Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contents/Overview
Step 1: Assignment: Topic approval form (pages 2-3)
Choose a topic that is of great interest to you that can be described as a “cause.” Identify a problem in your community or
beyond and generate a topic idea. You will be more specific than these categories. You will be choosing a topic proposal from
one of the following general categories:
Public Health & Safety Bullying & Violence
The Environment Discrimination
Human Rights Education
Natural Disasters
Our Troops
Poverty/Homelessness
Physical & Mental Health
Animals
*alternates may be approved by teacher
Step 3a: Assignment: Research, save to Word, highlight and annotate electronically (pages 4-9)
Research your cause using the invisible web.
Step 5: Assignment: Main Project: proposal; social media project (pages 24-33)
Write a proposal explaining your project choice; create an Action and Awareness Project showcasing the issue
The first step in the process of creating your Senior Project is to determine a cause or issue worthy of your time
and efforts. Even though you may already have an idea of the cause you wish to promote, the sites below may
be able to give your ideas direction with concrete ways to proceed with promoting awareness and taking
action.
Start by browsing the sites below looking both for causes as well as ways to bring those causes to the public so
that you can make a difference.
Act Now: The Matrix: This section of the site lets you choose a
cause, and then gives you ideas about how to make it your own.
o http://www.dosomething.org/actnow
Causes on Facebook: This page gives you information on projects that are currently being pursued
by category. You could adapt one of these to make it your project. The problem: This is a Facebook
link and must be viewed from home or from a mobile device.
o http://apps.facebook.com/causes/causes
Also, check out McLeod’s website (Dakotamcleod.weebly.com) for other specific causes
students have succeeded with in the past.
2
Request for Approval
Senior Project Topic/Cause
1. What is the specific cause/issue you want to research? Be specific in your wording. (What conflict?)
2. Why is this cause/issue important to YOU? Explain in a paragraph of at least 5 sentences why this issue
is important to you personally.
5. At what level is this cause/issue affecting people? (Circle one) This will be your main audience.
Local/Dakota Statewide
Local/Macomb Twp. National
Local/Macomb County International
Local/Metro Area
STEP 2
Research and the Annotated Bibliography
3
Research Requirements
1. 8 different sources HIGHLIGHTED AND ANNOTATED with the following labels
1. Only one article may be used from each source (for example, only one article from the New York
Times; only one article from the ASPCA, etc.)
o Four sources dealing with the PROBLEMS/CAUSES OF THE PROBLEMS
o Two sources dealing with the SOLUTIONS
o Two sources dealing with CURRENT PROGRAMS THAT SUCCESSFULLY ARE
RESOLVING THE PROBLEM
2. Wikipedia or any wiki site may only be used as ONE of your sources
3. Sources must be credible and should vary: interviews, films, websites, articles and books.
The Process
Read Closely, Then Analyze
First, you must read the sources carefully. Gather as much information on your topic as possible. The
more you read, the more you know and understand.
Second, you must analyze the argument each source is making: What assertion is the source making
about the issue? What support, data or evidence does the source offer in support of that claim?
After Analysis: Find and Establish a Position
Third, you need to generalize about your own potential stand on the issue. The writer should ask, "What
are two or three (or more) possible positions on this issue that I could take? Which of those positions do
I really want to take? Why? What other awareness programs and action plans have been implemented
concerning this topic?" The answers to these questions will lead you to your awareness and action
sections of your project.
5
Identifying Bias
It's important to understand bias when you are researching because it helps you see the purpose of a text,
whether it's a piece of writing, a painting, a photograph - anything.
Many sources are biased in that people who write have personal feelings about the world, and thus about
many issues. Most writers write about issues precisely because they are passionate about those issues, but
sometimes, passion for an issue can kill objectivity and fairness. Rush Limbaugh is a good example of a biased
source. Not to rip on Rush, but in reading his work or listening to his program, it is clear on what side of most
issues he will fall. His material would act as support for most issues that favor a conservative approach.
However, the opposing view is rarely given much serious attention. To be fair, there is bias also from the other
side of the ideological fence: ultra-liberal democrats such as Michael Moore and Bill Maher.
