Writing Task La quinceaera, a cultures way of celebrating the rite of passage

Article due Feb 11(white) and Feb 10 (red)

Subject: Adv. Spanish I
Audience: Velocity readers
Purpose: to inform about the ways various cultures celebrate the change
Writing genre: feature article, 1 page typed 12 point serif font, with photo support
Due Dates : topic selection 3 key points (20 points)= Feb 2 (red) and Feb 3 (white)
Final typed article (100 points)= Feb 10(red) and Feb 11(white)
Revision with graphic= TBA
Background
All cultures have a tradition of honoring the period when a child becomes an adult: a rite of
passage. In Mexico and many Latin American countries, La quinceaera is celebrated. It is a celebration for
a young girl, on her 15th birthday. It commemorates the time in which she becomes a woman.
How does your own and one other culture celebrate a time like this, when a child becomes an
adult? Write a feature article contrasting La quinceaera observance with a custom from another religious
or national tradition and your own. Take into account such aspects as food and beverages, who attends,
clothing, decorations and preparations. You may want to draw on family stories to prepare your piece.
Directions
Review the requirements for writing a feature article.
Research both La quinceaera and traditions surrounding another cultures celebration of this
period of time. Ex: Barmitzvah, Bahmitzvah, Samskara, Dokimasia, Visionquest
Introduction
Write an engaging first paragraph that will entice the reader to read your article. Make it clear and
let it show your voice and personality.
Body
Explain your topic logically, and use specific details.
Keep your focus by writing primarily in 3rd person.
Check your work for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Define terms specific to your topic which your reader might not know.
Use smooth transitions and subheadings to make the article reader-friendly.
Include a quote from a person in-the-know
Conclusion
Write a concise conclusion of no more than 3 sentences. You might use a quote.
Presentation
Your article should grab the readers attention with visual elegance and satisfy with good content.
Use standard-size computer paper. Use columns for your article.
Develop a headline (title) for the writing.
The text should be in 10-12 point serif font. The headline may be much larger and designed in
creative type.
Include at least one graphic, balanced to be eye-appealing. You may use technology, draw the
graphic, or use a photograph. Be sure to credit any photo you use.
A title, graphic and a by-line that includes your name are required for this assignment, but do not
clutter up your layout with too many graphics.
Include an extra page with MLA Works Cited Information for photos, interviews, internet sources.
You must acknowledge all sources.
Pace yourself. No late papers will be accepted.