Lots of info here, so read closely! Class rosters at the very bottom.
Quoting guidelines for a play! Any quotes that are blocked, should be single-spaced. Ex:
VLADIMIR. But one of the four says that one of the two was saved.
ESTRAGON. Well? They don’t agree and that’s all there is to it.
VLADIMIR. But all four were there. And only one speaks of a thief being saved. Why
believe him rather than the others? (this line should be indented quarter inch)
ESTRAGON. Who believes him?
VLADIMIR. Everybody. It’s the only version they know.
1. Due 6/12–INDEX CARDS–Be sure to have your index cards filled out for our wee brown bags! Remember, this is meant to be wonderfully positive and absolutely anonymous.
2. PBA–Comparative Essay
The following are due Monday 6/12:
- TWO COPIES of your PBA essay (one for me and one for your partner)
- Edited first draft with your editor’s name clearly marked at the bottom of the first page.
- Cover Letter (Guidelines below)
Due the day of your presentation:
- Index cards or notes showing that you have prepared for your opening 2 minute presentation.
- Copy of your essay for YOU to refer to during the presentation.
- Your partner’s essay with your notes/questions written on the essay.
Failure to have any of the above means you are not prepared for your presentation.
Expectations for your presentation:
The meeting will last for 20 minutes (10 min per student). The first 2 minutes belong to you. TAKE ME BEHIND THE SCENES OF YOUR ESSAY.
While it is interesting to hear you discuss your thesis and your development of the argument, I am more interested in the thought process behind the essay. So organize your presentation in this fashion:
* Open with your thesis.
* Then, a little flashback. Take us through the thought process that led to that argument. Why did you choose those quotations? How do they help in the development of your argument? Why that argument? What were some of the challenges along the way? Etc. All throughout, I expect you to demonstrate great control of the material. (most of the time should be spent here)
As you are articulating the hows and whys of your argument (i.e. why this argument, how you proved your argument), feel free to include any last minute points that you would have included had you more time. While you should prepare your notes/note cards for the meeting, I don’t want you reading to me. The notes/note cards are there to show me that you have prepared for the meeting and they are there as a last resort reminder.
* During the remaining time, I and your second assessor will ask you a series of questions. During this time we might:
- Challenge an assertion
- Question your application of Existentialism (if relevant)
- Question your use of evidence. Ask questions if you don’t understand how the evidence is being used.
- Ask that you clarify a point
- Ask questions about the development of your thesis
- Present counter arguments
- Ask questions about your source material
- Ask questions that give you an opportunity to demonstrate greater depth of control.
3. Cover Letter (instructions below)
One or two pages
Single-spaced, with a double spaces between paragraphs
Letter format addressed to (top left hand corner):
Sean Leon
The Beacon School
522 W. 44th St.
New York, NY 10036
Sign the letter!
Three paragraphs in all (with an optional 4th opening paragraph)!
Para #1: Optional! A brief introductory paragraph that introduces the purpose of the letter and introduces the contents of the portfolio. Get funky creative in introducing the letter. Leave a trace of your personality here.
Para #2: Which creative piece are you submitting for your PBA? Discuss the creative inspiration behind your creative piece. Take me through that process as well. If you are submitting a group project it is imperative to detail your contributions to the final project.
Para #3: Discuss the process of writing the essay focusing on what you believe to be the strengths and weaknesses of the essay. Address how those weaknesses could be addressed. Address the following questions about the comparative essay: What do you think you did well on this assignment? What do you think you could have done better with this assignment?
Para #4: A concluding paragraph (and most important paragraph) that reflects on the year as a whole. You must reflect on yourself as an English student at this point in high school. What do you need to work on in the future? Where do you go from here? How have you developed over the course of this year? I could go on and on; I think you get the idea for this final paragraph. Optionally, you can reflect on your Self at this point in your journey through life. In short this paragraph is about YOU!
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