Bias is a one-sided, usually emotion-driven, approach to an issue that lacks respectful regard to opposing
views. This is the antithesis of critical thinking. Any time personal feelings overtake critical thought – the ability
to analyze information in a logical, unemotional manner – there is a possibility of bias.
You need to be able to identify bias in every source you use. The following questions will help you work out
how reliable and accurate information is. As you discuss bias in the Annotated Bibliography, make sure you use
some of the questions listed below in your analysis.
1. Where to begin… First, read it, and then:
Determine the writer’s main point (thesis).
Identify the premises (reasons) the author provides to support his/her main point. Are they
connected to the main point? Do they sound plausible?
Examine the evidence the author uses to support his/her premises. It is factual information? Is it
relevant to the issue? If not, it’s not good.
Is the author's evidence from reliable sources? Does the author attribute and cite sources? Even
the experts need to play by the same rules we do.
2. Who created the resource?
Whether it's a book, journal article, website or photograph, sources are influenced by the ideas of the
person who created them.
Think about the creator's age, religion, race and occupation. For example:
o If you and your teacher both had to write an essay about the importance of homework, you
would probably give very different answers...
o If an article is written by David Duke on how America should treat its minority populations
in the wake of terrorism, one might be cautioned if they learn that Duke was once a leader in
the Ku Klux Klan. There might be some bias here.
o Rush Limbaugh is a good example of a biased source. In reading his work or listening to his
program, it is clear on what side of most issues he will fall. And there you go. His material
would act as support for most issues that favor a conservative approach. However, the
opposing view is rarely given much serious attention. To be fair, there is bias from the other
side of the ideological fence: ultra-liberal democrats such as Michael Moore or Bill Maher.
whether the creator is presenting the whole story – you'll need to read widely to get all perspectives
whether the creator is an expert on the topic.
Answer the question: How does the background of the person who wrote the material influence
his or her opinion about the subject?
3. Where was the information published?
A publisher is the agency that prints the material writers submit, and therefore a publisher isn’t just
an agency that prints books or magazines. You can consider web sites and news agencies as
publishers, too.
6
Answer the question: was the site created to advocate for the topic, or is the site a balanced,
objective source providing all sides to the issue?
Resources
Dakota’s Media Center:
http://www.chippewavalleyschools.org/schools/high-schools/dhs/media-center/
Academic OneFile:
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=AONE&u=lom_accessmich
eLibrary:
http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/search
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=STOM&u=lom_accessmich
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?
p=SPN.SP00&u=lom_accessmich&authCount=1&selfRedirect=true
http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/?userGroupName=lom_accessmich
McLeod’s Website:
http://Dakotamcleod.weebly.com
Listing of interesting, and mostly current, articles in various areas
of society.
8
Source Evaluation Worksheet
This worksheet must be completed for each of the 8 required sources and submitted as part of the file,
then posted to Black Board (bb91.misd.net).
Copy and paste this page into your document to accompany your annotated bibliographies and articles
Topic/stance/subject:
9
Step 3b: Annotated Bibliography
Example
Format
Hanging indent for citation
Summary and assessment paragraphs indented to match hanging indent
Single space bib citations and within each individual paragraph; double space between sections
and paragraphs (it should look like the following example)
Ehrenreich, Barbara. Nickel and Dimed: On (not) getting by in America. New York: Henry Holt and Company,
2001. Print.
In this book of nonfiction based on the journalist's experiential research, Ehrenreich attempts to ascertain
whether it is currently possible for an individual to live on a minimum-wage in America. Taking jobs as
a waitress, a maid in a cleaning service, and a Wal-Mart sales employee, the author summarizes and
reflects on her work, her relationships with fellow workers, and her financial struggles in each situation.
Ehrenreich’s project is timely, descriptive, and well-researched.
An experienced journalist, Barbara Ehrenreich is also the author of 14 books and has been a contributor
to magazines such as Harpers, The New York Times, Time and The Nation. She went “undercover” as a
minimum wage worker and described her experiences in this book.
