“When I Grow Up…”
Careers NonNon-Fiction Expository Reading and Writing Project
Has anyone ever asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, now it’s
time to explore that question.
When you eventually get done with your schooling you will be looking for the career that
best suits your skills, interests and needs. Why wait? Let’s investigate a career today.
The purpose of this project is to prove why your career is great and why it’s a perfect match
for you.
The project will consist of:
• PrePre-searchsearch- you will briefly investigate a few careers to narrow in on the career of
your choice
• Rubric/Resources reviewreview- we will review how you will be graded on this project , what
will be required of you, and the resources available to you
• ResearchResearch-you will spend at least 2-3 sessions researching facts about your career
• InterviewInterview-you will spend some time developing interview questions, and if possible
actually interviewing a real person living in that career
• Expository EssayEssay-you will write an expository essay
(including many of the golden brick details) that explains all about your career
• Power Point PresentationPresentation-you will synthesize your essay into a brief power point
multi-media presentation to share with others
• Career Day/FairDay/Fair-you will be living a day in that career and you will dress up as
someone in that job would, presenting your essay and power point presentation to
your classmates and families
Along the way you will learn how to cite your sources in a new way and other important
research and technology
technology skills!
What I Want to be When I Grow Up!
Big 6 Research Organizer
Step 1. Task Definition:
Occupation: _____________________________________________________
Step2. Information Searching Stragies:
I plan to use the following resources (circle):
Print Resources:
• Books
• Print Encyclopedias
Online Resources:
• World Book Student
• Kids InfoBits
• Biography In Context
Interview
• Discovering Collection
Other_______________________________
• Websites
Step 3. Location and Access:
List at least 5 keywords that will help you in your search:
Keep track of your sources using Citation Maker.
GES Homepage
Library Media Library Lesson Links
Step 4: Use of Information
Main Idea #1: Job Description
What does this person do? (What are their specific
responsibilities?)
What tools or other equipment do they need to do their
job?
Source#
Notes
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Main Idea #2: Education and Skills
What skills do I need in order to do my job?
What education do I need to have?
What training or tests or certifications do I need?
Source#
Notes
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Main Ideas #3 and #4:
Positive and Negative Aspects
What are the positive aspects of this occupation?
(including salary, benefits, vacation time, hours)
What are the negative aspects of this occupation?
Source#
Notes
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Main Idea #5: Choice Paragraph
Source#
Interesting Facts
Expert in the Field
Surprises
Future of the Job
Worries
Any aspect of your job you would
like to write about that isn’t
already explained
Notes
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Main Idea #6: Critical Thinking
What makes this a great job for me?
Source#
Notes
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Step 6: Evaluation: “When I Grow Up…” Non-Fiction Expository Reading and
Writing Project
A Rubric
Pre-Search
I’ve listed 5 or more key words for my topic (either narrowing or expanding it).
GUIDING QUESTION (FAT):
Why is this career so great for me?
Expository Essay
Main Idea Paragraphs:
Paragraph 2/Main Idea #1: Job Description
Paragraph 3/Main Idea #2: Education and Skills
Paragraph 4/Main Idea #3 and #4 Positive and Negative Aspects
Paragraph 5/Main Idea #5: Choice
Paragraph 6/Main Idea #6: Critical Thinking
Taking/Citing Notes:
I took my notes by removing unnecessary small words, using abbreviations and changing the words
into my own. I accurately used Citation Maker to give credit to all of my sources.
GOLDEN BRICKS – MUST BE INTEGRATED INTO THE MOST APPROPRIATE
PARAGRAPH
I have included at least THREE types of golden bricks in my writing:
A quote
A statistic
An amazing fact
An anecdote
A descriptive segment
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS-I have created interview questions (and conducted the
interview and included those notes in my expository essay).
PARAGRAPH 1 – INTRODUCTION
•
•
•
I have a creative lead statement that really grabs the reader’s attention and makes him or her
want to find out more about my topic.
I have a first paragraph that is an introduction to my piece. I let my reader know what my piece
is going to be about.
I have a thesis statement gives an overview/preview of my main ideas.
PARAGRAPHS 2-6
•
•
Each of my paragraphs has a distinct main idea and is well supported by 3 to 4 supporting
details.
My expository pillar/outline provides a plan for the development of these ideas.
PARAGRAPH 7 – CONCLUSION
•
•
In my final paragraph, I wrap things up.
I have found a clever way to restate what I’ve already told my reader.
Power PointMulti-Media Presentation
I have used the most important points from my essay to create an informative, easy to read power
point presentation. I have used bullet points (not complete sentences), slide transitions and some
animations, and clip art to present my ideas.