I.                    Introduction

a.       Opening sentences (2-3 sentences) – write interesting things about yourself that will engage the reader; relate these interesting things to what you are proud of in your life – your accomplishments

b.      Thesis statement and forecast (1-2 sentences) – write down an academic goal and a personal goal that you plan to achieve THIS school year; briefly state the habits of mind you will use to achieve these goals.

II.                  Past Goal Description

a.       Topic sentence – state a past goal that you have achieved that you are proud of

b.      Describe why achieving the goal was important to you

c.       Describe HOW you achieved this goal – who helped you? When did it happen?  Where did it happen? What habit of mind did you use to achieve the goal?

III.                Academic Goal

a.       Topic sentence – state an academic goal that you want to achieve this year

b.      State why this goal is important to you

c.       Describe the plan you have to achieve this goal – How will you achieve this goal?  Who will help you? What challenges will you predict will come up?  How do you plan to overcome the challenges?  What habit of mind will you use to achieve this goal?

IV.                Personal Goal

a.       Topic sentence – state a personal goal that you want to achieve this year

b.      State why this goal is important to you

c.       Describe the plan you have to achieve this goal – How will you achieve this goal?  Who will help you? What challenges will you predict will come up?  How do you plan to overcome the challenges?  What habit of mind will you use to achieve this goal?

V.                  Conclusion

a.       Summarize what your 2 goals are for this year

b.      Describe the importance of achieving goals.  Give advice to your peers about goal setting and achieving goals

• Dress should be business casual.  Students who are not dressed appropriately will be rescheduled.  Dress as you would for a job interview.  In other words, dress to impress!
•  A total of eight (8) points is needed for a passing score.
• You are allowed only one (1) two (2).
• A one (1) in any category will result in an automatic fail.