Ehrenreich is aware of the limitations of her experiment and the ethical implications of her experiential
research tactics and reflects on these issues in the text. The author is forthcoming about her methods and
supplements her experiences with scholarly research on her places of employment, the economy, and the
rising cost of living in America. There is some bias in the text. As she experiences the trials of being a
member of the working poor, she comments on how difficult life is for low-wage workers.
Ehrenreich’s book is a valuable source for information on the struggles of the working poor in America.
Compared to the article by Smith, Ehrenreich’s work is done in the first person which provides insights
not available from a traditional news article. Ehrenreich is able to put a face on each person’s struggle
which helps the reader better relate to the struggles of the working poor.
In the sample annotation above, the writer includes four sections: a summary and three assessments of the text:
author qualification, objectivity of source and comparison to other sources.
Answer these questions for each section and include them in this order in your AB:
Summarize (2-3 sentences): What are the main arguments? What is the point of this book or article?
What topics are covered?
Assess Author (1-2 sentences): What are the qualifications of the author? If no author is listed,
discuss the authority of the source (magazine or web site)
Assess Objectivity (2-3 sentences): Is this source biased or objective? How do you know? Respond to
specific questions on the bias handout.
Assess Source Comparison (3-4 sentences): How does it compare to at least one other source in your
research? Be specific and name articles by title or author. Why was (or why wasn’t) this source helpful
to you?
10
Research and Annotated Bibliography
Rubric
Total _____
100
11
STEP 4
The Synthesis Essay
What it is and what it is not
Prompt:
Using the focus of your senior project research, synthesize information from multiple sources to
communicate the problems, existing solutions, and further actions needed in a well-crafted essay.
The synthesis essay is a researched conversation. You will be entering a persuasive discussion about a topic that
has already been written about discussing the problems created by the issue and what should be done to solve
the problem. There are specific characteristics of a synthesis essay:
Use sources cited in your essay to support thesis with a clear, organized position
Consider purpose, audience, and point of view
Basic Synthesis
What It Is…
DEFINITION: Synthesis occurs when two or more different sources are used as evidence or support for an
argumentative point or counterargument.
The second half of each paragraph should be YOUR OWN analysis and explanation of the topic
based upon all of the research you have conducted.
o After presenting the research, you will explain in further detail what you know about
problems, solutions and actions that need to be taken.
o This could include, but is not limited to…
educated opinion on the information presented – this should not simply be a statement
that indicates agreement or disagreement, but it should include explanations about why
and how these conclusions exist.
12
further explanation about the topic being discussed that incorporates your vast
understanding of the topic and expands upon information presented in the research.
13
Simpson states, “I love chocolate” (14). Wayland Smithers agrees with this
sentiment, stating, “Chocolate is the greatest discovery humankind can
claim” (qtd. in Craigo 17).
Note that both quotes come from the same source. It’s not synthesis; note how the definition requires two or
more different sources to be used.
14
The Synthesis Essay Outline
2. Body: the body paragraphs should develop your topic persuasively establishing for the reader why this
topic warrants awareness and action, explain what programs already exist, and specifically explain your
awareness/action plan. Whenever you use a source for the first time. Establish that source’s credibility.
Section 1: Warranting Awareness/Action – THE PROBLEMS – should be two or more paragraphs. Each
problem should be developed in separate paragraph.
A. Begin each paragraph with a main assertion/point in the topic sentence (ex. Chemical
pesticides should not be used on foods because these chemicals are altering the DNA of
human beings).
B. Support: support your assertion using your research
C. Explain: discuss how the evidence supports your assertion (problem) based upon the overall
knowledge of the topic; put emphasis on showing the extent of the problem and why action is
needed
Section 4: Action Plan – WHAT THE AUDIENCE NEEDS TO DO – this should be one paragraph.
A. Assert what the audience needs to do (specific action)
B. Support your assertion with research proving it’s possible or that it would work
C. Explain how/why their contributions would make an impact
15
3. Conclusion: the final paragraph should do the following.
Start specific with a reworded thesis
Bring the topic out to a broad perspective
Signify what the reader can do to contribute positively to your topic
Conclude with a positive, hopeful tone
Synthesis Essay
Thesis Development Worksheet
There are 3 general ways to develop a thesis statement. Use one of these methods:
1. Direct Statement: Eating too much sugar is dangerous, but step can be taken to change our consumer
culture to prevent problems.
