Speaking Out- Challenge Assignment

Multi-Genre Portfolio

For the extension for the Speaking Out unit you will identify and read a book that centers around the theme of “speaking out” and complete a multi-genre portfolio about the book. You may want to choose a non-fiction book (i.e., a biography) about a person or group of people who were part a movement for social change. You may also want to choose a novel that tells the story of a character or characters who “speak out” about an issue or issues. Make sure that you find a book to read that is appropriate to your reading level. All books must be approved by me before you begin your project.

To receive credit for this extension, you must meet these criteria:

§ Include at least 4 pieces of writing, about a page each or longer (if your pieces are shorter than 1 page, you should have a portfolio of 5-6 shorter pieces of writing). At the top of each paper, write the name of the book and the page/chapter that you are responding to in your writing.

§ Each piece of writing should focus on an important event/idea in your book that helps to illustrate the issue that the person or people are speaking out against.

§ Include a variety of writing styles

§ Suggestions/prompts

o Write a newspaper article about an event in your book

o Choose a quote that speaks to the theme of your book and write a poem or song inspired by that quote.

o Write a letter to a person in your book, either agreeing with or arguing against their ideas.

o Choose a scene/event in your book and draw a cartoon inspired by that event or write a scene from a screenplay, or script

o Write a diary entry written as someone in your book.

o Write an obituary for a person or idea in your book.

o See me for more ideas.

§ The final portfolio must be revised, proofread and in final draft form. Final draft form means typed or neatly written in pen or pencil on white paper.

§ Your portfolio needs a cover including your name, the date, Final Genre Portfolio: Speaking Out, and a creative title.

o My portfolio is not a creative title.

o Monsters and War: Many Voices Speaking Out is a creative title.

Suggested Timeline:

This unit will last for approximately eight weeks.

Select extension book and start to read- End of week 2

Begin writing pieces to include in your Multi-Genre Portfolio- End of week 4

Begin revision and final draft process- End of week 6

Portfolio is due- Week 8