Parents, Students, and Ed Smith Friends,
Here are the first three assignment sheets for the Culminating Portfolio Assessment. They are, in order: Nonfiction Expository Piece, Creative Writing Piece, and Personal Letter:
Nonfiction Expository Piece
Directions: Recently, we learned about the elements of nonfiction writing. The four types of nonfiction expository essay are:
Chronological
Cause and Effect
Problem/Solution
Similarities and Differences.
You are expected to write an essay of 5 paragraphs that uses one of these text structures to provide detailed, factual information about your topic. For example, you might write a chronological biography of Lebron James, or the similarities and differences between a Navy Seal and a regular Army soldier. The choice is yours.
Finally, it is also required to include a short “Bibliography” or “Work Cited Page.” On this page, you need to list the multiple internet sources you used based on the guidelines we learned in class.
This assignment is due, as part of your portfolio, on June 4th, 2010.
Creative Writing Piece
Directions: Earlier this year, we learned about the elements of plot, character development, and conflict. The four elements of the plot line are:
Exposition/Introduction
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution/Denouement
You are expected to make up a creative story about your topic. THERE IS NO LENGTH REQUIREMENT, BUT MAKE SURE YOU TELL A COMPLETE STORY. This means you will develop characters and conflict, and you will fully-develop each of the elements listed above. Be sure to include lots of detailed language and specifics. (ex, similes and metaphors)
This assignment is due, as part of your portfolio, on June 4th, 2010.
Letter to a Teacher
Directions: Yesterday, we learned about the five components of a friendly letter. They are:
The Heading
The Greeting
The Body
The Closing
The Signature
You are required to write a 3 paragraph letter, addressed to me at the school, which summarizes your topic, your portfolio, and your learning and research process. Be sure to:
*Introduce your topic and the titles of your pieces
*Explain, with detail, why you chose this as a topic
*Describe what was difficult in the process, and what you learned
This assignment is due as part of your cumulative portfolio assessment on June 4th.
Ed Smith School
Lancaster Avenue & Broad Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
