Dear Students, I just wanted to write to you and tell you about our next project. I am really excited about it! We are all going to be writing multi-genre research papers. (Yes, teacher included). You will pick a research topic from the novel Al Capone Does My Shirts that interests you. You will need to have a thesis driven paper; so, look at your topic and decide what you want to specifically show or prove to the reader. In this paper, you will choose four different genres and use them to show your information and prove your thesis. Yes, you don t have to use a 5P. I will give you a list of example genres tomorrow in class; so, don t worry, we will brainstorm and help you find ideas and genres that will best fit your topic. As you begin to think about your multi-genre research paper, write down your ideas, and make a list of questions that you would like to answer about your topic. Remember think time is a great strategy for writing. Also, as you research, take notes, write everything down. We will go over how to research and how to use sources in class. Oh, before I forget don t throw away ANY of your research you will need to turn that in with your final draft of the assignment. There are a few requirements that you should know about: 1. Use four different genres to expound upon your topic; each genre sharing new information. (One genre per page). 2. Use at least two sources for each genre this means you must have at least eight sources. 3. Have an eye-catching cover with the original/unique title of your project. Your name should be listed as author. 4. Have a table of contents that lists genres and titles. Make sure that all pages are numbered. 5. Have a works cited page that uses correct MLA format. Caution: one thing you should remember about this project is that it is a WRITING PROJECT. Your paper must be text-heavy. I know that you can think of clever visual ways to show your information, but they must be accompanied by writing. If you need extra help finding ideas you can look at our Egyptology book; it is full of different genres! Don t stress. I will give you the actual grade sheet and all of the requirements later in class! Until then, enjoy your next class! Your favorite English teacher in the world, Ms. Cahoon
Multi-Genre Research Paper Rubric Framework of Project: An eye-catching cover with a clever, original title of your project A table of contents that lists genres and titles All notes from your sources A Work Cited Page using correct MLA format All rough draft materials Total: /40 Piece # 1: Total: /40 Piece #2: Total: /40 Piece #3:
Total: /40 Piece #4: Total: /40 Overall Score: /200 Comments about the project:
Author of Paper: Reviewer: Peer Review What is the title of this project? Is the title unique and original? Why or why not? Does the title fit what the author is trying to say about their subject? What is the thesis of the project? Where can it be found? Is the thesis clear? Is there a cohesive theme throughout all of the genres? If so what is it? If there is a genre that does not fit within the cohesive theme put a star in the top right corner of the page. Does the tone or voice of the author reflect the genre? Does the format of each piece fit the genre it is written in? Explain why or why not. Genre #1: Genre #2: Genre #3: Genre #4:
Are sources used effectively? Why or why not? Are there at least two sources per genre? Does each genre provide the reader with new information? If the piece needs more sources, write at the top of the page Source Needed. If the genre does not provide new information, please write New Information Needed at the top of the page. Please circle all sources that are used. Genre #1: Genre #2: Genre #3: Genre #4:
Time Line for Multi-Genre Research Project Day 1: Lesson on Active/Passive Voice Introduce project Go over Hand-out with optional genre choices Have students write down three different genres that they are unfamiliar with. Day 2: Brainstorm for thesis Free write Talk to peers about thoughts and get feedback Inquiry Mini-Lesson Homework: thesis for project Day 3: Lesson on unfamiliar genres: Reminder of importance of voice and audience and their relation to genre Homework: finish formal letter Day 4: Grouping ideas/outlining mini-lesson MLA and note taking Mini-Lesson Homework: decide which four genres will be used in project Day 5: Library for Research Approve genre choices Day 6:Library for Research Homework: bibliography Day 7: A-Z List Show example Multi-Genre Research Papers Mini-lesson on imbedding quotes and use of sources Homework: begin drafting first two genres Day 8: Go over models and formats of cover page and table of contents Work on first two genres in class Homework: finish first two genres Day 9: Mini-lesson on importance of titles Peer review for first two genres Homework: revision for imbedding sources, clear thesis, and working title for first two genres, begin drafting last two genres Day 10: Work period: last two genres, and anything else that students feel that they need to work on in relation to the project One on one teacher assistance available Homework: cover page, table of contents, and last two genres Day 11: Peer review for last two genres, table of contents, and cover page Homework: revise last two genres, table of contents, and cover page