21 Written Response Assignment Instructions

General Outline

• Individual assignment that integrates reading and TED Talk inputs and synthesizes that information in the form of a written response (2 pages or 500 words).
• Builds on online classwork and homework related to a reading text (Practical Smart Advice For Changemakers From A Young Climate Activist) and a TED Talk (The Disarming Case To Act Right Now On Climate Change).
• Calls for students to critically assess how the inputs are associated and what insights and conclusions can be derived from those associations.
• Asks students to upload their written response.

Specific Instructions

• To successfully complete this assignment, it is very important to understand each input carefully. In addition to your in-class work with the reading and TED Talk, explore them carefully again—make further notes on the TED Talk and annotate the reading text with questions and comments. Note any language difficulties, especially in relation to vocabulary, phrases or clauses you do not understand. Raise these concerns with your teacher if necessary. The more you have mastered the meaning of each text, the better you will be able to relate them one to the other.
• Using the table below, brainstorm the following: key ideas; similarities between the two inputs (integration); differences between the two (integration); key associations (synthesis); and finally, conclusions resulting from those associations. As you are filling in the table, ask yourself the following questions:
  • What is the purpose of each input?
    • To inform? To persuade? To evoke emotion? To inspire? To correct the record?
  • Who is the intended audience of each input?
    • The average person? Peers within the field? Adversaries who argue differently? Certain groups within society?
  • What is the main idea of each input?
    • What are the respective key points or positions?
  • How are the inputs associated?
    • Similar theme? Similar or dissimilar audience? Similar or competing perspectives? Similar or dissimilar conclusions?
  • What are your resulting conclusions?
    • What can be implied by the associations of the two inputs? Is one stance or position weakened or strengthened in light of the other? Or conversely, does one approach build on the other or provide further support? Or does each input necessitate the other is some way? How is the theme enhanced by the two approaches?

• After your brainstorming table is filled in, begin to form an outline of your written response. Your outline can follow the template below:
  • Introductory Paragraph: thesis statement
    • introduce text and TED Talk titles and author/speaker
    • thesis statement that captures the key associations and derived conclusion(s)
  • Body 1 Paragraph: Key Ideas (integration)
    • Practical Smart Advice For Changemakers From A Young Climate Activist
    • The Disarming Case To Act Right Now On Climate Change
  • Body 2 paragraph: Associations (synthesis)
    • due to similarities (in depth)
    • due to differences (in depth)
  • Concluding Paragraph: Derived conclusions
    • your argument for what is implied by the associations
  • With a completed outline, it is now time to write your response. Remember it must be 2 pages double-spaced or 500 words. Your teacher will help you develop your response, but it is necessary to complete all the above steps first.
  • When your written response is complete, review/edit it thoroughly to be sure that your writing is clear and accurate.
  • Finally, upload your written response to the Assignment tool on Sakai. Your teacher will direct you regarding this.

NOTE: Please refer to the provided rubric to understand how the assignment will be marked. This is an individual assessment.