LA 8
“Flowers for Algernon” Advertising Poster [DUE DATE PENDING]
Directions: Create a poster that advertises for or against one of following topics using persuasive
advertising techniques studied in class (8 possible choices):
* using animals in scientific experiments
* increasing human intelligence artificially
* requiring IQ tests for all school age children
* requiring multiple intelligence tests for all school age children
*Posters should use convincing language and colorful graphic designs to grab audience’s attention
and persuade them to accept your point of view.
*You will present your poster to the class and explain your choice of design and use of language.
Scoring Rubric
_____ [20 pts.] Convincing use of advertising techniques/language
_____ [20 pts.] Attractive design and colorful graphics
_____ [20 pts.] Point of view is expressed clearly and successfully
_____ [20 pts.] Minimum of 10 internet research facts [summarized in your own words] & a Works
Cited page attached on the back of the poster
_____ [10 pts.] Poster’s concept plainly explained, including what kind of advertising techniques were
used
_____ [10 pts.] Enthusiastic, confident presentation; good voice quality
_____ TOTAL [x2]
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pre AP
Flowers for Algernon Research Project [DUE DATE PENDING]
Persuasive Writing
• states your opinion about a subject
• tries to convince others to think the same way you do
• contains solid, logical reasons that support the writer’s opinion
• speeches, newspaper editorials, billboards, advertisements, and critical reviews
Task
A) SELECT AND RESEARCH AN ISSUE:
• You have been given unlimited intelligence. In return, you must devote some of that intelligence
to solving one problem plaguing the human race. Which problem would you choose? Why?
• Would modern society be improved if everyone had the opportunity to become super intelligent?
• Should animals be used for scientific experiments? Does the type of research the animals are
used for matter?
• Recent scientific research indicates that teenage brains are not fully developed. Many teens have
difficulty judging risk or fully understanding social cues. Moreover, some teens make impulsive
decisions based on their emotions. Should this new information be used as a legal defense for teens
who get in trouble with the law?
• Should animals be hunted for sport?
• Should animals be trapped for fur?
• Should animals be kept in zoos?
• Should IQ tests be required for all school age children?
• Do animals have feelings?
• Is having a high IQ the most important indicator in predicting a person’s success?
B) Through a PERSUASIVE ESSAY, convince an audience why they should feel the way you do by using
reasons supported by the following:
➢ examples (specific instances that explain your point)
➢ facts
➢ statistics (facts stated in numbers)
➢ observations (events or situations you yourself have seen)
➢ anecdotes (brief stories that illustrate your point)
➢ quotations (direct statements from authorities)
➢ explanation of the weaknesses of the opposing argument
Tone: Formal
Format
Introduction
Minimum of 3 sentences
Grab reader’s attention (quotation, rhetorical question, surprising fact, etc.)
Introduce the issue and the writer’s opinion (for or against)
Body
2-3 paragraphs
Clear topic sentences that support the thesis (writer’s opinion)
Logical order of ideas (reason 1, reason 2, etc.)
Support ideas with examples, facts, statistics, and/or anecdotes
Conclusion
Minimum of 3 sentences
Fresh restatement of opinion
Call to action
Bibliography
2-3 sources
MLA-formatted
C) VISUAL/POSTER
Create a visual/poster that advertises for or against your chosen topic using
persuasive advertising techniques;
Use convincing language and colorful graphic designs to grab the audience’s
attention and persuade them to accept your point of view.
Minimum of 10 researched facts
D) PRESENTATION
You will share your poster with the class.
Explain poster concept (choice of design and use of language)
Clearly express point of view
Informative
Enthusiastic and confident; good voice quality
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
LANGUAGE ARTS--GRADE 8
GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
Sanders, Collins, Hartweck
COURSE ELEMENTS:
A. Literary Terms and Genres
B. Writing Process and Traits
C. Expository Writing and Creative Writing
D. Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
E. Vocabulary
F. Novel Study
G. Reading Skills
*** The elements listed above are integrated throughout the course. ***
SUPPLIES: Bring the following materials to class each day:
A. Blue or black pen
B. Notebook paper
C. Binder with SCHOOL ORGANIZER
D. Book or magazine for silent reading
E. Vocabulary Workshop (workbook)
TEXTBOOKS: Language Network and The Language of Literature are the textbooks for this course.
They should remain at home for use there. We will use a set in the classroom.
