British Literature
Satire Project
N
ow that you have
seen many forms
of satire in action,
you will work in groups to
create an example of
satire yourself. Choose
one of the following
options for a 3-6 minute
video project. You may
work in groups of 2 to 4
people.
1. Write and film a news segment, talk show, or commercial that satirizes
issues important to you. You may want to satirize events from current
headlines (e.g. Richard Sherman, Justin Bieber), modern
commercialization, or something closer to home, such as Colfax High
School. Consider including “experts,” “eye witnesses ”or“ customer
testimonials” in your production.
2. Write and film:
a. a commercial for an Irish restaurant in 1729, imagining that Swift’s
“A Modest Proposal” was taken seriously and put into effect. Using
modern marketing techniques, how would a business brand and sell
its new type of “meat”? Consider documenting the chef’s expertise
or interviewing satisfied customers during your commercial.
b. or a news broadcast that covers the implementation of Swift’s “A
Modest Propsal.” How would rich people respond? Poor people?
Mothers? How would the slaughterhouse industry react? What types
of speeches would politicians give to convince citizens of their plan?
Include soundbytes from people interviewed.
As you create your project, consider the following:



How will you establish your point of view so that your satire is purposeful
and persuasive?
How will you structure your argument so that you make your points clear,
convincing, and engaging? (Consider Swift’s essay structure.)
How can you most effectively use visual media to get your message
across? (Visuals, multiple sources, etc.)
British Literature Satire Project Rubric
Project due date: ____________________
5 pts
Students show a
thorough
understanding of
satire, including
humorous ridicule
and an attempt at
social change.
3 pts
Students show a
partial
understanding of
satire including
humorous ridicule
or an attempt at
change.
1 pt
Students do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
the elements of
satire.
Structure of
Message
Students’ message
is clear, engaging,
and convincing.
Students’ message
is somewhat clear,
engaging, and/or
convincing.
Students’ message
lacks in clarity,
fails to engage its
audience, or is
unconvincing.
Content
Students
demonstrate
thorough
understanding of
Swift’s “Proposal”
or their objects of
satire.
Students
demonstrate
partial
understanding of
Swift’s “Proposal”
or their objects of
satire.
Students
demonstrate little
to no
understanding of
Swift’s “Proposal”
or their objects of
satire.
Quality
Video has high
visual appeal,
thoughtful detail
(costumes,
setting) and is at
least three
minutes in length.
Video has some
visual appeal,
some detail, and is
at least three
minutes in length.
Video has little to
no visual appeal or
detail, and/or is
significantly less
than three minutes
in length.
Satire
Score x 2 = ___________ / 40 pts