B and F Block - Monday, May 2
C and G Block - Tuesday, May 3
During the test period, students will be presented with a variety of prompts that fall within three different categories: imagery, character, and themes/motifs. Students will choose two prompts, each from a different category. For each prompt, students must write a thought-out and well-developed one-paragraph essay.
Suggested Study Materials
- Journals
- Anticipation guides
- Concordance handouts
- Class notes
Recommended Essay Structure
Creative and descriptive title
Introductory sentence(s)
· Introduce the author, title, and general topic/relevance of your paper
· 1-3 sentences
Thesis
· Clear statement of your central claim or argument
· 1 sentence
Key points
· Support and analysis for each
· 3-5 key points, 6-12 sentences
Summary of arguments
· Synthesis of your key points
· 1-3 sentences
Conclusion
· Reiteration of your central claim or argument, with a focus on its broader applications or implications
· 1 sentence
**** Bottom line: essays should be between 10 and 20 sentences. ***
Essay Rubric
Each essay will be graded individually, using the following rubric:
Mechanics – 5 points
· Indentation of paragraph
· Accuracy of spelling, capitalization and punctuation
· Use of complete sentences
· Sentence clarity, variation and complexity
· Agreement
Language – 5 points
· Precise and appropriate use of diction and register
· Use of the active voice
· Use of the third person point of view
· Consistent verb tense
Structure – 5 points
· Title – present, creative and descriptive
· Essay is 1 paragraph and no fewer than 10 sentences in length
· Essay has a clear introduction, clear body, and clear conclusion
· Essay has a balance of supporting details and analysis
· Essay uses effective transitions or a flow of ideas
Content – 5 points
· Thesis – clarity and relevance
· Demonstrated comprehension of the text
· Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of literary technique
· Accuracy of analysis
· Appropriateness and effectiveness of supporting details
Total per essay: 20 points
Grand total: 40 points
