10th Grade Honors: Symposium 2016

Knowledge is power. Information is liberating.

Education is the premise of progress, in every
society, in every family. Kofi Annan
Vision:
For Symposium 2016, we are embarking on a new and engaging endeavor into the complexities
of social justice. The aim of this endeavor is to invite students to discover the undergirding
causes of issues that yield injustice. Students will examine the historical context surrounding the
issue of their choice and research the implications of the issue becoming institutional policy.
Working through this research will develop the students sense of not only civil rights but also of
civic responsibility.
Goal:
Through the course of this symposium project, students will complete work in various stages that
demonstrate their progress in understanding the issue and implementing a plan of action.
Ultimately, students will share their knowledge of the issue and express their findings via
rhetorical analysis and application in the form of a persuasive speech and implementation of
community activism.

Part I: Speech Portfolio and Gallery Walk

The first part of your symposium project will consist of an individual assignment and
presentation. You will be provided with a speech from your teacher that has evoked social
change or activism in the community in which it was presented. You will be responsible for
creating:
1. A portfolio that analyzes the motivation, purpose, rhetorical techniques, and overall
effectiveness of the speech assigned to you. Your portfolio will include:
1. A copy of your annotates speech
2. A copy of the research (annotated) you completed to fully investigate the speakers
background and credibility, historical context, and historical effectiveness of the
speech
3. SOAPSTone analysis of the speech
4. A comprehensive dialectical journal reflecting the speakers application of rhetorical
strategies
5. A reflective response, using the TIQA, explaining the context and meaning of the
speech and its effectiveness. Make sure that your response uses the sentence
frames from the Analysis Phrasing Templates
b. A poster that illustrates your understanding of the speech and the portfolio requirements.
This poster should demonstrate a graphic representation of 5 salient rhetorical strategies
and will be used in a Gallery Walk.
Use the following guidelines to inform the analysis of your assigned speech:

Your annotations need to address the motivation, purpose, rhetorical appeals and
techniques used, and overall effectiveness of the speech.
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Investigate the following:

1. What is the historical context surrounding the speech?
1.
Note the occasion: What events occurred to inspire the speaker to give the
speech?
b. Investigate the speaker's background:
a. How does their background reinforce their credibility?
b. How do they establish their credibility in the speech?
c. How did the audience receive the speech?
d. How effective was the speech at evoking social activism and change from the
audience members?

Part II: Topic and Proposal

The topic you choose for your symposium presentation must focus on a group of people who are
victimized through systematic oppression or institutional practice that disregard the rights of
another group of people. In other words, a government or group in power is knowingly, or by
practice of policy, withholding basic rights from a group of people under its control. You will need
to submit a proposal to your teacher. Follow these requirements for choosing a topic:
1) Groups will decide on a topic that has the following:
a. The issue must be real, and current. The cause should have some implications to
humanity.
b. You must identify at least one legitimate and current organization working to
improve the conditions of the group being denied rights.
c. You must make a compelling argument that you are capable of creating a
meaningful and informative speech that presents an original solution to this
issue.
d. You must be able to find enough information on your issue to complete the
research requirement (12 total sources).
e. The issue must not be one that is listed on the Excluded List.
f. If you are choosing an institutional practice, you MUST find another group in 10th
grade honors that will be presenting the opposing argument.

2) Individual Research Requirements:

a. Research your topic using a variety of resources. You must have a minimum of 3

sources (a minimum of 3 printed pages; unless video*) that are varied and help
your credibility as a researcher. Your sources must NOT be the same as your
group members sources. * If youre using a video, please get teacher approval
first.
i. One source from Google Scholar
ii. One source from SIRS or EBSCO
iii. One source from a reputable publisher (must be able to prove its integrity)
b. 1 Research template and submit to Turnitin.com

Part III: Individual Research Requirements

I.

Complete 3 source reviews

i. Use the template on the next page or re-type the information
maintaining formatting.
ii. You will complete 1 source review for each of your research pieces.
2|SYPMOSIUM 2016

II.
III.

Submit document to Turnitin.com. All 3 assignments should be typed in the

same document so only one submission is allowed.
Printed/photocopied sources either stapled, paper clipped, or clipped together.
Each source should be separated with stickies or dividers. These will be
submitted separately from the Turnitin.com pieces.

