Ab Initio Written Assignment INFO & Prep

IB Ab Initio Written Assignment Preparation

Your IB Ab Initio Written Assignment will be completed during ONE class period (up to 2 hours).  You will need to choose a topic that fits within one of the IB themes.  You will research the topic and find 2-4 sources that relate to both your topic and the target culture (a francophone country).  Make sure your topic is something you can discuss, compare to our culture, and reflect upon.  You will need to be well-prepared on both your topic and the articles you bring.  The written assignment must be handwritten in French during class. You are invited and encouraged to bring dictionaries (I suggest French-English AND English only dictionaries, in case a word you don’t understand in French is translated the same in both languages), your researched articles, conjugation charts, textbooks, and other non-annotated reference materials.

Your written assignment must be 200-300 words, use 2-4 French sources, and have 3 sections:

a.       description of the chosen topic

b.      comparison of the differences and/or similarities between the chosen topic in the target culture(s) and the student’s culture(s)

c.       Reflection related to the chosen topic

                                                               i.      The reflection MUST include answers to ALL of the following:

1.       Which aspect of your chosen topic surprised you?

2.       Why do you think these cultural similarities/differences exist?

3.       What might a person from the target culture(s) find different about your chosen topic in your culture(s)?

*You will be deducted 2 marks for failing to write between 200-300 words.  Direct quotation is permitted, but does NOT count toward word count.  You may consult sources in other languages besides French, but they will not count as the 2-4 French sources.  All sources must be clean and unmarked copies.  You can write on them during the assignment. 

*You must submit a coversheet (provided to you) and a bibliography in standard format with references to all sources.  Quotations that are not appropriately referenced will be considered as plagiarism.

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER:  These answers will be due by WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2013:

1.   Which IB theme have you chosen? (choose ONE - individual and society, leisure and work, urban and rural environment)

2.       What aspect of this theme will you be focusing on? (shopping, job interviews, environmental protection…)

3.       What will be the title of your written assignment?

4.       What sources do you plan to use?

a.       source 1:

b.      source 2:

c.       source 3 (optional):

d.      source 4 (optional):

5.       What do you currently know about this subject, and why did you choose it?