Now try drafting a thesis using EACH of the methods listed above:
1. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2.
a. __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Write the thesis statement you like best on your Planning Sheet (in Project Packet), then review this worksheet
with your teacher.
16
Synthesis Essay: The Opener and Conclusion
First, there are SEVERAL methods, or HOOKS (openers), to get your reader’s attention. These are the types
that will earn credit if done correctly and effectively.
For the SYNTHESIS ESSAY you will select one of these methods. Then your will FRAME the
discussion regarding your topic. That is to provide the information NECESSARY for the reader to
understand your topic. It could be a brief history or explanation of the topic’s background. This
17
For the CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH, you will BEGIN by restating your THESIS STATEMENT in a
NEW WAY. After restating the thesis, you must do more than summarize by selecting one of the
methods in the chart below. Remember NEVER add new source information!
Method Explanation
1. State a Logical Explain that the evidence
Conclusion provided in the essay leads
to a specific result or
outcome.
Examples
18
The Synthesis Essay: Pre-Write/Planning Worksheet
Topic:
1. Intro
a. Attention-getting opener (quote or anecdote):
b. Background/context/setting:
c. Thesis: (A solid thesis must indicate the topic, that problems stem from the topic, and that there
are solutions to solve the problems. These do not need to be stated directly. They can be implied.
Write as a complete sentence.)
2. Problem One:
a. Proof from source A:
b. Credibility of source A:
c. Relationship word(s):
e. Credibility of source B:
3. Problem Two:
19
a. Proof from source C:
b. Credibility of source C:
c. Relationship word(s):
e. Credibility of source D:
4. Solution One:
a. Proof from source:
b. Credibility of source:
c. Relationship word(s):
e. Credibility of source:
5. Solution Two:
a. Proof from source:
20
b. Credibility of source:
c. Relationship word(s):
e. Credibility of source:
d. Explanation
7. Audience Action
a. The belief(s) you want the audience to hold on this subject:
8. How will you do more than summarize in the second part of your conclusion? How will you bring out
the relevancy and importance or consequences of following through or not following through?
(Example Works Cited)
Works Cited
Dean, Cornelia. "Executive on a Mission: Saving the Planet." The New York Times, 22 May 2007,
Ebert, Roger. Review of An Inconvenient Truth, directed by Davis Guggenheim. rogerebert.com, 1 June 2006,
Gowdy, John. "Avoiding Self-organized Extinction: Toward a Co-evolutionary Economics of Sustainability." International Journal of
Sustainable Development and World Ecology, vol. 14, no. 1, 2007, pp. 27-36.
An Inconvenient Truth. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, performances by Al Gore and Billy West, Paramount, 2006.
Leroux, Marcel. Global Warming: Myth Or Reality?: The Erring Ways of Climatology. Springer, 2005.
Milken, Michael, et al. "On Global Warming and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly, vol. 23, no. 4, 2006, p. 63.
Nordhaus, William D. "After Kyoto: Alternative Mechanisms to Control Global Warming." American Economic Review, vol. 96, no. 2, 2006,
pp. 31-34.
---. "Global Warming Economics." Science, vol. 294, no. 5545, 9 Nov. 2001, pp. 1283-84, DOI: 10.1126/science.1065007.
Regas, Diane. “Three Key Energy Policies That Can Help Us Turn the Corner on Climate.” Environmental Defense Fund, 1 June 2016,
Revkin, Andrew C. “Clinton on Climate Change.” The New York Times, 17 May 2007,
Shulte, Bret. "Putting a Price on Pollution." US News & World Report, vol. 142, no. 17, 14 May 2007, p. 37. Ebsco, Access no: 24984616.
Uzawa, Hirofumi. Economic Theory and Global Warming. Cambridge UP, 2003.
