Worth a Thousand Words

A Photo Essay

  • Choose a subject matter (appropriate for school) based on a theme. The subject matter should hold some kind of political, societal, or cultural significance.
  • Decide on a unique angle or perspective for your subject matter. If your subject matter is cars, you must choose an original argument or outlook on cars other than “cars are cool.” Write a thesis statement that conveys this perspective.
  • Write an introductory paragraph for 5-8 sentences. You do not need a photo with this paragraph; it is optional. Start with an image with showing details, as we have been working on all year. End this paragraph with your thesis statement. In this class, the thesis sentence is the last sentence of the first paragraph.
  • Collect 5-6 photographs that represent your theme and subject matter. You may take the photographs yourself or find them on the web. Choose photographs that are visually interesting.
  • Now, write your body paragraphs to accompany these photos. Write concise, sharp, meaningful text for each photo. Analyze the photo and how it develops your thesis. Look at “Analyzing Photographs” handout for questions to consider in your analysis. Each body paragraph should be between 5 – 8 sentences.
  • Write a conclusion paragraph of 5-8 sentences to end your essay. A conclusion paragraph should offer the reader some hope for the problem. Offer solutions, and challenge the reader to change his or her behavior or thoughts. You do not need a photograph for this paragraph; it is optional.
  • The main focus of your essay should be to use both your writing and your photos to communicate your thesis to your audience.
  • Organize your photos and text with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The text will take the reader on a journey through your photos; make certain that journey is worth taking.
  • The final product may take the form of a PowerPoint presentation, booklet, or any other creative format. Carefully consider the appearance of your final product; be sure that it reflects your creativity, thought, and planning.
  • Create an original and captivating title for your essay.
  • You may turn in a paper copy of your essay or you may submit it digitally. If you submit it digitally, you will save it on my flash drive. See me if you wish to do this.

Some Ideas…

A Cultural or Ethnic group – beyond the stereotypes

September 11th

Homelessness and Poverty

Iraq War (or any war) – Good orBad?

Advertising

Fast food – Delicious or Destructive?

Influential musicians

Hip Hop culture – Harmful Influence or Accurate Depiction of Reality?

Dying to be Thin – The Obsession with Weight in America

Celebrity Culture

Celebrity Role Models

Animal Rights

Climate Change/Environmental Policies

Death Penalty

Gun Control

Facebook – Stalker Central or Valuable Social Network?

Social Class at PFHS

Success

Project Proposal

Thesis Statement: One sentence that clearly defines your unique perspective on your subject matter. Write the first draft of your thesis statement below:

Example: Hollywood promotes negative body images among women.

Rationale: Explain why you chose this subject matter. What do you hope to convey to your reader?

Example: I chose this because I see so many women struggling with their weight and hating their bodies because of the unrealistic expectations. Hollywood continues to promote negative body images through photographs, interviews, diet products, and extreme exercise plans.

Photos: Where will you get your photographs? Will you take them yourself or find them on the web?

Outline: Plan your paper below. How will you break your topic into subtopics? What will each paragraph be about?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Due Dates: You must meet all due dates below even if you are absent.

Assignment / Due Date 3rd Period / Due Date 7th Period

Project Proposal

/ Monday, December 7 / Tuesday, December 8
5-6 Photos saved / Wednesday, December 9 / Monday, December 14

Intro Paragraph

/ Tuesday, December 15 / Wednesday, December 16

Rough Draft

(5-6 photos with a paragraph for each, plus intro and conclusion paragraphs) / Monday, December 21 / Tuesday, December 22

Final Draft

/ Wednesday, January 6 / Thursday, January 7

Sample Opening Paragraph

Photo is optional with your

opening paragraph.

Sample Body Paragraph

Opening

Paragraph

First Body

Paragraph 1

Body Paragraphs

2 – 5 (or 2-6)

Conclusion

Paragraph

Also include a title page with your name, class period, and a creative title (see handout for this).

Photo EssayName ______

Grading RubricPeriod _____

______/5Title

  • Clearly states both subject and argument

(Example – Dying to be Thin: The Obsession with Weight in America)

______/15Introduction Paragraph & Thesis Statement

  • Paragraph begins by catching the reader’s attention.
  • Paragraph ends with thesis statement.
  • Thesis statement clearly presents a unique argument.
  • Intro paragraph is free of grammatical errors.

______/40 Photos

  • 5-6 photos are included.
  • Each photo clearly relates to thesis.
  • Photos are visually interesting and engaging.

______/60Text (Body paragraphs)

  • One body paragraph for each photo (5-6)
  • Each photo contains persuasive, meaningful text to accompany it.
  • Paragraphs “flow” from one to another.
  • Each paragraph mentions the photograph that accompanies it.
  • Each paragraph clearly relates to thesis and works to prove the argument made in thesis.
  • Each paragraph is between 5-8 sentences.
  • Each paragraph is free of grammatical errors.

______/10 Conclusion Paragraph

  • Concludes the essay by demonstrating the importance of your ideas and propelling the reader to further examination.
  • Paragraph includes one of the following:

-Specific actions that the reader should take in light of your discovery.

-Speculation on the future implications of your thesis.

  • Conclusion paragraph is free of grammatical errors.

______/20Layout and Design

  • The appearance of the project reflects your creativity, thought, and planning.

Photo Essay

Peer Revision Worksheet

Who wrote the paper? ______

Who is editing the paper? ______

Yes/No

______Title - Clearly states both subject and argument

(Example – Dying to be Thin: The Obsession with Weight in America)

Introduction Paragraph & Thesis Statement

______Paragraph begins by catching the reader’s attention.

______Paragraph ends with thesis statement.

______Thesis statement clearly presents a unique argument. Someone could argue with this statement

______Intro paragraph is free of grammatical errors (especially fragments and run-ons!)

Photos

______5-6 photos are included.

______Each photo clearly relates to thesis.

______Photos are visually interesting and engaging.

Text (Body paragraphs)

______Each photo contains persuasive, meaningful text to accompany it.

______Paragraphs “flow” from one to another.

______Each paragraph mentions the photo that goes with it.

______Each paragraph clearly relates to thesis and works to prove the argument made in thesis.

______Each paragraph is between 5-8 sentences.

______Each paragraph is free of grammatical errors (especially fragments and run-ons!)

Conclusion Paragraph

______Concludes the essay by demonstrating the importance of your ideas and propelling the

reader to further examination.

______Paragraph ends with:

Suggestions for how to improve this situation.

Challenges for the reader to act or think differently about the topic

______Conclusion paragraph is free of grammatical errors (especially fragments and run-ons!)

______Layout and Design - The appearance of the project reflects your creativity, thought,

and planning. Does the project “look good”?