Op-Ed assignment (07)

ENG3UI Unit 3 – Literature and the “Real World” March 2007

Ms Rice Synthesis Op/Ed Piece

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS have guided our study throughout the year:

Essential question for course overall –

What role does language play in the way humans relate to one another?

Questions for this year’s units:

Unit 1 – Find Your Voice – How do speakers and writers use different means to create their voices

Unit 2 – Power and the Art of Discourse – How do speakers and writers use language to shape and manipulate opinions of others?

In this Unit, we ask, “How does literature and other writing reflect people’s relationships in personal and political spheres?”

In this assignment, you will demonstrate that you:

* have established your own voice

* can use it to shape the opinions of your readers

* are able to evaluate the voices and ideas of others

* are able to develop your own opinions about issues that matter to you

Using the materials you have gathered in your journals during the year, you will narrow down your ideas and raw data to a single issue in the “real world” that interests you. You will then synthesize your sources and develop your own opinion about that issue, in a research-supported opinion piece (a “researched argument” or synthesis essay).

Final products to be submitted:

• • annotated bibliography of sources (due March 5 – more details to come)

  • your journal containing all your collected source materials (ungraded – for reference only)

  • a formal portfolio that includes:

    • • 3-5 source materials representing a mix of informational and opinion materials representing a range of sources & data

      • one visual source (e.g.: chart, graph or cartoon)

      • an opinion piece written by you that takes a clear position on the issue, using and making direct reference to the collected material listed above (approximately 2 pages, plus a Works Cited list)

Evaluation

Your final products (portfolio and annotated bibliography) will be evaluated based on the following general criteria (full rubric below):

Knowledge/Understanding:

Opinion piece shows a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the issue

Thinking/Inquiry:

Material collection and annotation demonstrate careful selection and evaluation of sources

Arguments are supported by thorough logic, reasoning, and evidence

Rhetorical choices enhance writing

Communication:

Diction is rich, varied, and mature

Ideas progress forcefully in an organized way

Writing employs a voice appropriate to purpose

Application:

Mechanics are polished

Bibliographic format and citation style are correct