"Three Things You Didn't Know About..."

Essay Mode: Informative

The Situation

People take things for granted, so we are going to surprise them with things they don't know about the people they meet and the places they go every day. You may be an expert about a person, place, or event. You may be able to surprise people with little-known facts. 

The Purpose

Your essay and your presentation will INFORM the audience by revealing surprising facts about a place, person, or event. Your audience should say, "Gee, I didn't know that!" 

The Audience

The audience is adult, educated, and interested in learning new things. 

Methods

The assignment has two parts: an essay and a presentation. In these two products, you will reveal new information, explain that information, and communicate it in a vivid and interesting way. 

Suggested Topics

Three Things You Didn't Know About...

• your job
• your hometown  
• a hobby or interest
• something you own or that everyone owns
• a place you go or lots of people visit 
• your hobby  a family hobby
• a family tradition
• a skill you have

The Essay (60 points)

• 4 paragraphs, 25 typed lines (40 points)
• introduction 
• one paragraph for each surprising fact arranged from least surprising to most surprising
• Logical transitions between each paragraph     (10 points)
• A mix of long and short sentences     (10 points)

The Presentation     (40 points)

• One minute (10)
• One Power Point slide or Prezi slide for each surprising fact (10)
• Clear, understandable speech (20)

 Graphic Organizer I:  Generating and Arranging Your Ideas

Models

Model essay

Model Power Point Presentation

Model Presentation

The lighting is not great, but notice how the presenter speaks clearly and faces the audience at all times.