Refined from Understanding by Design

Assessment Plan Blueprint

What understandings or goals will be assessed through this lesson?

CCSS.W.11-12.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined

experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen
details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.SL.11-12.5 Make strategic use of digital media in
presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning,
and evidence and to add interest.
Students will analyze Gatsby’s character and
lifestyle in order to write a speech for his funeral
and create slides to show throughout.

What criteria are implied in the standards and understandings regardless of the task specifics? What
qualities must student work demonstrate to signify the standards were met?

Write a speech and create a presentation with

Select important events/qualities in a
slides that portray important elements of the
character’s life to represent who they are.
speech.

Through what authentic performance task will students demonstrate understanding?

Task Overview:
You are one of Gatsby’s old friends. You are asked to speak at his funeral since no one else has
volunteered to do so. Your task is to write a speech to speak along with a powerpoint slideshow with
images of the highlights of Gatsby’s life. This could include friendships, relationships, business
endeavors, possessions, memories with him etc. Stick to accurate events from the book, but your
relationship with him is fictional, so be creative. Even though there are very few people at his funeral
in the end, remember that his father is there. Also keep in mind that even though Gatsby was a
prominent figure in the community, no one really knew him… You will be giving this speech at his
funeral in front of the few family and friends that attend.

What student products and performances will provide evidence of desired understandings?

Written speech
Performance of the speech/presentation
Slides presentation

By what criteria will student products and performances be evaluated?

Accurate analysis and events from Gatsby’s life Creativity in regards to the relationship between
Clear connection to the images on the Gatsby’s old friend (the student) and himself
presentation Well-written, engaging speech