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Section 3: Section Diagnostic

Choose a film set in a high school to view independently. Complete an Understanding a Movie Tool for the film and evaluate how the filmmaker’s techniques and storytelling choices shaped the film’s atmosphere and level of realism. Based on your observations and claims in the tool, prepare a 3–5 minute oral review for your movie, in the style of YouTube movie reviews, and present the review to a team of other student reviewers. Following the individual reviews, as a team, develop a joint claim about how the various settings in which high school movies play out influence their styles and messages. Then individually write a paragraph that explains how your movie exemplifies that claim.

In your oral movie review and claim, be sure to do the following:

  • Identify the movie and key information about it.

  • Summarize the movie’s storyline and the character arc of at least one major character.

  • Interpret the movie’s theme and message, and explain how the filmmakers communicate that message.

  • Present an evaluative claim about the movie’s style, and specifically its use of setting, mood, and atmosphere.

  • Rate the movie and explain your rating.

  • Explain how your movie exemplifies a claim about high school movies developed by your review team.

  • Communicate clearly and energetically as you present your review and write your explanation of the claim.