Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Advanced Audio/Video Production
Session Title:
Commentary
Lesson Duration: Approximately Three 90-minute class periods
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will write and produce a commentary.
Specific Objectives:
1. Define commentary.
2. Determine differences between straight news and commentary.
3. Describe the function of a commentary.
4. Research the background information needed for commentary.
5. Demonstrate how to write an effective commentary.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
§130.86(c)
(1) The student applies academic knowledge and skills in production projects. The student is
expected to:
(A) apply English language arts knowledge and skills by demonstrating use of content,
technical concepts, and vocabulary; using correct grammar, punctuation, and
terminology to write and edit documents; and composing and editing copy for a
variety of written documents such as scripts, captions, schedules, reports, and
manuals.
(2)
The student applies professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
(A) adapt language for audience, purpose, situation, and intent such as structure and
style.
(10) The student applies technical skills for efficiency. The student is expected to employ
planning and time-management skills to complete work tasks.
(13) The student applies the production process. The student is expected to:
(A) apply the coherent sequence of events to successfully produce a script.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English:
(13) Writing/Writing Process. Students use elements of the writing process (planning,
drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) to compose text. Students are expected to:
(B) structure ideas in a sustained and persuasive way (e.g., using outlines, note taking,
graphic organizers, lists) and develop drafts in timed and open-ended situations that
include transitions and rhetorical devices to convey meaning.
(15) Writing/Expository and Procedural Texts. Students write expository and procedural or
work-related texts to communicate ideas and information to specific audiences for specific
purposes. Students are expected to:
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
1
(D)
produce a multimedia presentation (e.g., documentary, class newspaper,
docudrama, infomercial, visual or textual parodies, theatrical production) with
graphics, images, and sound that appeals to a specific audience and synthesizes
information from multiple points of view.
(23) Research/Organizing and Presenting Ideas. Students organize and present their ideas
and information according to the purpose of the research and their audience. Students are
expected to synthesize the research into an extended written or oral presentation that:
(A) provides an analysis that supports and develops personal opinions, as opposed to
simply restating existing information; and
(C) develops an argument that incorporates the complexities of and discrepancies in
information from multiple sources and perspectives while anticipating and refuting
counter-arguments.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
Ferguson, D. L., Patten, J., & Wilson, B. (2001). Journalism Today. Chicago, IL: National
Textbook Company.
Stanaway, J. (1998). A beginner’s guide to video communication. Chicago, IL: National
Textbook Company.
Garvey, D. E., & Rivers, W. L. (1982). Broadcast writing. White Plains, NY: Longman Inc.
Instructional Aids:
Video Commentary Assignment Sheet
Video Commentary Slide Presentation
Video Commentary Rubric
Materials Needed:
Storage device for recorded media
Research online for television commentaries.
Equipment Needed:
TV studio with teleprompter or video camera, microphone, and teleprompter or cue cards
Computers with online access to conduct research and appropriate software for slide
presentation
Projector
Learner
Poster board or blank paper for cue cards if teleprompter is not available
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: As teenagers, you have opinions about the world around you, right? With the
increasing popularity of social media, it seems we can obtain almost anyone’s
opinion at any time. So many people feel compelled to put their opinion out
there. Sometimes, information overload can be overwhelming. With television
news, opinion is expressed in the form of a commentary. What are some
commentary topics that would be timely today? What are some recent issues
that have different opinions?
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
2
Note: Allow students time to discuss “Hot Topics” of the day
SAY: I’m sure some of you feel that you don’t have the chance to express your
opinion as often as you’d like. Well, today you’ll get that opportunity as you
produce your very own commentary.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I. Define commentary.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Analysis or opinions expressed by an individual
Avoiding editorializing/commentaries
Fear of upsetting advertisers
Required to provide time for opposing viewpoint
II. Determine differences between straight news and
commentary.
A. Straight news - Factual accounting of events
without interpretation
B. Commentary and analysis:
1. Represents the viewpoint of the
commentator
2. Takes a position on a specific issue of
public concern
3. Usually advocate some course of action
III. Describe the function of a commentary.
A. Commentary should be:
1. Timely, current, and relevant
2. Based on an issue you care about
3. A point of view you can defend
4. Short, concise, and to the point
5. Consider the date
B. Determine how to angle your commentary based
on its potential impact on the course of events
IV. Research background information needed for
commentary.
A. Commentary begins with research
(A step many student commentators try to skip)
B. Need to be prepared
(Can use traditional research sources and
personnel interviews)
C. Avoid just talking/complaining about a
controversial issue
D. Examine all sides of the issue you are
commenting on.
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
3
Instructor Notes:
Use the slide
presentation to discuss
definition of terms.
