Reflections:  Letter

Prompt: All week long you have been using many different skills to produce your movie version of __________________.  Many of my former students return to inform me that this part of the year remains the most memorable of all of their experiences in English class. Many also note that they shall never again view a movie in the same manner because of their participation in all of the work involved.  In other words, they have become more critical viewers of every aspect of a movie.

Directions for Writing:Compose a business letter to your principal that informs him about what you have been doing in class this week.  Begin with your reading of the short story; progress on through the writing of the scripts, the selection process, and the presentation.  Include the oral presentation and the performing of your part in the making of the movie.  Include any insights, "ah ha's," or realizations that you have emerged as a more enlightened movie viewer during the process.  Also, include any analysis of yourself as part of the group process. You may share your letters with your family.

 Don't forget to use correct letter format and the attached rubric before starting.
 
 
 
Criteria Academy Award Audience Nominee Oscar Recipient
  • Letter format
  • No apparent knowledge of correct form for business letter.  None of the parts are recognizable.  Student just begins to write.
  • Mixes parts of the friendly letter with parts of the business letters.  Omits the inside address or adds name to the heading instead of putting the date.
  • Uses correct business letter format.  Headings, inside address, salutation and closing are all in the appropriate places and present.
  • Insight into nature of movie making
  • Continues to enjoy only the finished product. 
  • Indicates so in the letter.
  • Realizes that much work goes into the making of movies.
  • Indicates so in the letter
  • Identifies specific challenges of movie making.
  • Uses concrete and specific examples
  • Self-Analysis
  • Fails to identify the many different ways in which s/he might have grown
  • Letter shows awareness of growth expresses as much in specific detail 
  • Letter expresses the realization that significant growth has taken place, explains at length 
  • Summary of activities
  • Letter indicates only one or two activities
  • Misses some of the basic skill activities
  • Letter includes all activities and the attached skills i.e., reading, writing, thinking, leading, following, conceding, problem-solving, etc.
  • Surface Errors, usage, etc.
  • Numerous errors in usage, mechanics, spelling and sentence structure
  • Few errors in usage, mechanics and sentence structure
  • Only an occasional typographical slip in punctuation, capitalization and usage.

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