Mr.

Tanabe Name:
Sophomore English Period:
Fall 2014 Spring 2015 Date:

Analytical Essay: Things Fall Apart

General Instructions

1. Your assignment is to write an analytical essay about Things Fall Apart in which
you examine a characters response to the cultural collision caused by the
introduction of Western ideas into Ibo culture. In your essay, analyze how the
collision challenges the characters sense of identity and explain how his or her
response shapes the meaning of the work as a whole.

2. We will brainstorm ideas in class, discuss an appropriate character to select, and
possible pieces of evidence (supporting quotes from the book) to support your
analysis. Well be looking for three specific details with explanations to support
the thesis statement. This is analysis, not just a plot summary or book report.

3. Students will receive grades for: (a) group presentation of the portion of the
sample class-produced essay, (b) final individual essay modeled from the sample
class-produced essay, (c) peer review of final essay before being submitted for
teachers review and evaluation.


Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
CCSS.ELA.9-10.RL.1. READING LITERATURE: Reading Literature: Key Ideas & Details: Cite
strong & textural evidence to support analysis.
CCSS.ELA.9-19.W.4. WRITING: Production and Distribution of Writing: Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to
task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined
in standards 1-3.)

GENERAL LEARNER OUTCOMES
Self-directed Learner, Community Contributor, Complex Thinker, Quality Producer,
Effective Communicator, and Effective and Ethical Use of Technology.
Scoring Guide
Scoring
Criteria
Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Emerging (2)
Idea
Analysis focusses on an
appropriate character and
examines with clarity and
precision the characters
response to the cultural
collision, the challenge to
the characters identity,
and how the characters
actions impact the
meaning of the work.
Use of specific and well-
chosen examples yields
solid support for the
thesis. Thorough and
perceptive literary analysis
creates a convincing text.
Analysis focusses on an
appropriate character and
adequately examines the
characters response to
the cultural collision, the
challenge to the
characters identity, and
how the characters
actions impact the
meaning of the work. Use
of appropriate examples
supports the thesis.
Solid literary analysis
creates a convincing text.
Analysis may focus on
an appropriate
character yet
inadequately examine
the characters
response to the cultural
collision and the
challenge to the
characters identity, and
fail to show how the
characters actions
impact the meaning of
the work. Evidence to
support the thesis is
lacking. Too few
examples are used.
Analysis may be over-
simplified or replaced
by summary
Organization
Organization is
exceptional. Effective use
of transitions enhances the
essays coherence.
Organization is clear and
easy to follow. Transitions
are used to move between
ideas.
The essay is difficult to
follow. It may jump too
rapidly between ideas
and lack transitions.
Use of
Language
Diction and syntax is
purposeful and
appropriate for an
academic audience.
Diction and syntax is
appropriate for an
academic audience but
may include some
unsophisticated or
incorrect word choice or
sentence structure.
Diction and syntax may
be coherent yet
simplistic or
inappropriate for an
academic audience.
Slang, informal word
choice, or awkward
sentence structure may
be present.