Why do we spend time reading long stories? It isn't just about the plot; it is about building high-value skills that employers and communities look for. Whether it is empathy, critical thinking, or understanding complex human motives, literature is like a flight simulator for real life.
In this assignment, you will use AI to help you find a novel that matches your personal goals. Then, you will create a pitch video to convince other students why a novel study is one of the most practical things they can do this year.
Start a conversation with your AI assistant to find a focus that actually matters to you.
Using Canva Video, create a high-energy "trailer" or pitch for your upcoming novel study. Your goal is to convince a student exactly like you that this work is worth the effort.
This video is a chance to show me how much you have grown!
Please upload the following to our Google Classroom:
Every book is a new perspective. I can't wait to see which journey you've chosen for yourself!
Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.
Your finished "Pitch Video" exported from Canva
We are learning to:
Consider how studying literature can help develop high-value, transferable skills for future careers
Practice organizing ideas into a coherent, well-developed persuasive argument
Refine oral communication skills with a focus on diction, vocal strategies, and non-verbal cues
Expand media production skills by incorporating feedback and trying new techniques in Canva
I can:
identify the purpose and audience for my video and use a variety of speaking strategies to communicate my ideas engagingly
connect my personal goals to the study of literature and develop a logical argument for its value
reflect on my creative process by identifying my strengths and incorporating past feedback into my media production
| Category | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge/Understanding | Video demonstrates a thorough understanding of how literary study builds specific, high-value professional skills | Video demonstrates a clear understanding of how literary study builds high-value professional skills | Video demonstrates some understanding of the connection between literature and skill development | Video demonstrates limited understanding of the value of studying literature |
| Thinking/Inquiring | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is exceptionally clear, insightful, and highly organized | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is clear and well-organized | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is mostly clear and organized | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is somewhat clear but lacks organization |
| Application | Video production is significantly improved and masterfully incorporates all prior teacher and self-feedback | Video production incorporates feedback from prior assignments effectively | Some improvement is evident, but a few previously identified technical issues persist | Minimal improvement is evident and previously identified issues remain unaddressed |
| Communication | Speaking and non-verbal cues have improved significantly, showing expert-level growth in response to prior feedback | Speaking and non-verbal cues effectively incorporate feedback from prior assignments | Some improvement in speaking is evident, though some prior habits remain | Minimal improvement in speaking or vocal strategies is demonstrated |
Video demonstrates a thorough understanding of how literary study builds specific, high-value professional skills
Video demonstrates a clear understanding of how literary study builds high-value professional skills
Video demonstrates some understanding of the connection between literature and skill development
Video demonstrates limited understanding of the value of studying literature
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is exceptionally clear, insightful, and highly organized
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is clear and well-organized
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is mostly clear and organized
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is somewhat clear but lacks organization
Video production is significantly improved and masterfully incorporates all prior teacher and self-feedback
Video production incorporates feedback from prior assignments effectively
Some improvement is evident, but a few previously identified technical issues persist
Minimal improvement is evident and previously identified issues remain unaddressed
Speaking and non-verbal cues have improved significantly, showing expert-level growth in response to prior feedback
Speaking and non-verbal cues effectively incorporate feedback from prior assignments
Some improvement in speaking is evident, though some prior habits remain
Minimal improvement in speaking or vocal strategies is demonstrated