The second is about a contemporary issue facing our city....what to do with the aging pier. Students have researched and written first drafts of three paragraphs. They've collected data about this in the form of a questionnaire. They've viewed presentations from each of the design teams. We've had a Q & A with Mr. Ballestra who is managing the project for the city. So they have lots of information.
Now they need to complete a first draft guided by the detailed checklist I've prepared. The essays don't need to be word processed but they do need to be completed over the weekend if possible.
Sample theme or thesis sentences I've offered as samples are:
"I think the best pier design to represent St Petersburg is......." OR
"Of the three designs to replace the St Petersburg Pier, I prefer (or like)....."
You will see from the checklist that the first paragraph ends with the theme sentence.
Students may make up their own theme sentence but they must choose one of the three designs for the purpose of the essay.
Here's the checklist. Each student has a copy.
Pier Project Essay Checklist
Do you have four paragraphs?
Does paragraph one:
---introduce the pier and the project?
---begin with a strong lead sentence?
---include identity, perspective, conflict and resolution?
---mentions the pier design competition?
---end with your theme or thesis sentence?
Does paragraph two:
---explain in more detail the design competition?
---includes a brief history of the pier and its importance to the city?
Does paragraph three:
---explain why you think your thesis is the best way to go
---have evidence and data that supports your thesis?
Does paragraph four:
---summarize the main parts from paragraphs 1-3?
---include additional data and updates to add support for your thesis?
---end with hoping everyone is now better informed about the pier and will agree with your thesis?
No comments:
Post a Comment