Multi-genre Research Project – The Basics!
What is a multi-genre project? - A multi-genre project is a written collection of works which presents the
researched findings of a particular subject or topic of interest using many different genres of literature.
A multi-genre portfolio is similar to a traditional research essay because it allows exploration of a topic; however, a multigenre portfolio differs from a traditional research essay because the findings are presented with a less classic approach. The
information gained from research about a topic of interest is presented in a way that also demonstrates knowledge of many
different literary genres.
1) Title Page
 Topic (the question – your purpose for research)
 Name, Date, Block
2) Table of Contents
 Title of each work: genre, medium…………...………………………………………………. Page #
3) Preface – gives background information about the work and introduces the topic
 How did you choose your research question?
 Why is your research valuable?
 What do we need to know before reading your works?
 What is your thesis, and how will you carry it throughout your portfolio?
4) Product 1: Nonfiction
5) Product 2: Fiction
6) Product 3: Poetry
7) Product 4: Visual
8) Product 5: Your choice of genre
9) Epilogue – reflect on your topic and provide concluding information
 How has your research and the creation of your portfolio changed your perspective on the topic?
 What have you learned overall?
 How do you feel about using the multi-genre portfolio instead of writing a traditional essay/story?
 What do you hope your audience learns from your portfolio?
 What do you feel you’ve accomplished from this project?
 Is there anything you would do differently if you were to do this project again?
 Is there anything else your audience needs to know?
10) Works Cited
 MLA Format
Genres
Fiction/Drama (Choose one)
Poetry (Choose one)
short story
monologue
dialogue
myth
Two voice poem
Found poem
Free verse poem
Symbol poem
Nonfiction (Choose one)
Visual (Choose one)
newspaper article
pamphlet
interview
encyclopedia
Billboard
Photo (taken by you)
Drawing (self-made)
Public Service Announcement (commercial, poster)
Name __________________________________
Multi-genre Research Portfolio: The Process
Rules:
 You must complete the steps in order.
 You need to FOLLOW directions!
 Ask for help!
 Stay on task and meet deadlines. Trust me….you do not want to fall behind!
 You must get approval after each step before moving onto the next step. Be sure to periodically check your
rubric!
Step 1 - Choosing a Topic
This part is SOOOOOOO important. You are going to be working on this project for the next eight weeks. You want
to choose something that you are really interested in.
MUSTS:
 Choose a topic that interests you from the list provided for you.
 The topic must be limited/narrowed to a central idea.
o General (broad) Topic = The Environment
o Specific Subject (still too broad) = USA and Environment
o Focus or Special Interest = the impact of US oil companies on the environment
When you are thinking about a topic you need to think about the following:






Presents multiple, even conflicting perspectives of one event or topic – There are different opinions
on the topic!
Will you be able to write to different audiences?
Topic can be written about using various genres and uses of language.
Stimulates critical analysis and higher-level thinking skills.
Requires research skills and knowledge of source documentation.
Results in an interesting, engaging product.
Topics
Acromegaly
ADD/ADHD
Amnesia
Anorexia Nervosa
Angelman’s
Anxiety Disorders
Asperger’s
Autism
Binge Eating Disorder
Blindness
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Cerebral Palsy
Cystic Fibrosis
Deafness
Dementia
Down’s Syndrome
Dyscalculia
Dyspraxia
Dyslexia/Dysgraphia
Epilepsy
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome
Huntington’s Disease
Hurler’s
Klinefelter Syndrome
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Sclerosis
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oppositional Defiance Disorder
Paralysis
Parkinson’s
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Rett’s Syndrome
Significantly Developmentally
Delayed
Spina Bifida
Sotos Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome
Traumatic Brain Injuries
VATTER Syndrome
Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome
Williams Syndrome
Name ___________________________________
Due at the beginning of class Monday
Step 2 - Research Questions
In order to really narrow your topic down to one OVERARCHING question, you need to start with
asking several questions about your topic. Based on what you have research so far…. try to complete the
following questions about your topic:
1. I wonder why__________________________________________________________?
2. Why does ______________________________________________________________________________?
3. How does ___________________________influence ___________________________________________?
4. What might happen if _____________________________________________________________________?
5. What does __________________________mean to _____________________________________________?
6. How does __________________________________________________________________impact the
future?