Dialectical Journals
The term Dialectic means the art or practice of arriving at the truth by using conversation
involving question and answer. Think of your dialectical journal as a series of conversations
with the texts. The process is meant to help you develop a better understanding of the sources
you read. Use your journal to incorporate your personal responses to the texts, your ideas about
the historical and current implications of your issue.
Procedure:
As you read, choose passages that stand out to you and record them in the left-hand column of a
T-chart (ALWAYS include page numbers in MLA format). In the right column, write your response
to the text (ideas/insights, questions, reflections, and comments on each passage). Your
responses should be thorough and reflect information you will need to support your speech.
Think about:
What am I looking for in this text?
What is its purpose?
What are the important elements of the text?
What don't I understand?
How does this information relate to my prior knowledge?
How do I feel about what I have read and the way it was written?

Part IV: Individual Persuasive Speech 1.0

This project will culminate in a student-written and delivered persuasive speech, on their
symposium topic, that demonstrates their mastery of the rhetorical elements of
persuasion. A written copy will be submitted to Turnitin.com. Each student will submit
their own copy of their persuasive speech. See the rubric as well for guidelines.
Outline Format for the written form of the Argumentative Speech
In order to effectively prepare your speech, please ensure that the following components
are woven into the composition:
A. Introduction
1. Connect with the Audience- To establish your credibility, you must build a
sense of trust. This can be accomplished by developing:
i. Requisite background Information
ii. The Gravity of the Occasion
iii. Clear and cogent thesis statement- Your persuasive claim
B. Body
1. Fleshing out the Issue- Be thorough in explaining why the issue should
garner concern.
3|SYPMOSIUM 2016

2. Engaging the listener- Your audience is ALIVE! So, attract your listeners with
passion and enthusiasm.
i. Tell a story- make it brief but poignant- a.k.a. the Anecdote
ii. Word Up!- Select words that incite action
iii. Use a minimum of 10 different rhetorical devices and rhetorical
devices must appear a minimum of 15 times. In other words, if
you use parallelism, you can use it multiple times.
3. Demonstrate the logical connection between the problem and the
approaches to solving the problem.
i. Be reasonable
ii. Be relevant
iii. Apply appropriate rhetorical devices
4. Sway your Way- Keep the endgame in mind- You want to persuade your
audience that your way holds sway.
i. Apply appropriate rhetorical devices
ii. Execute the delivery
C. Conclusion
1. It Aint over till its over- Finish strong!
i. Hammer home the key message of your claim
ii. Leave an indelible impression- think, see Images
iii. Emphasize Urgency!
iv. Apply appropriate rhetorical devices
2. Call to Action- Inspire your audience to take action
D. Language Conventions
1. What you write will reflect how you sound and who you are, at least with
your audience. So, ensure the following:
i. Correct grammar and usage
ii. Syntax- vary that sentence structure
iii. Diction- again, choose your words wisely
2. Read what you write aloud- youll notice what sounds right and what doesnt.
i. Proofread
ii. Edit

Part V: Group Final Persuasive Speech 2.0

I.
II.

III.

This project will culminate in a student-written and delivered persuasive speech,

on their symposium topic, that demonstrates their mastery of the rhetorical
elements of persuasion. A written copy will be submitted to Turnitin.com
As you collaboratively write your speech as a group, please keep in mind that
each member must contribute equally to creating a cohesive speech. There
should be 3 students in each group, and every group member should speak for
approximately 3-4 minutes. Each speech should be between 9-12 minutes.
Use the following guide to outline your speech. See the rubric also for
guidelines.
Outline Format for the written form of the Argumentative Speech
4|SYPMOSIUM 2016

In order to effectively prepare your speech, please ensure that the following components are
woven into the composition:
A. Introduction
1. Connect with the Audience- To establish your credibility, you must build a sense of
trust. This can be accomplished by developing:
i. Requisite background Information
ii. The Gravity of the Occasion
iii. Clear and cogent thesis statement- Your persuasive claim
B. Body
1. Fleshing out the Issue- Be thorough in explaining why the issue should garner
concern.
2. Engaging the listener- Your audience is ALIVE! So, attract your listeners with passion
and enthusiasm.
i. Tell a story- make it brief but poignant- a.k.a. the Anecdote
ii. Word Up!- Select words that incite action
iii. Apply appropriate rhetorical devices
3. Demonstrate the logical connection between the problem and the approaches to
solving the problem.
i. Be reasonable
ii. Be relevant
iii. Apply appropriate rhetorical devices
4. Sway your Way- Keep the endgame in mind- You want to persuade your audience
that your way holds sway.
i. Apply appropriate rhetorical devices
ii. Execute the delivery
C. Conclusion
1. It Aint over till its over- Finish strong!
i. Hammer home the key message of your claim
ii. Leave an indelible impression- think, see Images
iii. Emphasize Urgency!
iv. Apply appropriate rhetorical devices
2. Call to Action- Inspire your audience to take action
D. Language Conventions
1. What you write will reflect how you sound and who you are, at least with your
audience. So, ensure the following:
i. Correct grammar and usage
ii. Syntax- vary that sentence structure
iii. Diction- again, choose your words wisely
2. Read what you write aloud- youll notice what sounds right and what doesnt.
i. Proofread
ii. Edit

