Essay Choices
After students have finished learning about the various events that take place
during the rodeo, they will have multiple opportunities to research information and
compose essays regarding the information they have learned.
This document will provide you with various writing prompts to guide your student’s
experiences.
Option One: Have students work independently or in cooperative learning groups to
discover more about the roles in the rodeo. Students will need to discover what a
person in that position does, what kind of training this person needs, what kind of
fitness regimen this person needs, how early in life this person needs to begin
working in that position, what a person in this position makes, how competitive is
this position, how dangerous is this position, what kind of injuries are experienced
in this position.
Bull Rider, Saddle Bronc Rider, Bareback Bronc Rider, Team Roper (Header and
Heeler), Calf Roper, Steer Wrestler, Barrel Racer, Stock Contractor, Announcer,
Judges/Timers, Arena Secretary, Pick-Up Men, Clowns, Bullfighters, Barrelmen,
Trick riders
Option Two: Have students work independently or in cooperative learning groups to
discover more about the famous people and animals in the rodeo. Students will
need to discover who the person or animal is, why is this person or animal famous,
and how this person or animal contributed to the rodeo industry. Students will
need to use three different sources to compile their research.
Option Three: Have students work independently or in cooperative learning groups
to create pamphlets that inform and promote the rodeo. Students will need to
explain the events in the rodeo, the competitors who will be competing in the
events, and persuade readers to attend the rodeo.
Option Four: Have students argue for/against rodeo as a sport. Students will
need to state their main argument and support their argument with evidence from
the research they have done. Then hold a debate with students making their
claims and have them support their opinions.
Option Five: Students will compose a narrative essay where they will incorporate
information procured concerning the rodeo from the perspective of their choosing
(i.e. cowboy, cowgirl, clown, bullfighter, animal Master of Ceremonies, etc.) about
the activities of a day of rodeo competition.
Rubrics
Research Essay
Rubrics
Persuasive Essay
Rubrics
Narrative Essay