Performance Task:
Informative/Explanatory Essay
Option One: Journalistic Approach
Prompt
Michael Lewis is a journalist. Research the field of
journalism and write a multi-paragraph essay
explaining how the authoràtraining and experience
influenced his style in Moneyball. Consider the
genre, organization of topics, figurative language,
and writing style of Moneyball in your response.
Option Two: Extended Metaphor
Prompt
In Moneyball, Lewis uses several extended
metaphors to describe baseball and baseball players,
often comparing them to cars and casinos. Using
Lewisàstyle as a model, what other comparison
can be made to baseball as an extended metaphor?
Product
You will produce an informative/
explanatory essay in which you examine the
topic of journalism and how it influenced
Lewisàapproach to writing Moneyball.
Product
Write a multi-graph informative/
explanatory essay expanding your extended
baseball metaphor and leaving the reader
with a clear understanding of your message.
Consider the elements of baseball: success and
failure, hard work, team vs. individuals, rules,
cycles, etc. in your analysis; then, choose another
concept which you could explain in terms of
baseball.
Your essay must include the following:
•
•
•
 title for your essay
Consideration of multiple angles to your topic (see prompt examples above)
Introduction paragraph with clear thesis statement
Textual evidence discussing specific ideas or events from Moneyball
A conclusion that connects to your title and/or theme
Typed in MLA format
Works cited page for Option One
You will be assessed using the attached rubric.
14
English ____ Extended Reading, Credit 5

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