JC: Summative “mini” Essay

Julius Caesar: Summative Essay

Directions: Write a short essay based on the passage and question below. DUE MONDAY!

SECTIONS A, C, D

To the very End, Brutus remains rigidly devoted to the concepts of honor, integrity, justice and truth. Can such a person succeed in a modern world? Why or why not?

Create a thesis, make TWO supporting claims, back up EACH claim with ONE piece of evidence from Julius Caesar.

• You need an brief introduction
• Create a thesis STATEMENT (remember, you are making a point about pessimism. Be sure to be clear and concise).
• Then, you must support your statement with TWO supporting claims, each claim must be supported by evidence from the play.
• In total, you should have THREE paragraphs.
• Quiz Grade for TERM 5!!!
• You don’t have to type it, but BE LEGIBLE!!!

 

SECTIONS E and F:

How can pessimism affect performance? Pessimists often claim that they are realists. Do you or do you not believe this and why?  Create a thesis, make TWO supporting claims, back up EACH claim with ONE piece of evidence from Julius Caesar.

• You need an brief introduction
• Create a thesis STATEMENT (remember, you are making a point about pessimism. Be sure to be clear and concise).
• Then, you must support your statement with TWO supporting claims, each claim must be supported by evidence from the play.
• In total, you should have THREE paragraphs.
• Quiz Grade for TERM 5!!!
• You don’t have to type it, but BE LEGIBLE!!!

 

 

BB/ARITS Essay: Compare and Contrast

Directions: You will write a Two-page essay comparing and contrasting the literary techniques/film techniques used in both the novel and the movie. You will need a clear thesis, one contrasting point (main idea), evidence from the novel AND the film. Then one comparative point (main idea), evidence from the novel AND the film.

TOPIC: Compare and contrast the literary techniques/film techniques used in both the novel and the movie. You will need to make a thesis about this. 

You will be uploading your essay to turn it in! NO HARD COPY! This will be graded by the rubric but done electronically! So, be sure you follow instructions on the assignment for using turnitin.

This will be a test grade for TERM 3

DUE: THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 BY 11:59 PM!!!  

UPLOAD TO TURN-IT-IN!!!!!

Tips: Your thesis should be simple and clear. Remember the work we did in class with comparative/contrasting points. Even for the contrast, you need to find what is similar:. “they differ on their interpretation of racism”  or something like that; find the collective difference.

Follow the outline given to you so you can structure your essay. CLICK HERE: to download the outline You will be graded on the following rubric:

Criteria	Point value	Your score
Clear Thesis: thesis follows the rules and is clear/concise. Remember: unclear thesis =unclear essay	4
Intro/conclusion organization: hook, topic, title/author the book/play, thesis. The conclusion restates and summarizes, but gives the “so what” and explains what you want the reader to do with your information.	4
Body paragraph organization Comparative point: Following the MEAL Plan, includes the comparative point/main idea, evidence from both and includes an analysis connecting both pieces to the M and the T.	4
Body paragraph organization Contrasting point: Following the MEAL Plan, includes one contrasting point/main idea, evidence from both and includes an analysis connecting both pieces to the M and the T.	4
Grammar/spelling: NO USE OF 1st Personal pronouns: I, me, We, you, etc.  Proper sentence structure and use of punctuation, correct spelling	4
Transitions/fluidity/voice: each sentence moves into the next, you explain what you are thinking in your head well enough to connect to the reader, no vague language!	4
MLA Format: margins, spacing, font, header/ing, proper citations, etc.	4
Works Cited Page: you include the source information given to you for the movie, but also properly include the book. Remember your rules!	4
Total Score/points:	32

OMAM: Essay

Prompt:

• We have discussed our terms for the year (POCIFAN) and have connected them to the novel, Of Mice and Men. The author uses the words of the characters to send a message to the reader about one of those terms. Now, you will have to articulate this in a well developed essay.
• What message is the author sending the reader on the topics of POCIFAN??

Think about:

• Think about one of these topics and decide what the author is telling you. This is going to help you to create a thesis (like our summer reading essay).
• You worked in groups discussing the themes of this novel, so use that lesson to help you plan a thesis that you can PROVE and SUPPORT!
• Once you have your thesis, you have to show me why it is important. Remember, you aren’t telling me that the topic exists in the novel, but thinking about HOW and WHY it exists.
• What does the author want us to know about the theme?
•  Remember: if it comes from the book, it is EVIDENCE!! So, use the book as a resource to support your claims from your brain (Think MEAL Plan).
• The bulk of your essay is going to be based on what you think and what you believe to be true: from your BRAIN!!

