MY BROTHER SAM IS DEAD - FINAL ASSIGNMENT

My Brother Sam is Dead

Final Assignment Options

Directions: Please select from one of the options listed below.
Total Points: 50
Due Date: by November 07, 2007
Optional: Give me a typed draft for teacher feedback by November 5, 2007.

Option A

You are a soldier in the Revolutionary War. You may choose to side with the colonists or with England. Write a letter home to your family or friend. You must include the following information:

§ What side of the war are you on?

§ Explain why you joined for that side. Use specific examples.

§ Include some specific events that have occurred in this war. (min. 4 facts)

§ Do you still feel the same way about the war as you did when you first enlisted? Use specific examples to explain.

Your letter should be at least 5 paragraphs, typed, and single-spaced. You should use information from the novel, class notes, or any outside research you wish to conduct. (Be sure to cite your sources on a separate sheet if you do the latter. See “Research Basics for the proper format.) Be sure to defend your choices and prove that you feel your actions are morally just.

Option B

You must choose to be a Loyalist or a Patriot. High officials have asked you to prepare a speech supporting your side of the war. Your goal is to convert the townspeople to your side. The speech will be presented at the monthly town meeting. After giving your speech, you will be subjected to questions from the opposing side of the War. Keep the following in mind:

§ Give clear and concise reasons as to why you believe you are on the right side.

§ Give strong examples that will help you prove your arguments.

§ Include specific events from the War that have contributed to your choice.

Remember your goal is to win the support of your community and diminish the credibility of your opponent. You must use information from the novel, class notes, and your knowledge of the Revolutionary War. You may also conduct outside research. The speech should be 1 ½ - 3 minutes in length and you will also be evaluated on volume/clarity, poise, enthusiasm, eye contact, and content. You may memorize your speech or use note-cards as a reference, but do not just read the speech to class.

Option C

Write a letter from one character in MBSID to another character in the novel. Use the novel’s events as a basis, but make inferences or draw conclusions to explain the characters’ motivations, opinions, feelings, etc. In other words, dig deeper and go beyond what is factual in the novel. Analyze your characters. Also, include at least 4 facts related to the Revolutionary War. You must write four letters total (2 from each character.) The letters must be typed, single-spaced, and at least 150 words each.

Option D

Select an important scene from MBSID and make a diorama. Be sure to cover any advertisements on the shoe box. On the top of the box, include a 150 word typed description of your diorama. You must explain why you selected this scene. (Why is this an important scene in the novel? Does it capture a certain feeling or theme? Is it a climactic scene? Does it enhance your understanding of this time period and how?) Support your analysis with specific details. On the side of the box, affix a typed caption that includes the novel’s title, authors, your name, and class period.