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Senior Talk - Denisha

School: Springfield Renaissance School

City/State: Springfield, MA

Grade(s): 12

Format(s): Performance: General

Subject(s): English Language Arts

Type(s): Narrative

Writing Assignment Description

Prior to graduation, students present a speech to a panel of students, staff, and community members articulating lessons learned in their jourrney through school and their plans for the future. The Senior Talk demonstrates that the graduate is in fact a self-directed learner ready to become an active citizen in our world.

How This Writing Can Be Useful

  • Shows how an understanding of self can be explained using well-chosen quotes
  • Demonstrates the power of authenticity--doing work that matters to students and is shared with the larger community
  • Represents a consistent and engaging author's voice developed through humor, sensory details, and precise language
  • Conveys a clear and distinct perspective to engage the listener

Relevant Resources

Senior Talk - Devonté

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.11-12.3
  • I can write narrative texts about real or imagined experiences using well-chosen details and effective event sequences.
W.11-12.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
SL.11-12.4
  • I can present information appropriate to purpose, audience and task (conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style).
SL.11-12.6
  • I can adapt my speech for a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when indicated or appropriate.
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