RULES FOR CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: Your responsibilities in this
class are:
A. to be on time (in your desk and beginning the warmup/ reading
when the bell rings)
B. to be prepared for class (have your materials with you and try to get a
drink and use the restroom before class - hall passes are for emergencies)
C. to meet deadlines (all assignments are due at the beginning of
each class on the due date unless otherwise stated)
D. to use your time wisely
E. to be actively involved as a member of a group
F. to have a positive attitude
G. to pay attention, listen, and not be disruptive.
BOOKS: You are to bring a book or magazine to read every day. This may be an assigned novel, a
library book or magazine, a book from home, or a book or magazine checked out from me. There
are many options, so you should always have something to read!
ATTENDANCE AND CREDIT: State law requires students to be “in attendance” for at least 90 percent
of the days a class is taught during a semester or year in order to get credit for their academic work.
*See page 34 in the FJH Student Handbook.
ABSENCES AND MAKEUP WORK: If you have been absent, be responsible and get the assignments
the day you return to class. Also, refer to teacher.web. I update assigned work and homework daily.
Turn in assignments according to school policy.
GRADED PAPERS AND HANDOUTS: When a graded paper is returned to you, record the grade on your
grade sheet and place the paper in the appropriate section of your binder. By using this system, you
should know what your average is in my class at all times.
GRADES: Students’ grades/averages are based on the following percentages:
Daily--30%
Quizzes--30%
Tests, projects, & major writing pieces--40%
TUTORIALS: Tutorials for this class will be in Room 2 on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8:00 -
8:23.
ROCKETS TEAM TIME: The team meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00-10:30. Please e-
mail Ms. Cox at ncox@fisdk12.net or call the school at 281-482-7818 if you need to schedule a
conference with the team.
EMAIL: ccollins@fisdk12.net
homework assignments = teacherweb.com
The teacher reserves the right to make changes for any policy as the need arises.
PRE-AP LANGUAGE ARTS--GRADE 8
GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
Sanders, Collins, Hartweck
COURSE ELEMENTS:
A. Literary Terms and Genres
B. Writing Process and Traits
C. Expository Writing and Creative Writing
D. Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
E. Vocabulary
F. Novel Study
G. Reading Skills
*** The elements listed above are integrated throughout the course. ***
LEARNING STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED IN THE PRE-AP
CLASSROOM:
A. Active questioning, reading, and listening
B. Critical reading and thinking (analyzing and interpreting to draw conclusions)
C. Divergent thinking (analyze, synthesize, recognize, evaluate) in response to texts and ideas
D. Risk-taking in written responses, literary choices, and discussion
SUPPLIES: Bring the following materials to class each day:
A. Blue or black pen
B. Notebook paper
C. Binder with SCHOOL ORGANIZER
D. Book or magazine for silent reading
E. Vocabulary Workshop (workbook)
TEXTBOOKS: Language Network and The Language of Literature are the textbooks for this course.
They should remain at home for use there. We will use a set in the classroom.
RULES FOR CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: Your responsibilities in this class are:
A. to be on time (in your desk and beginning the warmup/ reading when the bell rings)
B. to be prepared for class (have your materials with you and try to get a drink and use the
restroom before class - hall passes are for emergencies)
C. to meet deadlines (all assignments are due at the beginning of each class on the due date
unless otherwise stated)
D. to use your time wisely
E. to be actively involved as a member of a group
F. to have a positive attitude
G. to pay attention, listen, and not be disruptive.
BOOKS: You are to bring a book or magazine to read every day. This may be an assigned novel, a
library book or magazine, a book from home, or a book or magazine checked out from me. There
are many options, so you should always have something to read!
ATTENDANCE AND CREDIT: State law requires students to be “in attendance” for at least 90 percent
of the days a class is taught during a semester or year in order to get credit for their academic work.
*See page 34 in the FJH Student Handbook.
ABSENCES AND MAKEUP WORK: If you have been absent, be responsible and get the assignments
the day you return to class. Also, refer to teacherweb.com. I update assigned work and homework
daily. Turn in assignments according to school policy.
GRADED PAPERS AND HANDOUTS: When a graded paper is returned to you, record the grade on your
grade sheet and place the paper in the appropriate section of your binder. By using this system, you
should know what your average is in my class at all times.
GRADES: Students’ grades/averages are based on the following percentages:
Daily--30%
Quizzes--30%
Tests, projects, & major writing pieces--40%
TUTORIALS: Tutorials for this class will be in Room 2 on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8:00 -
8:23.
ROCKETS TEAM TIME: The team meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:50-10:20. Please e-
mail Ms.Cox at ccox@fisdk12.net or call the school at 281-482-7818 if you need to schedule a
conference with the team.
EMAIL: ccollins@fisdk12.net
homework assignments = teacherweb.com
The teacher reserves the right to make changes for any policy as the need arises.