Mathematics for Business and Personal FinanceUnit 3:
Managing Your ExpensesWebQuestsResources for Taxpayers Introduction
Many students in your school have part-time and seasonal jobs. While anyone likes money in the bank, a job also means added responsibility. Students who receive income will need to file federal income tax returns. However, many of your fellow students have never filed before, and they are confused by the process. Since you are the Chair of your school's Civics and Government Club, you often field questions from first-time filers. Based on their questions, you are planning an educational campaign for students at your school. The Club will create and distribute a series of brochures to help students navigate the filing process. Task
The Civics Club has identified four questions commonly asked by first-time taxpayers. Your job is to design a brochure to answer one of these questions. It will be distributed around school, in student workplaces, and through the mail. First, you will research the issue online. Then you will create a brochure to educate your readers on your topic. Finally, as Club Chair, you will comparison shop to find the most cost-effective means of printing the brochures. Process
1. Choose one question to answer in your brochure:
- Who needs to file a federal income tax return?
- Why should I file a federal income tax return?
- Where can I go for help with my taxes?
- What if I miss the deadline to file, and what happens if I do not file?
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2. Research answers to your question online using the resources provided. Take notes of important information as you read.
3. Create your brochure. Make it about 250 to 350 words in length. Consider including the following elements:
- Attention-grabbing headline
- An introduction to your topic
- Three or four main points
- Key statistics or supporting facts
- Relevant, eye-catching graphics and colors
- Resources for readers to learn more or take action on the issue
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4. Contact at least two printing companies for an estimate on printing the brochure or flyer. Assume you will print 500 copies that are full size (8.5 inches by 11 inches). Ask for estimates in full color. Create a chart to keep track of your findings as your comparison shop.
5. Print out a copy of your brochure or flyer and comparison chart to give to your teacher. Resources
Here is a list of Web resources to use while creating your brochure or flyer and comparison shopping.
Researching your question
Making your brochure or flyer
Comparison shopping Evaluation
| Beginning 2 | Developing 5 | Accomplished 8 | Exemplary 10 | Score | Research | Information is inaccurate or inadequate | There is evidence of only a little research | Research is thorough and relevant | Research is thorough, and the information selected is detailed and interesting | | Brochure or Flyer Content | Little relevant content is included | Some relevant content is presented | All content relevant to the topic is included | Content is complete, and additional interesting details are included | | Writing Quality | Most of the writing is not in complete sentences, and most capitalization and punctuation are not correct | Some of the writing is in complete sentences, and some capitalization and punctuation are correct | Most of the writing is in complete sentences, and most capitalization and punctuation are correct | All of the writing is in complete sentences, and proper capitalization and punctuation are used | | Organization and Attractiveness | The layout and organization are confusing | Information is organized consistently | Information is organized in a meaningful and attractive way | Information is extremely well organized, and the design eye-catching | | Graphics | No graphics are used | Graphics are not closely related to the content | Graphics go well with the content | Selected graphics go well with the content and are interesting | | Comparison Shopping Cart | Chart is incomplete or incorrect | Chart is complete but confusing or unclear | Chart is complete and clearly presents information | Chart is complete and well organized, with relevant detail | |
Conclusion
Your hard work pays off: more than five hundred brochures are distributed across the school. Students who read the brochures feel more confident about tax season. As it turns out, students are not the only ones who appreciate help with their taxes. The local Chamber of Commerce has commissioned you to create a city-wide educational campaign on taxpayer resources! Who knows, this could lead to a part-time job of your own! |