This could be adapted to fit other texts. It is the final assessment I used after my seniors read Beowulf in class.
Beowulf
Final assessment options
100 points
DUE DATE: Tuesday, Sept. 19
Below you will find several options for your final assessment of Beowulf. They range from group presentations to the standard essay. Anything that you turn in to me must be typed (Deubrook report format) with the exception of the graphic novel choice. Choose one and have fun!
A) Write and perform a sequel or prequel to Beowulf in the form of an epic. (This can be prose, poem, skit, etc., but it needs to have the elements of an epic: heroes or people of high rank who encounter adventures or struggles on a grand scale, strong plot, conflict, excitement, adventure, detailed descriptions, and compelling imagery.)
· One to three people can do this.
· This should be 5-10 minutes long, no more, no less. If you have 2 people in your group, a minimum of 7 minutes; for 3 people, a minimum of 9 minutes.
· You will turn in a copy of your epic with each group member’s name at least one day before you perform it. You will receive the same grade unless I see that equal effort has not been made by each member.
B) Write and perform a monologue from Beowulf’s perspective describing his life from the beginning until his death.
· One person.
· This should be 4-10 minutes long, no more, no less. You will turn in a copy of your monologue to me at least one day before you perform it.
***A note about options A & B: In a “test” of a 2 page reading, it was 2.5 minutes, so 1 page=75 seconds. This is just an estimate! Make sure you rehearse, so you can make your time!
C) Choose a section of Beowulf (Beowulf’s encounter with Grendel’s mother, for example) to rewrite and illustrate as a graphic novel. This should be very detailed and in color. You need a minimum of 10 illustrations 3x5 inches with narrative text included. See me for an example of this! One person.
D) Write an essay on one of the following topics. One person. This essay should be 4 ½-8 pages long, following the Deubrook report format. You will probably have to do some research outside of the topic itself. Include a works cited page. For examples, see the Deubrook report format.
1. The epic Beowulf often digresses to include other legends or stories. Describe two or three of these and relate the significance and relevance to the epic itself.
2. The role of Women in Beowulf. Examine the female characters in Beowulf. Do women play an important role in the poem? Is this consistent with their roles in Anglo-Saxon society?
3. Monsters of Beowulf. Consider the qualities of the three monsters. Why does the poet give Grendel and his mother human qualities? What do each of their homes say about them as foes for Beowulf?
4. Battles with monsters. In Beowulf’s three fights with three monsters he uses different methods, techniques, and weapons, and he wins different “trophies” each time. Analyze these differences and explain what this says about his development as a hero.
5. Modern themes. Look for themes in Beowulf that have connection to our society and to modern humanity. Does this ancient literature have any common themes that we can learn from? (For example, compare Grendel to a villain of modern time: Hitler, Saddam Hussein. OR Can Grendel be seen as a victim? Perhaps the Danes moved in and polluted his home just as humans are cutting down rainforests or hunting endangered animals.)
Final assessment options
100 points
DUE DATE: Tuesday, Sept. 19
Below you will find several options for your final assessment of Beowulf. They range from group presentations to the standard essay. Anything that you turn in to me must be typed (Deubrook report format) with the exception of the graphic novel choice. Choose one and have fun!
A) Write and perform a sequel or prequel to Beowulf in the form of an epic. (This can be prose, poem, skit, etc., but it needs to have the elements of an epic: heroes or people of high rank who encounter adventures or struggles on a grand scale, strong plot, conflict, excitement, adventure, detailed descriptions, and compelling imagery.)
· One to three people can do this.
· This should be 5-10 minutes long, no more, no less. If you have 2 people in your group, a minimum of 7 minutes; for 3 people, a minimum of 9 minutes.
· You will turn in a copy of your epic with each group member’s name at least one day before you perform it. You will receive the same grade unless I see that equal effort has not been made by each member.
B) Write and perform a monologue from Beowulf’s perspective describing his life from the beginning until his death.
· One person.
· This should be 4-10 minutes long, no more, no less. You will turn in a copy of your monologue to me at least one day before you perform it.
***A note about options A & B: In a “test” of a 2 page reading, it was 2.5 minutes, so 1 page=75 seconds. This is just an estimate! Make sure you rehearse, so you can make your time!
C) Choose a section of Beowulf (Beowulf’s encounter with Grendel’s mother, for example) to rewrite and illustrate as a graphic novel. This should be very detailed and in color. You need a minimum of 10 illustrations 3x5 inches with narrative text included. See me for an example of this! One person.
D) Write an essay on one of the following topics. One person. This essay should be 4 ½-8 pages long, following the Deubrook report format. You will probably have to do some research outside of the topic itself. Include a works cited page. For examples, see the Deubrook report format.
1. The epic Beowulf often digresses to include other legends or stories. Describe two or three of these and relate the significance and relevance to the epic itself.
2. The role of Women in Beowulf. Examine the female characters in Beowulf. Do women play an important role in the poem? Is this consistent with their roles in Anglo-Saxon society?
3. Monsters of Beowulf. Consider the qualities of the three monsters. Why does the poet give Grendel and his mother human qualities? What do each of their homes say about them as foes for Beowulf?
4. Battles with monsters. In Beowulf’s three fights with three monsters he uses different methods, techniques, and weapons, and he wins different “trophies” each time. Analyze these differences and explain what this says about his development as a hero.
5. Modern themes. Look for themes in Beowulf that have connection to our society and to modern humanity. Does this ancient literature have any common themes that we can learn from? (For example, compare Grendel to a villain of modern time: Hitler, Saddam Hussein. OR Can Grendel be seen as a victim? Perhaps the Danes moved in and polluted his home just as humans are cutting down rainforests or hunting endangered animals.)