22
Synthesis Essay: Rubric
1. Synthesis/Structure
Essay effectively synthesizes the information from six or more sources in assembling a purposefully
persuasive essay
o Correctly compares two or more different established and credible sources in each body
paragraph using relationship words
o Develops clear and convincing arguments using sources
o Essay aptly refers to at least six different sources
o Transitions between paragraphs
Essay demonstrates understanding of the complex ideas presented in each of the sources chosen
o Half of each body paragraph comprised of student’s own analysis
□ Introduction (10 pts.) _____ /10
Grab the reader’s attention
Introduce the topic
Include a clear and concise thesis statement suggesting problems and solutions
□ Body (50 pts.)
Paragraph 2: Problem #1 _____ /50
Assert the problem using a clear topic sentence
Show a relationship between two sources
Provide analysis
Paragraph 3: Problem #2
Same as problem #1
Paragraph 4: Solution #1
Assert the solution using a clear topic sentence
Show a relationship between two sources
Provide analysis
Paragraph 5: Solution #2
Same as solution #1
Paragraph 6: What’s already being done
Describe what programs already exist concerning your topic
Suggested Discussion: Evaluate currents programs. Is there enough being done? What is
missing? Theorize why people are not aware of the problem, explain how/why programs
are needed and what they will add to programs that already exist, or how they will
contribute to the topic overall
Paragraph 7: Audience Action
Assert the action using a clear topic sentence
Show a relationship between two sources
Provide personal analysis
□ Conclusion (05 pts.) _____ / 5
Start specific with a restated thesis/summary
Do more than summarize
Conclude with a positive, hopeful statement
2. Writing Conventions
MLA format
o MLA 8 essay format (5 pts.) _____ / 5
o Internal citations/Works Cited used and formatted correctly (20 pts.) _____ / 20
At least six different sources listed
Alphabetical Order
23
Citations formatted using MLA 8 style
In-text citations match works cited entries
Demonstrates control over language (10 pts.) _____/ 10
o Punctuation, sentence clarity, vocabulary/word choice, transitional words/phrases
o Appropriate balance of quote, paraphrase and summary
Total _____ 100
STEP 5
Choose a Project and Complete a Proposal
This proposal should be formatted using a bulleted summary format: use headings, subheadings, bulleted lists
and short sentences/phrases rather than full sentences and paragraphs. It should look like what is presented
below. All information listed below must be included in the proposal. This will be scored as credit/no credit as a
check-in. Submit to BlackBoard.
Project Title
Create a short, descriptive title for your project.
o Make it appropriate and attention-getting – like a slogan for your cause
Do not make this a section in this proposal – just make a good title and put it at the top with
“Project Proposal” underneath your title
1. Project Description
What is your project format choice? (Website, documentary, etc.)
What downloadable artifacts you will create.
4. New Learning
What new learning will you need to acquire?
What you will need to learn how to do to complete the project?
5. Personal Goals
Describe the likely results or other outcomes of your project.
o What you hope to accomplish by creating awareness of your cause?
The purpose of this project is to demonstrate leadership by creating awareness and requesting action on a cause you feel is important.
Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty
When creating mass media projects, the rules about using material from outside sources in essays also
apply to web sites, blogs and documentary productions
It is never acceptable to use information in your work from an outside source without giving credit to
that source
It is rarely appropriate to use information verbatim (word-for-word) on your web site or in your
documentary.
o Most information should be paraphrased and summarized
Save the occasional quotation for highly dramatic statements that would lose their impact
if not quoted verbatim
o Information that is used as a quotation must include a parenthetical citation (MLA format)
immediately following the quote
You must provide a list of sources and include this list in your project (normally the final page of your
web site or the end of your video production). This list should be in MLA format.
Include any pictures, graphics, or other visual aids
25
o Video projects must be posted to You Tube and then linked to a social
media site such as a one-page web site or a public Facebook page
dedicated to your topic
At least 2 downloadable artifacts which are informational and/or action oriented to be uploaded to the
mass/social media element. (Page 31)
Sections of Project – each project must include these sections (These could be pages in a website)
Introduction/Overview
o This section should explain the purpose of your project and why your audience should care about
the topic.
Problem/Causes
o Explain the problems related to your issue and what causes the problems
Solutions
o Discuss solutions that will work to solve the problems – this section must clearly state how the
solutions discussed will solve the problems noted previously
Testimonials
o First-hand accounts of people that have dealt with this problem, or are creating solutions
Take Action
o What have you done (Share your personal action)?
o What can the audience do to help solve the problems?
