Task page for students
The Millennium Project
Influential Figures of the 20th Century
 

Introduction

We are on the threshold of a new century and, in fact, a new millennium. Let’s look back at some of the people who , over the last 100 years, helped shape the world we live in. Time magazine has brought out issues 1998/99 which focus on “the most influential people of our century”. It contains short essays (2-3 pages long), each focusing on a different person. We will be using these essays as a springboard for the project. Read the instructions below very carefully before you start and then and follow each step.
 

Stage 1 (Getting ready)

a. Take the plastic folder containing your “influential person of the 20th century” (from now on to be referred to as IPo20C). Write his or her name next to your name on the class list so I know who is doing what (whom?).

b. Photocopy the essay on the IPo20C you have chosen/been given. Return the plastic folder with the original essay to me as soon as possible. Do not write on the original copy. These essays will be used by other people.

c. Get your own plastic folder to file your photocopy of the essay, to file these instructions and to file all the other work that relates to the project.

 

Stage 2 (getting started)

d. Now you are ready to start. Read the essay well using a dictionary. Do not be satisfied with understanding the general idea alone.

e. List between 10 - 15 words or phrases that were new to you. Explain them in English or translate them into Hebrew. Underline these words in the photocopied text as well.

f. Find and copy 2-3 quotes from the article that sum up/capture/express well/ one or more of the central ideas of the essay/IPo20C. Explain in your own words why you chose these quotes and what the central idea is, that is being expressed. Underline these quotes in the photocopied text as well.

 

Stage 3 (Researching further)

g. Find 1-2 terms used in the essay that the writer assumes are clear to the reader but may not be. For example: “the iron curtain”, “the cultural revolution in China”, “apartheid”, “cubism” , “yuppies” etc. Find out what the term means by going to other sources: knowledgeable friends/teachers/library/internet etc. Copy the terms and explain what they mean. Underline these terms in the photocopied text as well.

h. Go to other reference sources: encyclopedias/CD ROM’s/internet/ (preferably in English but not necessarily) and find further information on the IPo20C or the stage on which he/she functioned. The information may relate to his/her personality/ biography/ country/world view/ etc. In short, find something which adds to the information in the essay- something YOU consider important to add. Write this information in English (not more than 100 words).

 

Stage 4. (Looking back- Reflection)

j. In 75-120 words relate to some/all of the following questions:

Which aspects of the project were easy/difficult/interesting/useful? Why?

What have you learned from this project ? Relate to subject (IPo20C) / the 20th century /English / research skills/ yourself.

Would you like to do another project of this kind? Explain.

 

Stage 5 (oral presentation)

i. Prepare and then give an oral presentation to the class on your IPo20C.

Look at the list on the notice board to see the date and time for this oral presentation.

Your oral presentation (speech) will last 4-6minutes (no more, no less).

You will not read a pre-prepared speech word for word. You will speak from notes you have prepared.

In your speech you must relate to at least three of the following topics .

The IPo20C’s

Tell interesting anecdotes about the IPo20C if you have any.

Try to add some of the information which was not in the essay.

 

Stage 6. (Assessment)

k. Hand in a plastic folder which contains the following items in this order:

Grading Scale

 
 
Max.
You
Final gr.
Plastic folder with all the contents inside
3
    
Written presentation (handwriting, spelling, clarity etc.)
10
    
Vocabulary
10
    
Quotes
10
    
Terms
10
    
Additional information from your own research
15
    
Notes for oral presentation
5
    
Reflection
10
    
Oral presentation (speech)
20
    
Self evaluation (see the column marked “You”) 
2
    
Special effort/ extra elements/ exceptional quality
5
    
TOTAL
100
    


 
 

Go to Introduction to Millennium Project

Go to  "pre-project reading passage" - OUR CENTURY

Go to the Time essays

Go to Sue Kerman's task page  /FONT>

Go to students' reaction to the project

Go to Jack Pillemer's Homepage

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