragraph in length.
3. Poetry
Write THREE original pieces of poetry based on your concept. Use THREE different forms of poetry, and remember that not all poems have to rhyme. No acrostics please!
4. Creative Writing
* Choose at least one of the following…
- Fairy Tale
Create a short fable or fairy tale (about one page) where the moral or plot relates directly to your concept.
- Short fiction
Write THREE different 50-word mini-stories that relate to your concept in some way.
- Descriptive VVP
Compose a descriptive vivid verb paragraph that incorporates your concept in some way. Remember to use all five senses in your description and ACTIVE VERBS!
5. News Article
Pretend that you are a news reporter. Write an informative article about a current event that relates to your concept in some way. This should be about a page in length and include in-text citations and quotations which reference your outside sources.
6. Argumentative / Persuasive Piece
Take a position or stance on an argument that relates to your concept in some way. Support your position with clear reasons and relevant evidence. This should be about a page in length.
7. About the Author
This is a multiple-paragraph description that should focus on your life as a writer. Please write this in third person POV; try not to take yourself too seriously! A photo is encouraged, although an original illustration can be used.
8. Formal Opening
The opening, or preface, should address why you chose your concept as well as reflect on your writing process and the final product. You may also include acknowledgments or dedications. This should be at least one-hundred words in length.
9. Table of Contents
Your Table of Contents should be the first page in your portfolio. Projects and pieces within the portfolio can be in any order you choose, designated by page numbers.
10. Works Cited
Your Works Cited should be the last page in your portfolio. Use MLA style and formatting. REMEMBER to include a minimum of 2 entries: You need to cite your sources for your etymology, and your research component, as well as any other sources or resources you may have used.
11. Cover Page
Use your creativity to come up with a unique title and design to introduce your portfolio. Include your name and core on the cover page also. You may also choose to incorporate transition pages between your portfolio entries.
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I understand the requirements of the Multi-Genre Portfolio and agree to do my best work. I understand that this is more of an independent project; it will require effort and challenge me as a writer/artist/researcher. I will ask for help from my teachers and my parents when I need it. I will not procrastinate, and I will use my class time wisely.
X______
I understand the challenges of the Multi-Genre Portfolio and agree to help in any way possible. I promise to provide portfolio checkpoints to help students break this assignment into manageable parts. I will be open to creative, original student ideas and pursuits. I will be available for students one-on-one during class, and will host after-school workshop time.
Sincerely yours, K. Claxon & K. Foley