What specific steps does the audience need to follow? – be very specific here
How will these steps affect the problems?
More Information
o Live links to resources the audience can visit to learn more about the topic
Each live link must also include the name of the organization to which the audience is
being linked and what the organization is about
For example,
o World Wildlife Fund: WWF’s mission is to conserve nature and reduce
the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on
Earth. www.worldwildlife.org
o Live link to other students’ projects, with descriptions as to what they entail
About the author
o Who you are and why you created the site (part of your senior English class experience to show
leadership in a cause important to you); why the cause is important to you (from Project
Proposal). Don’t focus on this in the presentation. Do not give too personal of information.
Sources
o A list of ALL resources used to create this project (your Works Cited page)
MLA 8 style citations
Include images and graphics
26
Main Project Formats
Format 1 – Create a documentary showcasing an issue and suggesting solutions or next steps.
Video clips, first-hand interviews, photos, graphic images and narration that demonstrate a problem and
its solutions
o The student film maker will interview individuals relevant to the cause and incorporate these
along with narration about the topic
Posted with a live link to a mass/social media site
o Site must include 2 downloadable PDF artifacts, an Overview, More Information, About the
Author, and Sources
At least 5 minutes in length
Must include the following information/sections
o Attention-Getting Title o Solutions
o Introduction to Topic o Testimonials
o Problems/Causes o Take Action
Format 2 – Create a digital story showcasing a cause and individuals who have exhibited social responsibility.
Videos, photographs, background music, interviews and narration that tells the story of the cause
presented
At least 5 minutes in length
Posted with a live link to a mass/social media site
o Site must include 2 downloadable PDF artifacts, an Overview, More Information, About the
Author, and Sources
Must include the following information/sections
o Attention-Getting Title
o Introduction to Topic
o Problems/Causes
o Solutions
o Testimonials
o Take Action
Format 3 – Create a “Story Corp” audio story showcasing a cause and how individuals have demonstrated
leadership in an issue or cause. Listen to the Story Corp project found at the National Public Radio website. The
focus of most Story Corp projects is someone who has made a difference in a cause.
See examples on NPR’s web site: http://www.npr.org/series/4516989/storycorps
Posted with a live link to a mass/social media site
o Site must include 2 downloadable PDF artifacts, Powerful Images, an Overview, More
Information, About the Author, and Sources
A three-minute audio story that highlights a cause and tells an individual’s personal story
o Interview segments
o Narrated segments
o Background music appropriate to tone of story
Must include the following information/sections
o Attention-Getting Title
o Introduction to Topic
o Problems/Causes
27
o Solutions
o Testimonials
o Take Action
□ Testimonials
o Who is this problem affecting?
o Who is working on solutions?
o What proof is there of their involvement?
□ Action
29
o Clear statement of the action being requested
How will the action solve problem/issue?
Who should take action?
When should the action begin?
What is the timeline for the action to work?
o Action requested must have two aspects
Physical action–request for audience to do something: donate, write letter, volunteer, etc.)
Change in attitude – the way you want people to think differently
o Clear declaration and proof of how you took action
□ Learn More
o List of at least 3 resources for people to learn more about the issue
□ Sources
o Complete bib information in MLA format listing ALL sources used
Must be a separate tab/section for web page or blog or at the end of a video production
□ Downloadable Artifacts
o At least two PDF-formatted documents uploaded to your project site that provide materials that
your audience can open and print (see project packet for examples)
□ Powerful Images
o Video or still images that vividly capture the issue
o Images must clearly advocate for the issue/problem. Additional images could relate to solutions
□ Audience
o A clearly identified target audience (audience must be named within project)
o Audience must be the group MOST able to affect the issue
□ Testimonials
o People who are known – or well known – are useful in promoting a cause
Noteworthy people who have supported your cause
Those affected by the issue who have an emotional appeal to the audience
Must include two
o Ethos (Ethics): language appropriate to audience and subject; restrained, sincere, fair
minded, balanced presentation; appropriate level of vocabulary; correct grammar, clear
indication you care about the issue (mostly part of the “About the Author” section)
□ Title
o Attention-getting
o Clearly indicates an issue
o Smoothly integrated into project format
Peer Review
1. Post your project link to Blackboard (discussion board)
2. Look through at least three peers’ projects thoroughly and thoughtfully
3. Go through the check list for the senior project (previous two pages)
4. List all the pieces that you see missing or needing improvement, and explain to your peer what needs to
them.
