English @ CCHS
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optimist essay and oratorical contest

how do you get your opinion heard?

We're going to spend the next couple weeks using Optimist Club contests as a vehicle for solidifying and defending an opinion. Besides getting a few extra points for this double-module, you have the chance to win a scholarship!

Module summary:
  • choose either the essay track or the speech track
    • essay prompt: Can society function without respect?
    • speech prompt: where are my roots of optimism?
  • solidify your opinion and research to support it
  • plan your essay or speech, then revise and rehearse

Picture
Picture

essential questions

  • How do we share our opinions meaningfully?
  • How do we synthesize multiple sources to present an argument?

goals

  • Students will understand that we share opinions meaningfully by creating a clear thesis and backing it up with well-organized examples of support
  • Students will understand that it's important to use a variety of different perspectives in a persuasive argument so your ideas are given extra weight and authority.

activities: week 1
(15 - 19 jan)

Monday
  • warm-up: four corners activity (agree/disagree)
  • review expectations for double-module
  • discuss topics to explore opinions
Tuesday
  • no class - ski day
Wednesday
  • essay: review essay expectations, MLA citations and format
  • speech: review speech tips (ethos, pathos, logos)
  • plan central argument
  • research as needed to add a variety of supporting points
Thursday
  • start planning essay or speech
  • get input from the group about your plan so far

Friday
  • goal for the week: general outline of essay or speech
  • get syllabus signed off

activities: week 2
(22 - 26 jan)

Monday
  • warm-up: speak with conviction video
  • review progress from last week
  • continue planning/researching
    • essay: start to draft 
    • speech: start to build outline and notes
Tuesday
  • essay: finish rough draft (700-800 words)
  • speech: finish notes for 4-5 minute speech
    • rehearse and time
  • self-critique essay or speech using form
  • revise as needed
Wednesday
  • conference with Christine about rough draft of essay or first go-around with speech
  • revise, continue rehearsing
Thursday
  • essay: complete peer evaluation
  • speech: rehearse and time
  • finish polishing essay or speech

Friday
  • wrap up speech or essay as needed
  • get syllabus signed off

c-tachs

Writing
  • Conduct short and more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem
  • Gather relevant information for multiple print and digital sources; assessing the credibility and accuracy of each source; quote and paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism; use a standard form for citation
Reading
  • Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media and formats in order to address a question or solve a problem
Speaking and listening
  • Present information, findings and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective
  • Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English

documents

Optimist Essay Contest Syllabus
File Size: 40 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Optimist Oratorical Contest Syllabus
File Size: 39 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Picture

The Mission of Chaffee County High School

“We engage and empower our society through innovative education to make a more positive and peaceful world." 

Contact Us

  • Home
    • About
  • Research
  • Reading & Writing
  • Recent Modules
    • Connect >
      • Board Game Reviews (mini)
      • CCHS Powtoon
      • Coco!
      • Creative Writing Seminar >
        • Calvin and Hobbes
        • Pieces of art
        • Tell Tale Cards
      • Dragon Post
      • Editorializing
      • E-mail Etiquette (Dead Poet's Society)
      • E-mail Etiquette (Star Wars)
      • English Skills
      • Go Write Outside
      • HONY and Narrative Essays
      • Nature Poetry
      • Passion Project
      • Persons, Places, Things
      • Photo Essays
      • Rebel Girls >
        • Jane Goodall
      • Stereotypes
      • Teach Me Something
      • Virtual Reality-ing
      • What Music Means
    • Construct >
      • 2018 in Review
      • Book Censorship
      • Live Anywhere
      • Picture Book Inquiry
      • Propaganda Bombs
      • PSA Powtoon
      • Self-Improvement
      • State of the Union
      • Rant to Reason
      • TED Topics
      • Who Cares?
    • Be Curious >
      • Art Time is Fun Time!
      • Caper with the Classics
      • CCHS Librarians
      • Emma: Friend or Foe?
      • Fahrenheit 451
      • Found Poetry
      • Google Expeditions
      • Hero's Journey
      • Irreverence
      • Macbeth
      • Poetry
      • The Lottery
      • "Worthy" Art