Reminders and requirements:

• No late work!
• Due by the start of class!
• FINAL COPY READY = stapled, all drafts attached.
• This essay is DUE on the DUE DATE! You have about a week to get this together! Plus, you will be working step by step to put this together with the ability to utilize your class time!
• You must complete each step in order to move on to the next!
• Essay between 2 – 3 pages, no more than 3!
• MLA format = typed, TNR 12, citations, work cited page (resources in the back of the class and online!).
• You need to follow the guidelines for an introduction, body paragraphs, textual evidence and a “so what” conclusion.

 OMAM: RUBRIC

Requirement	Total points	Score yourself	Ms. G’s score
Title and Introduction: includes an interesting title, hook is original and relatable, the topic and thesis are in an appropriate order.	5
Thesis: thesis is clear, concise, debatable, one sided, and answers the question asked in the prompt.	5
Body Paragraphs: follows the “MEAL” plan, includes topic sentences, evidence and an explanation that all work together to support the thesis	15
Citations:  Includes at least three appropriate citations (not general examples, but actual excerpts of passages) that support the claims.	5
Conclusion: Includes a brief summary, and a “so what” giving food for thought, gives the reader something to do with the message.	5
Fluidity, transitions, tone and “voice.” You transition smoothly from each idea not only in the paragraph, but in between paragraphs as well, so that the writing is fluid and not disruptive (don’t make me fall down the stairs). Your tone and voice is scholarly.	10
Spelling and grammar: follow appropriate punctuation rules and sentence structure. Spelling and grammar is correct and doesn’t distract or disrupt the content of the essay.	5
MLA Format: proper citations, header, heading, font type and size, size, etc. Follow handouts.	10
Work Cited page: included a properly formatted work cited page listing, by authors last name, the work cited in the essay.	5
Final Copy ready: stapled, THIS rubric on TOP, score and evaluate yourself, followed by the final copy, all drafts outline included BEHIND your final copy.	5
FINAL SCORE:

Literature Critic: Section A

A critical book analysis is an expression of an evaluative judgment on the quality, meaning and significance of a book. It is based on careful analysis and interpretation of a piece of literature. As the writer, you must evaluate the author’s main point, purpose, message and literary effectiveness.  As well as giving information and summaries about the book, you will give a fair, balanced and educated opinion on the book, just like Aristotle did in the marketplace or like Roger Ebert does for the movies…two thumbs up!

To down load the, rubric, and all assignments, CLICK HERE

Directions:

• Pretend you are a media critic and using the skills you have gained from evaluation types of visual propaganda, you have to critique a piece of literature (think back to terms 2 and 3).
• Ask the following questions:
• What is the message? How does the author “sell” the message?
• What is the main point and is it communicated well?
• What else, besides characters, setting, plot, theme, etc, are you supposed to “buy” into
• Using selections provided for you by the library (or one on your own that has been approved by me), you will read, question, evaluate, respond and write about the quality and effectiveness of this work. You will have to:
• Create a thesis taking a stand on your opinion/the quality of this piece
• How well (or how poorly) does it convey a message about marginalization/oppression?
• How does it (or not) appeal to your E, L, P, K?
• Supportive evidence from the piece
• Be sure to persuade your audience (use some of those propaganda techniques in a written form)
• You will be scored based on the rubric given to you
• You will have to read/annotate/take notes as you read (if you would like to photocopy your piece so that you can write on it would be fine. Otherwise, you have to take notes on a separate piece of paper as you read)
• Create an outline and rough draft
• Final draft = No more than 2 pages (Double spaced, TNR, 12, COVER PAGE. This isn’t formal, MLA writing, so you can use personal pronouns and don’t need a heading/header)
• You must have your title/author, physical copy of the short story and rationale by THURSDAY 5/26
• This writing assignment and all work  due by Tuesday, June 14^th. You need a physical copy AND uploaded to turn it in BY 7:20 am (by the start of school on 6/14

You MUST keep ALL of the materials (notes, outlines, etc.) and staple them to the BACK of your essay/response

 DUE: Tuesday, June 14^th

Essay: A Freudian Lens

Assignment:

• You will be writing a paper in which you psycho analyze Holden from a Freudian point of view; looking at Holden through a specific lens (way of thinking, attitude, perception). Your thesis will be based off of an analysis proving Holden has a particular fixation, complex, defense mechanism, etc. Then, you will make TWO claims about the thesis, using TWO examples of supportive evidence to prove each claim and thesis to be true.