5|SYPMOSIUM 2016

Symposium 2016
MONDAY
JAN.
11-15

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

BRING SYMPOSIUM
PACKET

CALENDAR
THURSDAY

FRIDAY

JFK Speech Analysis

Introduce Symposium

JAN.
18-22

MARTIN LUTHER
KING

Assign historical
speech and portfolio
project

X
NO SCHOOL

JAN.
25-29

Library Research
historical context/
effectiveness/purpose

Library Research

Library- Research

Library Research

LINCOLNs BDAY

Part I Due- Historical

Speech
Analysis/Portfolio

FEB.
1-5

( WEEK 22 )
FEB.
8-12

( WEEK 23 )

FEB.

Gallery Walk

NO SCHOOL

15-19

PRESIDENTS
DAY

( WEEK 24 )

NO SCHOOL

Library

Library

Continue
Pick/Brainstorm
Picking/Brainstorm
topics and groups for topics and groups for
Part II Day 1
Part II Day 2
Topic Proposals due
by the end of the
period

FEB.
22-26

Topics approved
Library Research on topic

Topics accepted.
Library Research on
topic

( WEEK 25 )

6|SYPMOSIUM 2016

FEB- MARCH
29-4

Library research on
topics

Library research on
topics

( WEEK 26 )

MARCH
7-11

Research source
reviews due before start
time of class

AVID field trip

AVID field trip

Turnitin.com

Open House

Individual outline of
speeches due. Printed
copy brought to class.

CAHSEE

AVID field trip

( WEEK 27 )

MARCH
14-18

CAHSEE

( WEEK 28 )
MARCH
21-25
Group meetings to share
speeches. Highlight
exceptional parts

Group Meeting to
Group Meeting to
Synthesize Speeches Synthesize Speeches

( WEEK 29 )
MARCHAPRIL
28-1

SPRING BREAK

( WEEK 30 )
APRIL
4-8

( WEEK 31 )

Full speech Synthesized

with speaking parts and
rhetorical devices
labeled

Lessons on

Lessons on

Presentation
Skills/Techniques

Presentation
Skills/Techniques

Guest Speaker

APRIL
11-15

( WEEK 32 )

Symposium Speech Rehearsals

7|SYPMOSIUM 2016

APRIL
18-22

Speech Symposium Presentations

APRIL
25-29

Speech Symposium Presentations

MAY
2-6

Speech Symposium Presentations

MAY
9-13

8|SYPMOSIUM 2016

Source Review
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Title of Source:
Symposium Issue:
Type of Source:
MLA Citation:
The information in this source is:
a. Balanced, objective or factual
b. Biased, subjective or opinionated statements
c. Both objective and subjective information
6. How do you know that the author/publisher of this source is credible? Research the
author, the publication, etc. This should be thoroughly researched and explained.
(8 sentence minimum)
7. An IVF statement containing the major claim or thesis statement in the work.
Highlight the thesis/main point of the source on the source itself (you will submit
the sources to your teacher).
8. A THOUGHTFUL statement containing how this source is essential to your
symposium research topic. In other words, explain how this source helps to
increase understanding of your topic and how you will use this information in your
speech.
9. Complete a dialectical journal that contains a minimum of 8 thorough entries.
Quote (in MLA format)

Response

9|SYPMOSIUM 2016

10 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6

Individual Research Requirements Rubric

Advanced

Proficient

Basic

MLA Citation

Fully correct MLA

citation

One error in MLA

citation

Errors in MLA
citation exist

Authors
Credibility

Advanced
statement of
credibility
Advanced IVF
statement

Proficient
statement of
credibility
Proficient IVF
statement

Basic statement of
credibility

Statement of
Use

Advanced
statement of use

Proficient
statement of use

Basic statement of
use

Dialectical
Journal

Detailed,
meaningful
passages and
quotations.
Thoughtful
interpretation and
commentary about
the text; avoids
clichs. Includes
comments about
literary elements
such as diction,
imagery, syntax,
and how these
elements
contribute to the
meaning of the
text. Makes
insightful personal
connections and
asks thought-

Less detailed, but

good quotations.
Some intelligent
commentary;
addresses some
thematic
connections.
Identifies and
interprets many
literary elements,
but does not
explain they
contribute to the
meaning. Some
personal
connection; asks
pertinent
questions.
Adequately
addresses all
sections of reading

Several relevant
details from the
text. Most of the
commentary is
vague,
unsupported, or plot
summary/paraphras
e. Some listing of
literary elements;
virtually no
discussion on
meaning. Limited
personal
connection; asks
few, or obvious
questions.
Addresses most of
the reading
assignment; there
are gaps in
coverage.

