How to Write a Historic Obituary for Students
Writing an historic obituary is similar to writing other research projects you have completed. When you write an obituary about a famous person in history, you are using research, reading and writing skills and putting that information into an obituary format. Make sure you understand the assignment by looking at examples of obituaries and by studying each aspect of the scoring rubric. To make the assignment more fun, try to work with a partner or a group with a similar topic so that you can share your research.
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Instructions
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Learn the components and format of an obituary. You can do this by reading several obituaries in the newspaper, or better yet, by researching obituaries of famous people that will be longer and more detailed.
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Work with a partner or in a group to gather information online and from other library resources, such as encyclopedia. Share information with others. Be careful to record sources of information in the proper format for citation in your report.
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Write the first draft, putting important information first. Include such particulars as the full name of the person, where the person was born and, briefly, why the person was important in our history. Following the format for an obituary, add details from the most important to the least important. Remember to emphasize the ideas and accomplishments of the person that people remember.
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Make sure your first draft contains all the components of the assignment using the scoring rubric. Meet with your group, and use writer's workshop techniques to edit the obituary and produce a second draft. Pay close attention to the introduction and conclusion, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Be sure to include a Works Cited page with sources listed in the proper format
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Present your obituary to the class by dressing as the person. A visual aid, such as pictures or a poster, will not only keep the audience interested, but it can also help you relax and give a more effective presentation.
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Tips & Warnings
Take good notes, recording sources properly for citation.
Share information with classmates with a similar topic.
Develop a visual aid for the presentation.
Make sure you have enough facts and details for your obituary.
Use a variety of sources (at least three) to get a balanced view of the individual.
Emphasize the main accomplishment of the person.
