Theme Analysis Essay Assignment

Using the thesis statement and introduction provided below, paired with adequate
supporting evidence in the form of specific examples from the novel War Horse,
write a well-developed five (5) paragraph essay.

Thesis: Michael Morpurgos War Horse develops the theme that adversity may be
overcome by the compassionate actions of others.

Introduction: In times of war and crisis, it is the compassionate actions of others

that motivate individuals to persevere. Michael Morpurgos War Horse develops
the theme that adversity may be overcome by the compassionate actions of
others. The compassion demonstrated by Albert, Emilies grandfather, and
Topthorn helps Joey to overcome the difficulties he encounters throughout the
novel.

Instructions

1. In your groups, assign a body paragraph to each character.

2. You will write your paragraph individually.
3. You will collaborate with your group to write a conclusion together.
4. Use the attached outline to organize your work. You will be required to
submit a rough copy.
5. In addition to a topic sentence and a concluding sentence, each body
paragraph should include three specific examples (quotations from the
novel) to support your thesis.
6. Double space and proofread the final copy of the essay for spelling,
sentence structure, and punctuation errors.

Checklist
Check off each of the elements below to ensure that your essay is ready for
submission:
Essay includes the attached introduction
Each body paragraph has 3 explained examples
Verb tense is consistent throughout the essay (present tense)
Essay is free of personal pronouns such as I, me, you, we, our, and us
Essay is free of contractions and colloquial language
Conclusion restates the essays thesis, reiterates the main argument of
each body paragraph, and contains a clever concluding sentence.

Due: ____________________________________
 War Horse Essay Outline

In times of war and crisis, it is the compassionate actions of others that

motivate individuals to persevere. Michael Morpurgos War Horse develops
the theme that adversity may be overcome by the compassionate
actions of others. The compassion demonstrated by Albert, Emilies
grandfather, and Topthorn helps Joey to overcome the difficulties he encounters
throughout the novel.

Directional Statement (topic sentences of body paragraphs) This part should be

done as a group
1.

2.

3.

Body Paragraph One - Albert Emilies grandfather Topthorn

(circle one)

Topic Sentence:

Main Point #1 to thesis:

Set the context for the quotation (point):

Quote with citation (proof):

Explanation (what is happening in the quotation) and analysis of the quotation

(how does it support an element of your thesis) (comment):

Transition to second point:

Set the context for the quotation (point):

Quote with citation (proof):

Explanation (what is happening in the quotation) and analysis of the quotation

(how does it support an element of your thesis) (comment):

Transition to third point:

Set the context for the quotation (point):

Quote with citation (proof):

Explanation (what is happening in the quotation) and analysis of the quotation

(how does it support an element of your thesis) (comment):

Concluding Sentence (summarizes idea of paragraph and links to thesis):

Conclusion - This part should be done as a group

 Groups:

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3

Kate-Lynn Emily Karson
Andrea Alexa Samantha
Declan Braeden Eva

Group 4 Group 5 Group 6

Grace Amandeep Olivia
Shamim Lila Haley
Zack Quinn Madyson

Group 7
Monica
Tori