Taylor Carlic Writing Assignment and Assessment Dr.

Lipszyc November 22, 2010 Assignment: Opinion based, character analysis of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn as role models. Grade Level: Junior year, end of book essay.

Objective: Using the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as your source for critique, you will be writing a character analysis essay on Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Organize your ideas using a tchart or a Venn diagram. By integrating quotes from the text and ideas from your chart, you will construct a three to four page paper in which you examine the similarities and differences between the two characters. Wrap up your essay with a conclusion that offers a different view on Tom and Huck as role models. Essay Components: In your essay be sure to include a thesis statement where you mount an argument for which character would or would not be a strong role model. In the body paragraphs use evidence from the text to back up your thesis statement. Keep in mind MLA citation format when referencing the book. Use relevant transition words (refer to the handout) in your topic sentences, and remember to watch your grammar (i.e. punctuation, noun-verb agreement, sentence structure, ect). In your conclusion wrap up your argument and suggest how your interpretation might change the reading of the book. Schedule: Class Day 1: Assign paper. Pre-writing element due on day 3. Class Day 4: Hand back pre-writing element with comments about character traits. Class Day 7-9: Individual conferencing. Go over working draft of paper with student. Class Day 10: Rough draft due. Class Day 12: Hand back rough draft with comments. Class Day 18: Final draft due

Please remember to use a readable 12 size font. Later papers will result in a deduction of one grade letter per day late. Stay organized and keep the paper flowing logically. Be aware of your grammar. If you are having a difficult time with the paper, dont hesitate to come ask for help.

Criteria
Content 40 points

Foundation 4
Uses the introduction to set up thesis and uses body paragraphs to support their claim with a conclusion that presents a new interpretation of reading. Analysis of characters and how they would or would not be good role models. Strong central idea. Thesis is clear and contestable. Body paragraphs are used to support the argument. Strong conclusion that offers a new reading of the book. Analysis of characters is evident and is clear. Three examples from the text are used to back up thesis. Well developed essay with clear body paragraphs and topic sentences.

3
Adequate central idea. Body paragraphs push the argument forward. Conclusion somewhat alludes to a new reading of the book. Analysis of characters is present but unclear. Two examples from the text are used to back up thesis Adequate developed essay with body paragraphs and topic sentences.

2
Central idea is unclear. Body paragraphs do little to push the argument forward. Conclusion doesnt offer a new reading to the book. Character analysis is lacking.

1
Central idea is lacking. Introduction doesnt set up the argument. Body paragraphs dont push forward the argument. Conclusion is a restatement of the introduction. There is no analysis of the character. There is no evidence used from the book to back up thesis. Little to no body paragraphs. Topic sentences dont lead to new arguments.

Support 20 points

Correctly uses quotes from text to back up thesis.

One example is used when backing up thesis. Development is there, but essay may be unclear.

Organization 15 points

Opinion 15 points

Paragraphs are logically ordered with progression of ideas. Topic sentences successfully introduce new idea. Transition ideas clue us into new paragraphs. Establishes a clear view point of who the writer thinks is a good role model. Uses the proper mechanics of grammar.

The choice of role model is clear.

Mechanics 10 points

Little to no grammatical, spelling, or sentence errors in the paper.

There is a general idea of who would be the better role model. Four to six grammatical, spelling, or sentence errors in the paper.

Opinion of who would be a better role model is questionable. Six to twelve grammatical, spelling, or sentence errors in the paper.

No opinion of who would be a good role model is evident. Grammatical, spelling, or sentence make the paper unreadable.