Teacher Script

The WebQuest model is best suited for learners who can navigate the Web on their own and can read the kinds of material commonly found on the Web. We can stretch the format to reach primary-aged learners, developmental English Language Learners and special populations by creating a faciliated WebQuest, one that requires an adult or older peer to drive things.

Introduction (10 minutes):

A time capsule has just transported you back in time to the early nineteen century.  The president of one of the the top advertising company in the nation needs your creativity and imagination to sell his products to the public.  Using your highly developed writing skills in figurative language, choose one of the products to "jazz and pizzaz" with a little figurative language.  Of course you have an excellent writing ability so I have all the confidence in the world that you can you sell your product through your words.  I know you don't want to let the company down, so get started as quickly possible.  The president of the company is waiting to hear from you. 

Essential Questions: What form of figurative language will I use and how will I incorporate it into a statement sentence to sell my product to the public?

Guiding Questions:
What senses would someone use when using my product?
How could I describe my product?
How could I describe someone using my product?
How could someone be helped from your product?
How could someone enjoy your product?

Task (10 minutes)

When you go to meet with the president of the advertising company make sure you have:

• Your web used to brainstorm idea about your product
• Your top three phrases to "sell" your product; make sure they include figurative language!
• Information you collected from family members, friends, and classmates about which "selling phrase" was most effective.
• A poster displaying your chosen product and with the top "selling phrase" you chose.

Process (Day 1 in class time: 30 minutes, out of class time: 15-20 minutes.  Day 2: 30-40 minutes)

1. First you'll choose a product from the advertising companies' collection of products
2. On a piece of paper brainstorm and build a web of information answering the Guiding Questions:
              
               What senses would someone use when using my product?
               How could I describe my product?
               How could I describe someone using my product?
               How could someone be helped from your product
               How could someone enjoy your product?     ... and so on.   
    
3. Using different forms of figurative language describe how someone's life could be "so much better" if they had your product. 
4. Choose your top three phrases to "sell" your product.
5. Talk to family members, friends, and classmates to determine what your "selling phrase" should be.
6. Create a poster that includes your product with the "selling phrase" underneath it.
7. Write your name, date, and number in the top right hand corner of your poster.

Evaluation (5 minutes)

Student's grades will be determined by several factors:

• Brainstorming of ideas using a web
• Use of figurative language in your top three "selling phrases"
• Ability to convincingly sell your product to the public through your "selling phrase."
• Completion and creativity of poster
• Ability to follow all guidelines in this project

Conclusion (5 minutes)

By the end of this project you will have developed some valuable skills in effectively using figurative language.  Your effectiveness will be seen not only in your ability to "sell" your product but also in your creative use of figurative language.  Now that this project is over, think about these questions:

• How can you use figurative language in your journal writing?
• Could the use of figurative language bring your story writing skills alive?
• Were do you see yourself using figurative language in the future? 
• How can you encourage your fellow students to use figurative language when you peer edit? 

Good luck in using figurative language in your future writings!