SOCIAL COMMENTARY
Learning Target:
Students can construct persuasive social commentaries.
What is a social commentary?
Social commentary expresses how one feels about a certain aspect of society. Social commentary can be
delivered in a variety of ways, including public speech, book, photo, poem, song, or a painting. Often, the
purpose of social commentary is to criticize a specific part of society or encourage a change.
Assignment:
Over the course of the semester, you will create 3 social commentaries. At least two will be written essays.
One will have an option to be something else (Art, Poem, Speech, Video, etc…)
Criteria
Essay:
 A clear and focused thesis
 Use of Persuasive
Techniques
 Adequate detail / support
 Effective Organization /
Presentation
*Alternative Option
 Clearly expressed point of
view
 Use of Persuasive
Techniques
 Effective Organization /
Presentation
 Creativity
Guidelines for Writing Paper




Name and Date in upper-right corner
Title
Double Spaced
About 1.5 – 2 pages in length
For the first social commentary, you can write on nearly any topic, EXCEPT:


Cliques, bullying, and school violence
Social Class, Wealth, Poverty, and the American Dream
If you do write on either of these topics, your paper will not be graded and you will need to submit a new paper.
Social Media
Reality TV
Texting
Kardashians
Football Culture
Cheerleaders
College Tuition
Video Games
Immigration / Dream Act
Dress Codes
Values / Morality
Profanity
Miley Cyrus
Twerking
Sexism / Racism
Disney Princesses
Teens today…
Stereotypes
Parents today…
Conformity
Teachers today…
Violence / Crime
Proficiency Grading
Religion
Rap / Hip Hop Culture
Narcissism
Changing Voting, Driving, Drinking Age
Lying
Gangs
Respect
Divorce
Sex Education
Childhood Obesity
Fast Food
Trayvon Martin
Black lives matter
Dating
Social Commentary Rubric: Essay
Mastery
5

“A”



Above
Proficient
4
The thesis is thought provoking and skillfully articulated. It has a narrowly
defined focus, and the paper acknowledges nuance and controversy around
the topic without deviating from consistently reinforcing the thesis
Persuasive techniques are applied with maximum effect. They are
designed to illicit an emotional appeal that could produce a change in the
opinion of a skeptical critic
Supporting facts and details are included that show a superior knowledge
of the topic being discussed. Statistics and/or other supporting information
are executed in a way that strengthens the paper tremendously
The paper is perfect or nearly perfect in regards to spelling and grammar.
It flows masterfully from introduction to body to conclusion. The writer
has a command of the language and uses a mature vocabulary.
(Organization / Presentation)
Above Proficient, but short of achieving Mastery
Thesis
Persuasive Techniques
Supporting Facts and Details
Presentation
“B”
Proficient
3

“C”



Approaching
Proficient
2
A thesis that articulates a clear position on an appropriate issue is
identifiable. The thesis is specific and the paper consistently reinforces the
position voiced in the thesis
Persuasive techniques are utilized. The techniques are deliberate and help
strengthen the argument being made
Supporting facts and details are included. This information helps provide
adequate depth and background on the topic being discussed
The paper is well organized with an interesting introduction, supporting
body, and a conclusion. The paper is well written (spelling and grammar)
and properly formatted. It meets the required length. (Presentation)
The paper is close, but not quite proficient in:
Thesis
Persuasive Technique
Supporting Facts and Details
Organization / Presentation
“D”
Not
Proficient
1
The paper is does not come near proficiency in:
Thesis
Persuasive Technique
Supporting Facts and Details
Organization / Presentation
“F”
Social Commentary
Prep Sheet
Topic: _____________________________________________________________________
Specific Thesis:
Rough Draft: __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Final Draft: ___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Persuasive Techniques:
Ideas and Strategies:________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Support:
Facts / Details / Statistics / Research: _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________