31
Name _________________________________________
32
Part 4: Personal Action (10 points) _____
o Clearly shown in project
o Action you have taken personally to make a difference with the issue/cause chosen
o Must provide clear, timely documentation of work completed
o Live links are provided for any social media accounts
Total _____/ 100
Presentation Tips and Tricks Use this list to help you rehearse before you present
□ Use professional language
□ Be aware of your tendencies: question inflections, “like” or “um”, etc.
33
□ Don’t go through your “about the author”
□ Rehearse: get in front of an audience and run through the presentation multiple time. Get feedback!
□ Don’t end with “And that’s it.” End with your conclusion and “positive, hopeful tone.”
□ Don’t admit any possible faults in your presentation (that’s tattling on yourself!)
34
On exam day you will write a Reflective Essay in which you will be asked to evaluate what you have done in
the course of creating the project, and to compare what you have done to what others in class have done. The
essay will be worth 65 percent of your exam grade.
For your senior project you have chosen an issue or cause which is important to you for some reason. For your
final exam, you are being asked to produce a reflective essay that will describe and analyze your experience in
producing this project. A reflective essay is a form of personal narrative providing a thoughtful analysis of the
work you have completed and comparing that work to what others have done. This is a flashback process where
you will explore a problem and think over what you have learned from it.
Prompt:
Reflect upon and describe the process you used to develop your senior project and compare what you have
done to what your classmates have produced.
At first it may seem extremely difficult to collect your thoughts on a subject you care about in a way that would
be clear to others. A reflective essay really tends to be one of the most complicated essays to write because there
is no set structure. So here are some useful tips on how to cope with the task of writing.
Brainstorm
Before writing your reflective essay, collect all the materials you have used while studying the problem. Look
through them carefully; write out the most prominent ideas. Look back at the difficulties you have been faced
with, outline the ways of solving them. Make notes about the weak and the strong aspects of your work. Review
the peer-evaluation worksheets and compare your work to what others have done on both similar and different
topics.
Points To Consider:
Stick to the point
Be concrete – make examples specific. Describe specific moments in time in detail. What were your
thoughts and actions at that time?
36
Give bright explanations that are highly descriptive and detailed
Write in a clear style – organize before you begin. First person is appropriate.
Note that there’s no exact length limit for your reflective essay, but it must be thorough and specific. A
five-paragraph essay is appropriate.
Reflective Essay Rubric
37
Mechanics Frequent spelling, Some distracting Contains Proofreading is
punctuation, and errors. Needs more occasional thorough. Correct
typographical errors. thorough spelling, spelling and
No evidence of proofreading. punctuation, and punctuation
proofreading. typographical throughout.
errors, but the
errors are not
overly distracting.
Concrete/ No peer examples One or two peer Two or three peer At least three peer
Relevant used. examples are examples are examples are
Examples mentioned, but are mentioned. discussed.
not explained Explanations are Explanations are
clearly. present, though not clear and relevant.
full or completely
relevant.
Total _______ / 10
2. Discuss the process of completing the project from start to finish choosing
the most important moments in the process to narrate.
3. Discuss what you think you did well and what you think you could have
improved upon.
5. Plan out the essay in advance and come to class with an outline or map of
what you plan to write and the order in which you will present the
narrative.
38
6. Possible topics for discussion in the body of the essay could include
a. Choosing a topic
b. Researching
c. Your choice of project format
d. Choice you made during the construction of the project regarding
how the project was put together
e. Time management during the process
f. What you think you did very well or better than others
g. What you think you could have done better and that others did
better than you
Service/Volunteer Activity
Documentation Form
Student Name
Describe activity/service
performed in detail
39
Amount of time spent
performing activity –
include arrival and end
times as well as total time
spent
Complete address of
activity location
Supervisor contact
information (phone and/or
email address)
40