After discussing this
section, ask students:
What is one of the main
differences between
straight news and
commentary?
(Commentary
represents the
viewpoint of the
commentator and
usually advocates
some course of action.)
Inform students that
these things are to
consider when
determining their
commentary topic.
E. Do not just regurgitate what you have read
V. Demonstrate how to write an effective commentary.
A. The Lead (Introduction):
1. Lets the audience know what you will talk
about
2. Should be interesting
3. Should be short and clear
4. Introduce the situation
5. Include any needed background information
6. State your stance (opinion) on the issue
B. The Body:
1. Sell your point of view
2. Include facts, evidence, and statistics that
support your stance
3. All evidence must be accurate and honest
4. Quote past experience or other piece of data
that corroborates your point of view
C. Opposing points of view:
1. Present opposing side/other points of view
2. Should be introduced and rebutted
3. Offer reasons why you do not agree with it or
it is incorrect
D. Important to introduce the opposing point of view
1. Shows the audience that you know both sides
of the issue
2. That you have examined other points of view
3. That you have arrived at your decision after
careful thought and research
E. The closing (Conclusion):
1. Restate your point of view
2. Summarize your argument
3. Suggest possible action if applicable
4. Restate your mature, fair, and well thought
our position and solution
5. Must be as strong as the lead
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
4
Ask students:
What is the purpose of
the lead?
(Lets the audience
know what you will talk
about, introduces the
situation, states your
stance (opinion) on the
issue.)
Ask students:
Why should you
present the opposing
point of view?
(Shows the audience
that you know both
sides of the issue and
that you have arrived at
your decision after
careful thought and
research.)
Ask students:
Why is it important to
have a strong
conclusion?
(It’s the last thing the
audience will hear and
it will remind them of
what the situation or
problem is and what
they should do about
it.)
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Videotape a commentary and retype it, or get a copy of a newspaper editorial. Make
copies of the written commentary, and have each student mark/label each section of
the structure of the commentary or editorial in the margin:
1. Lead
2. Topic
3. Stance
4. Body
5. Support for stance
6. Opposing viewpoint
7. Rebuttal
8. Closing
9. Restate point of view
10. Possibly call for action
Review the structure with the class.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students will outline a commentary, marking/labeling each section of the structure of
the commentary. Once the outline is approved, the students will write and produce
the commentary.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Review the main points and elements of a commentary:
Lead:
Topic and stance
Body:
Support for stance
Opposing viewpoint and rebuttal
Closing: Restate point of view
Possibly call for action
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Teacher will monitor students’ progress while students write and practice their
commentaries.
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
5
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Students will follow the Commentary Assignment Sheet to write and produce a
commentary.
Allow time for students to present their commentaries to the class.
The teacher will assess students’ commentaries using the Video Commentary
Grading Rubric.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Exemplary commentaries may be presented on the school announcements or local
cable access station.
Commentaries should be saved to the students’ portfolios.
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
6
VIDEO COMMENTARY ASSIGNMENT
NAME: DATE:
The purpose of this assignment is to get you to produce, write and present a
commentary live on tape.
Decide on a commentary topic you would like to present. It should be on an issue which
you have a definite opinion. You can be in favor of or opposed to the issue. The topic
does not have to deal with a school issue, but should be a topic that is of interest to high
school aged students.
GUIDELINES
• All the facts related to the issue are presented.
• All information is discussed fairly and honestly. The purpose is to convince the audience,
not mislead the audience.
• Both sides of the topic are presented.
• Malicious attacks against individuals are not made.
• The rights to privacy are respected.
• Gossip and rumors are not valid forms of evidence.
• Commentaries with the following inappropriate content will not be allowed: lewd, foul or
obscene language or depictions; the promotion or solicitation of illegal activity; or speech
that demeans or defames a person or group on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity,
religious affiliation or national origin.
REQUIREMENTS
• Only individual commentaries will be allowed
• Maximum run time will be 90 seconds.
• Commentaries must include
1. Lead that grabs the audiences’ attention, presents the problem and provides
1. the clearly stated stance
2. Clear development of main points
3. Evidence provided to support stance
4. Other viewpoints are presented and rebutted
5. If applicable, solutions or requested action is presented
6. Conclusion recaps the stance
• The tone is fair and mature
• All commentaries are in good taste and appropriate for a high school audience and
assignment.
• Creativity, dynamic delivery appropriate to the piece.
• Eye contact and a memorable overall impact.
• Students will turn in a draft for review prior to taping.
• Students can read from cue cards or a teleprompter for the taping
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
7
AAVTC: Advanced Audio/Video Production: Commentary
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
8