IVF Statement

Basic IVF statement

Needs
Improvement
Serious errors in
MLA citation
Statement of
credibility needs
improvement
IVF statement
needs
improvement
Statement of use
needs
improvement
Few relevant
details from the
text. Most notes
are plot summary
or paraphrase.
Few literary
elements, virtually
no discussion of
meaning. Limited
personal
connections; no
good questions or
too many
questions. Limited
coverage of the
text; sections with
few entries or not
covered.

Item Missing
Item Missing

Item Missing

Item Missing

Item Missing

Item Missing

11 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6

provoking,
insightful
questions.
Coverage of text is
complete and
thorough.

assignment.

12 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6

Symposium on Social injustice

Group Proposal Sheet
Teacher:___________________________________________________________________________________________________
__
Period:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_
Topic:______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_

Group Members:

Role:
________________________

______________________

________________________

______________________

________________________

______________________

________________________

______________________

How the issue relates to Social or Institutional injustice : (Discuss and identify the groups involved, your
claim of the injustice and relevant information that supports your claim and further research of your topic).
If you are covering an institutional injustice, please list the teacher for the group that will be presenting the
contrasting argument.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Current group that is working to solve the issue and proof that the group is credible:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6

Portfolio Rubric
Student Name:
___________________________________________________________________________________
1) Annotated Speech

/15

2) A copy of the research (annotated) you

completed to fully investigate the speakers
background and credibility, historical context,
and historical effectiveness of the speech
3) SOAPStone analysis of the speech
4) Journal contains detailed, meaningful
passages and quotations. Thoughtful
interpretation and commentary about the
text. Includes comments about literary
elements such as diction, imagery, syntax,
and how these elements contribute to the
meaning of the text as well as a
comprehensive analysis of the speakers
application of rhetorical strategies. Makes
insightful personal connections and asks
thought-provoking, insightful questions.
Coverage of text is complete and thorough.
5) A 1-2 paragraph reflective response (in
TIQA format) explaining the context and
meaning of the speech and its effectiveness.
6) Poster that illustrates your understanding of
the speech and the portfolio requirements.
Poster demonstrates a graphic representation
of 5 salient rhetorical strategies.

TOTAL

/15
/5

/20

/20
/25

/100

14 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6

Symposium Persuasive Speech Presentation Rubric

Title of Presentation: ___________________________________________________ Date: ______________ Length:
_____________

DELIVERY
Volume

Eye Contact

Evidence of Rehearsal

Voice, tone, inflection,

pacing

Knowledge of lines

Time expectation 3-4

minutes

Student Name:

Student Name:

1
5

1
2

1
3

1
3

1
5

1
3

1
3

1
5

1
5

3
1

1
5

Student Name:

1
3

4
1

SUBTOTAL
Engaging the Audience
Establish
trust/credibility
Appeal to emotion

1
5

4
1

Appeal to logic

4
1

Convey an appropriate
attitude (urgency,
seriousness,
professionalism)
Demonstrate an
awareness of your
audience (diction and
subject matter)
Strong level of
persuasiveness through
rhetorical devices

4
1

4
1

4
1

15 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6

Smooth transitions
between speakers

FINAL
TOTAL

/65

/65

/65

Symposium Written Persuasive Speech Rubric

Title of Speech:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Group Members:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5 = Advanced
4 = Proficient
3 = Basic
2 = Needs Improvement
1 = Missing or Serious
Problems

16 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6

Introduction
5
Establish credibility
Provide necessary background
information
Issue clearly stated

1
5

4
1

4
1

Clear Thesis (persuasive element is

clear)

Issue thoroughly explained

4
1

Body
4
1
Use of examples/anecdotes to
explain the issue to audience
Practical options/solutions or
compromises for correcting the issue
offered
Strong diction that encourages the
audience to support the issue and
take action
Thorough use of rhetorical devices to
persuade the audience

Summarize the central ideas and

solutions
Repeat key points

4
1

4
1

4
1

4
1

Conclusion
4
1
5

4
1

Restate/Urge a practical plan of

action

4
1

Language Conventions
Language Conventions

4
1

Correct grammar

4
1

Complex and varied sentence

structure
Correct and appropriate punctuation

1
1

Thoughtful and appropriate

diction/vocabulary

FINAL
SCORE

4
1

/85

17 | S Y P M O S I U M 2 0 1 6