Running Head: RESEARCH PORTFOLIO 1
Brittany Roberts
Historical Figure Research Essay Portfolio
Liberty University
RESEARCH PORTFOLIO 2
Grade level and subject
Fourth Grade Writing: Historical Figure Research Writing Project
Educational Purpose and Cognitive Outcomes
The educational purpose of the fourth-grade writing portfolio is to illustrate personal
growth in student’s writing abilities. The student will be able to follow the writing process to
publish a five-paragraph essay. The student will participate in a research project of a historical
figure of their choosing. The student must select a historical figure, conduct research, compose a
rough draft, edit and proofread their work, participate in peer editing, revise and edit their
selection again before publishing a final product.
Written Directions
At the end of this unit, you will publish a five-paragraph essay demonstrating your
knowledge of a historical figure of your choosing. The essay is to be written in MLA format and
include a bibliography. You will be following the writing process and include each step in a final
portfolio that showcases your growth as a writer. Your portfolio should include a title page and a
final self-reflection.
First, you will participate in a brainstorming session to generate ideas of a historical
figure before selecting your final choice. The entire brainstorming map will be included in your
portfolio. Next, you will conduct research to gain knowledge of your historical figure of your
choosing. An annotated bibliography that includes at least three resources will be included in
your portfolio to demonstrate mastery of this portion of the writing process. Then, you will
compose a rough draft. You will select one paragraph to include in your portfolio as well as a
self-reflection. Next, you will revise and edit your work. Your portfolio will include a copy of
your entire edited essay as well as personal reflection. Then you will participate in a peer editing
RESEARCH PORTFOLIO 3
session where you will provide feedback to at least four of your peers. Included in your portfolio
will be an improvement plan on how you plan to improve your writing by incorporating
feedback given to you by your peers. Finally, you will make any final edits by publishing your
final essay using your best handwriting.
Items in Portfolio
• Brainstorm
o Use a graphic organizer of your choice (such as a concept web) that best
illustrates time spent brainstorming thoughts of historical figures to research.
o Select a historical figure to complete essay on
• Research
o Notes outlining discoveries through research
