Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Family Matters Presentation Topics

and Guidelines

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Each Group Will:

Choose a topic from the list and create a thesis that argues something about the topic

Present your findings as a group to the class in a 60 minute presentation

Teach the class about the historical topic chosen

Connect the topic to Family MattersLead a class discussion for approximately

30 minutes

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Individually You Will:

Research your given topicExamine how your topic connects to the

novelFind quotations to support your group’s

thesis and analyze said quotations insightfully

Help lead a class discussionParticipate in other group discussions

(note that this counts as a mark on your rubric for this presentation)

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Organization:

1. Individual historical teaching (approximately 2-3 minutes each)

2. Individual connection to novel and analysis of quotations (3-5 minutes each)

3. Group led discussion with class (approximately 30 minutes)

4. Please note that each group member must contribute and lead the discussion equally

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Organization:

Please note that you do not have to divide your presentation up in this exact manner.

That is, if you choose to have class discussions in between your individual analysis, you can do so.

The caveat is that you must control the class discussion so it does not take any more than 30 minutes of your presentation time.

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Organization:

Also, as a group, you are required to use secondary sources to aid you in your presentation.

The group will hand in one complete bibliography which contains at least 4 sources (not including the novel itself).

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Topic # 1:

Parsi Traditions Examine Parsi Traditions both old and

modern Teach the class about Parsis and make

connections to the novel Discussion Topic:

Traditions in any religion, community, or cultural group

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Topic # 2: Setting – Bombay to Mumbai

Examine the reasons behind the name change and how different cultural groups reacted to the change

Examine also topics including the Indian Emergency

Make the appropriate connections to the novel Discussion Topic:

Politics in any region and how it affects the public

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Topic # 3:

Parkinson's Disease & Aging Examine the disease itself as well as

some of the common effects of aging Make the appropriate connections to

the novel Discussion Topic:

How disease and aging affects families and loved ones

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Topic # 4:

Fire Temples Examine what Fire Temples are and

why they are significant Make the appropriate connections to

the novel Discussion Topic:

How religion can affect communities, individuals, and families.

Please note, do not include religious wars as this is the topic in the sample presentation

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Topic # 5: Shiv Sena

Examine the origins of the Shiv Sena and how they affected and continue to affect the lives of Indians

Make the appropriate connections to the novel

Discussion Topic: How control, especially through force,

can corrupt individuals and communities

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Rubric Criteria Remedial Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Knowledge & Understanding

Little evidence or research Little understanding of topicLittle attention paid or poorly phrased discussion questions

Some evidence of researchSome understanding of topicSome attention paid or adequately phrased discussion questions

Good evidence of researchGood understanding of topicGood discussion questions

Evidence of insightful research Insightful understanding of topicInteresting and thought-provoking discussion questions

Thinking & Inquiry Thesis statement is too general or limitedLittle proof of thesis provided Quotations are inconsistently explainedMinimal analysisPoor connection made to thesis

Thesis statement is adequately phrasedSome proof of thesis providedQuotations are adequately explainedAdequate analysis Adequate connections made to thesis

Thesis statement is clearConvincing proof of thesis providedQuotations are well explainedGood analysisGood connections made to thesis

Thesis statement is focused and conciseOverwhelming proof of thesis providedQuotations are expertly explainedInsightful analysisExcellent connections made to thesis

Communication Rarely looks up reads from notesFrequent use of pauses, “ums”, “likes”, “y’knows”Pacing too slow or fast; little awareness of stanceVoice has limited clarityOrganization is limited

Frequently reads from notes; occasionally looks at audienceSome use of pauses, “ums”, “likes”, “y’knows”Pacing occasionally disrupted; little awareness of stanceVoice is generally clearOrganization is satisfactory

Occasionally reads from notes; usually looks at audienceFew pauses, “ums”, “likes”, “y’knows”; appropriate level of languageGood use of pacing and awareness of stanceVoice is expressive, good volumeOrganization is good

Rarely reads from notes; eye contact constantNo filler words; language is appealing and interestingExcellent pacing, and stanceVoice is clear and effective, loud, clear, & confidentOrganization is excellent

Application Few or weak connections made to novelLittle encouragement of audience responsesLittle participation made in presentations

Some connections made to novelSome encouragement offered to audience responsesSome participation offered in presentations

Good connections made to novelGood encouragement offered to audience responsesGood participation offered in presentations

Insightful connections made to novelExcellent encouragement offered to audience responses (proof of listening)Excellent and consistent participation offered in presentations

Mr. MehrotraENG 4U0

Good luck and remember, “words [have the] power to sway, words [have] accomplished mighty things, they [have] won wars” (Mistry 231). Think before you speak and present your information as clearly as possible.