7. If ________________________________________________________________changed what would
happen?
8. How does _________________________________impact my life?
Now…. write at least 5 more questions you want to know about your topic.
1.
2.
3.
4
5.
STEP 3 – Is my topic researchable?- (Due at the end of class
Wednesday)
Last night you wrote several questions to begin thinking about your topic. This is what GOOD
researchers do. Today, you are going to get some great information about how to research.
Yes…..we have conducted research, but we are going to teach to research even better. Please listen
carefully to Mrs. Baker and then complete STEP 3.
I’d Like to Know More About…..
One thing I would like to know more about (This should come from one of your ideas from
Friday’s HW):
What I think I might find:
(Exploring) Due at the end of class Wednesday
Sources I found so far:
What I found:
(Inquiring) Due at the end of class Thursday
Name _____________________________
Multi Genre Project Rubrics
These are working rubrics. That means as you finish each step in the rubric and research process, you need to bring it
to me and have me sign off on the points for that portion of the rubric. You will be receiving two grades for this
project -one grade for research and one for writing. DO NOT LOSE THIS SHEET!
RESEARCH RUBRIC - 2.02 Use multiple sources of information to explore a specific topic and create a
research product
DUE
Researching Phase – January 14-January 25
Signature
Pts.
Pts.
DATE
Possible
Earned
Step 1 - Research Questions- The student has
demonstrated mastery of developing research questions
that are open ended and will support the research process.
The student has created a minimum of ten research
questions
1/14
20
Step 2 – Is my topic researchable? sheet
1/16
20
Step 5 -Research Notes- The student has demonstrated
mastery of paraphrasing a credible research source using.
These notes are purposeful and help the student in
supporting the thematic question – At least 5 sources are
used and there are at least 10 note cards.
1/18
Step 6 – Thesis Statement- After extensive research, the
student has written a statement that answers the
overarching question. This thesis statement can be proven
through the four student products.
1/25
Working Bibliography - The student has created a
Working Bibliography page in correct MLA format.
1/25
20
20
20
100 pts.
Total Points:
Comments:
Name _________________________________________
PORTFOLIO PRODUCT RUBRIC: FINAL DUE DATE= March 4th, 2013
Portfolio Products –
Fiction/Drama Product- The student has created a work of
fiction for their portfolio. The student has chosen a genre to
represent and at least three elements of that genre are
highlighted in the final product. The student has also
highlighted at least five connections to their research in the
final product.
Due Date
Signature
Pts.
Possible
20 pts.
Jan. 30
15 pts.
Poem Product- The student has created a work that is
categorized as a poem. The final product contains at least three
figurative devices that are highlighted and labeled. The work
also contains three connections to their research in the final
product.
Feb. 5
25. pts.
Non Fiction/Information Product- The student has created a
non -fiction product that is informational. The student has
included at least three text features appropriate for the
informational piece and three facts from their research. In-text
citations are included.
Feb. 8
15 pts.
Visual Product- The student has created a product of their
choice that incorporates at least three facts from their research.
This product also contains a short written description of the
product and its connection to the research.
Feb. 14
15 pts.
Free Choice Product- The student has created a product of
their choice that incorporates at least three facts from their
research. This product also contains a short written description
of the product and its connection to the research.
Feb. 21
15 pts.
Intro. Letter and Epilogue- The student has included an
introductory letter that introduces the reader to the portfolio.
The letter explains their author’s purpose in the portfolio and
elaborates on the connections to the thematic question they
have chosen. The epilogue is a student reflection on their
project and their accomplishments in middle school. Both
products are thoughtful and demonstrate and introspective
reflection on the learning process.
Feb. 25
5 pts.
Table of Contents- The student has included a table of contents
which includes the text features of this medium. Each item
listed on the table has a page number and a short description of
that product.
Mar. 1
5 pts.
Works Cited – Student has changed the Working Bibliography
to show only the sources that student used. It is in correct MLA
format.
Total Points
FINAL DUE
Mar. 1
March 4th
100 pts.
Pts. Earned
Comments: