Midterm: English III
2011
Purpose: A midterm should reflect a student’s learning from the first semester.
This learning should present itself through concepts, themes, and conclusions,
based on the state standards.
Objective: The students will collaborate to answer a key driving question, using
the literature and informational material they have mastered in class. They will
present the proposal both orally and in a written portfolio.
Driving Question: What corrupts people?
Literary Focus: Macbeth, The Canterbury Tales, anything in society that deals
with corruption.
World Focus: unlimited
Product: Based on the theme of corruption, this product/proposal should
create/affect social change. You will create a ‘solution’ to corruption that you see
in society and present it to the class.
Theme: It’s all political.
Standards:
E3-1.3 – Evaluate devices of figurative language (metaphor, paradox, pun oxymoron).
E3-1.1 – Compare/contrast ideas within and across literary texts to make inferences.
E3-1.4- Evaluate the relationship among character, plot, conflict, and theme in a given
literary text.
E3-1.5- Analyze the effect of the author’s craft (including tone and the use of imagery,
flashback, foreshadowing, symbolism, motif, irony, and allusion) on the meaning of
literary texts.
E3-1.6- C03410reate responses to literary texts through a variety of methods (for
example, written works, oral and auditory presentations, discussions, media
productions, and the visual and performing arts).
E3-2- The student will read and comprehend a variety of informational texts in print and
nonprint formats.
E3-2.7- Evaluate propaganda techniques and rhetorical devices in informational texts.
E3-4 - The student will create written work that has a clear focus, sufficient detail,
coherent organization, effective use of voice, correct use of the conventions of written
Standard American English.
Components of Project:
1. Compose a newspaper article for the tabloid “The Tattler”. The article will
cover the corruption of Macbeth and should include:
a. A catchy headline (pun)
b. A description of Macbeth (metaphor)
c. Focus on the bloody deeds – remember it is for a tabloid and blood
and guts sell!
d. Quotes from witnesses and family members of the victims (direct
quotes from the play)
2. Proposal- Create a proposal that answers the driving question. In the
proposal, you will present your solution to the problem of corruption in
society. The oral proposal will include:
a. a final “product”- something that creates social change.
b. A visual representing your product
c. A connection to Macbeth through themes/ideas
d. Symbols from Macbeth and your product
The proposal will be graded on: nonverbal and verbal skills, content (see
rubric)
3. Portfolio- Given after presentation
Will include:
a. A summary of your proposal/product
b. A personal reflection that states: the role you played, what you
learned, how it ties in with political literature. This must include a
work from the Canterbury Tales and Macbeth (individual)
c. An interview of your peers asking 5 questions about corruption.
d. Interview questions (typed).
Your project will be graded using the criteria listed in your checklists and
rubric.
Points Breakdown:
1. Presentation
2. Proposal
(all must be included)
a. Final product
b. Visual
c. Macbeth connection
d. Symbols
50 points
50 points
3. Portfolio
a. Interview questions and responses (20)
b. Personal reflection (30)
50 points
4. Tabloid article
50 points
Total:
200 points
Benchmarks:
Nov. 30/Dec. 1: Create proposal/plan
Dec. 5/6: Tabloid Draft Due
Dec. 7/8: Work Day
Dec. 12: Final Touches
Dec. 13-16: Presentations/Portfolios Due