Edgar Allan Poe Short Story Project

Fall Semester: October

For this project, the class will be separated into four groups, each group with have

five to six members in it. The groups will each be assigned their own short story

written by Edgar Allan Poe. As a group, you must read through, discuss, analyze,

and teach your assigned short story. Each group will need to prepare an eight

minute presentation for the class where they will teach the text to their peers.

Everyone will have two classes to read and prepare their material. The day before

presentations will be spent in the computer lab so that groups can have access to

computers. Each group may teach the stories however the want as long as the following

criteria is met:

Presentation guide lines:

The presentation should last ten minutes.

The group must create some sort of visual aid/graphic (examples: power

point, prezi, word doc, poster, worksheet)

At least one of the following topics should be discussed in relation to the text:

o Tone

o Narrator (Reliable or not)

o Imagery

o Symbolism

o Genre

o Why the Title?

o Pair with another poem and compare/contrast

 Poe Short Story Project Objectives

8.RL.2.2 Analyze the development of a theme or central idea over the course of a work
of literature, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot;
provide a detailed summary that supports the analysis.

8.RL.2.3 Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a work of literature

propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

8.W.3.2 Write informative compositions in a variety of forms that

Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas,
concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g.,
headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to
aiding comprehension.

Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among ideas and concepts.

Choose language and content-specific vocabulary that express ideas

precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and
redundancy.

Establish and maintain a style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports

the information or explanation presented.

8.SL.2.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in

groups, and teacher-led) on grade-appropriate topics, texts, and issues,
building on others ideas and expressing personal ideas clearly.

8.SL.2.2 Examine, analyze, and reflect on ideas under discussion by identifying

specific evidence from materials under study and other resources.

8.SL.4.1 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent
manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen
details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear
pronunciation.

8.SL.4.2 Create engaging presentations that integrate multimedia components and

visual displays to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and
add interest.
 Poe Short Story Project Rubric
Below Meets Exceeds
Expectations Expectations Expectations
The story was 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
clearly summarized,
explained, and
analyzed.
The presentation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
was clear, organized
and lasted within
thirty seconds of ten
minutes.
The group created 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
and implemented a
visual aid/graphic.
At least one of the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
required literary
topics was clearly
discussed during the
presentation.
The group worked 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
well together and
each member
presented/spoke an
equal amount.
Total___________

A: 37-45
B: 27-36
C: 17-26
D: 7-16
F: 0-7

Commentary:
 Poe Short Story Project Self

Evaluation
Please evaluate your participation on this assignment by rating each question below and
then explain below why you rated yourself the way that you did. Include a 4-6 sentence
reflection on the assignment. What did you think of it? What did you think of your
group?

Below Meets Exceeds

Expectations Expectations Expectations
The story was 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
clearly summarized,
explained, and
analyzed.
The presentation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
was clear, organized
and lasted within
thirty seconds of ten
minutes.
The group created 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
and implemented a
visual aid/graphic.
At least one of the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
required literary
topics was clearly
discussed during the
presentation.
The group worked 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
well together and
each member
presented/spoke an
equal amount.
Total___________