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Your task is to create a commercial for your assigned database using PowerPoint. . You may find your database on the [|Catalogs and Databases] page of the [|Virtual Library].

Elements to include in your commercial: 1. A strong [|thesis statement]. A thesis expresses a point of view based on evidence.
 * You must present at least three arguments to support your thesis
 * Each argument must be supported by evidence
 * Evidence should relate to:
 * the types of media (magazine articles, newspaper articles, pamphlets, video, primary sources, etc.) your database contains
 * the search interface, including the advanced search screen (How does the database help you search?)
 * how results are organized. Are there summaries? Annotations? Keywords?
 * any special features you discover
 * Important:** In order to create a quality presentation you must //know// your database well. You must test-drive your database with school-related searches in order to discover your arguments and your evidence
 * An model for your thesis might look something like this:
 * __Database ???__ is __highly effective__ for high school research, because: __argument 1__, __argument 2__, and __argument 3__.
 * Remember to conclude by restating your thesis in a powerful way.

2. Your avatar(s) should introduce your arguments 3. An image you created from an image generator should express important concept(s) related to your database 4. Your presentation should contain at least three screen-shots. Limit the number of bullet points in favor of strong words, phrases. and images. 5. Remember to include those slightly negative features consumers need to know, as "small print," at the end of your presentation. 6. Present your commercial to the group. To be effective, you should actually demonstrate the search tool's features by giving the class an actual tour with examples. 7. Presentations skills count! You will be videotaped. Remember to connect with your audience. You should not read from the screen. Focus on telling the story of your database to the audience. Focus on selling your database!


 * Possible outline for presentation (but feel free to be creative!):**
 * Slide 1: Title (You should begin with a grabber!)
 * Slide 2: Avatar(s) and thesis
 * Slides ??? Argument 1 and evidence
 * Slides ??? Argument 2 and evidence
 * Slides ??? Argument 3 and evidence
 * Slide ? small print--the negative aspects of the databases. What did you not like about your database?
 * Slide ? Conclusion (You should end with a clincher!)


 * Peer Review Assessment**

1. Knowledge of databases 1 2 3 4 5 Did you present:
 * Most of its features?
 * What it is good for (scope)?
 * How results are displayed or arranged?
 * Variety of ways to search it?

2. Attractiveness and clarity of PowerPoint 1 2 3 4 5

Did you:
 * Break the rules of PowerPoint?
 * Use effective screen shots?
 * Use appropriate, strong images and words?
 * Were your ideas represented clearly?

3. Effectiveness of presentation (your speaking skills) 1 2 3 4 5

Did you:
 * Make eye contact?
 * Talk directly to the audience?
 * Engage your audience?
 * Use rhetorical devices (humor, metaphor, anecdotes, hyperbole, etc.?
 * Avoid using noise (um, yeah, like, etc.)?

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