Step 27: Essay response
You will be writing one essay response.
Choose to write either the response to an article or one of the persuasive essay options below to demonstrate your understanding of the novel.
Option 1 : Response to Article
Read the following article:
Standing the test of time
Knox News October 30, 2007
http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/oct/30/mockingbird-still-resonates-students/
After reading the article, write an essay answering the following questions: Does the novel To Kill A Mockingbird resonate with you? Does it relate to your life even though it was written fifty years ago? In what ways? Give specific examples from the novel as well as the article.
Rubric for Option 1 - Response to Article:
|
CATEGORY |
4-Exceeds Standard |
3-Meets Standard |
2-Almost at Standard |
1-Below Standard |
|
Intoductory paragraph |
The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper. Includes all necessary elements of an introductory paragraph. |
The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader. Includes all necessary elements of an introductory paragraph. |
The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. Does not include all the necessary elements of an introductory paragraph. |
There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper. Does not include all the necessary elements of an introductory paragraph. |
|
Body paragraphs organization |
Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader. Supportive sentences clarify and explain the topic sentence |
Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting. Supportive sentences clarify and explain the topic sentence |
Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader. Supportive sentences do not always clarify and explain the topic sentence |
Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized. Supportive sentences do not clarify and explain the topic sentence |
|
Focus on Topic (Content) |
There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information. |
Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general. |
Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information. |
The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information. |
|
Conclusion (Organization) |
The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at." Includes all the necessary elements of a closing paragraph |
The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends.Includes all the necessary elements of a closing paragraph |
The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends. Does not include all the necessary elements of a closing paragraph |
There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends. Does not include all the necessary elements of a closing paragraph |
|
Grammar & Spelling (Conventions) |
Consistently follows rules for spelling and correct use of grammer. Uses complete sentences and consistenly indicates paragraphs. |
Generally follows rules for spelling and correct use of grammer. Uses complete sentences generally and indicates paragraphs often. |
Mostly does not follow rules of spelling and correct use of grammer. Mostly exhibits errors in sentence structure that impede communication. Generally does not indicate paragraphs |
Does not follow rules for spelling and correct use of grammer. Uses sentence stucture that makes it quite difficult to understand. Does not use paragraphing. |