For Example:

• Thesis: Snooki has an Oral Receptive personality
  • Claim/Topic Sentence (because): Snooki strives for attention . She is needy for the attention of others.
    • Evidence #1: She threatens to leave when people don’t like her . For example, in episode one of the first season, Snooki packs up her suitcases, cries and calls home when she embarrasses herself in front of the roommates. When they get annoyed and decide they don’t like her, she refuses to deal with it and wants to go home.
    • Evidence #2: She begs for attention from Vinny. In season two, Snooki thinks she has feelings for Vinny and asks him not to bring home anyone so that they can spend time together. When she finds a girl with Vinny, she storms into his room and yells at him.
  • Connect/Link: Snooki’s behavior indicates that she is very needy. Instead of taking responsibility for her actions, which was upsetting her roommate on the first night, she gets upset. It is more important for people to like her, instead of her owning up to her mistakes and being alone. It is more important that she have attention from Vinny than it is for her to be alone. She would rather have someone if she can’t have Vinny, prving that it most likely isn’t him that she wants, but the idea of someone instead of being alone to face her own fear and insecurities.

So…do the same with Holden. Make a statement about him from a Freudian Perspective, support it with a claim and back up that claim with TWO examples of Evidence.

DUE: MONDAY 4/25

• Turnitin.com by MONDAY @ 7:20 am (NO EXCEPTIONS!!! You have ALLLLL break to do this. Saving it until last minute is not smart!) This will be 30% of your grade!
• Hard Copy: by the start of class, MLA format, final copy ready (Stapled and include ALL drafts/outlines on the back), grade yourself, rubric ON TOP
• If you are absent, get it to me! Have a friend or mom/dad, carrier pigeon, bring it to me. Or, if you or your great aunt is rushed to the hospital, I need a doctors’ note and your essay STILL needs to be emailed to me, uploaded on turnitin BY 7:20 am on MONDAY in order for me to take your hard copy. NO EXCEPTIONS! Bring a hard copy upon your return.
• I am not taking your BS: You have had the week before break and ALL BREAK to complete this assignment.

RUBRIC:

Criteria	Your Score	Ms. G’s Score
Clear thesis and introduction: Introductory paragraph, has a hook, topic (mentions Freud and novel/author) and a clear one-sided, debatable thesis statement looking at Holden through a Freudian Lens.	5
Thesis development, Organization: You have TWO claims (from brain), supportive evidence for each claim that proves your claim, an analysis and a “So what” conclusion that does more than summarize, rather gives a world view, advice or “food for thought”	20
Evidence and analysis: you use four different citations from beginning, middle and end of the novel (each is 5 points) that support and explain your claim and thesis to be true and correct.	20
Fluidity and transitions: writing moves from one idea to the next and each paragraph transitions smoothly, your citations are introduced and move smoothly in the paragraph, indicates paragraph break when necessary and has a topic change.	5
MLA Format and Work Cited page: margins, heading, header, margins, spacing, citations, sources on Work Cited page are formatted correctly	15
Final Copy Ready: (one point each): Stapled, Rubric on top, Final draft behind your rubric, outlines/draft included on the BACK of your essay, due at the start of class	5
TOTAL SCORE:	70

Holocaust Research Assignment

Directions: You will be researching one fact related to/about the Holocaust ON YOUR OWN. In addition to your minimum 700 – 1000 word research report (Does not include Work Cited page), you will be creating a presentation to the class. A topic will be assigned to you in class. IF you are absent, you will take what is left.

 

Written Requirements:

• Research one topic assigned to you
• Type a MLA formatted research report, 700 word minimum (not including a works cited page)
• MLA Work cited page
• At least FOUR sources.
  • These need to be scholarly sources: databases, online encyclopedias, actual books (JKJKJLOZ)
  • NOT: Wikipedia, myblog.com, facebook, or some other teenage disaster.
  • Use your resources: Hapgood Library, BPL, handouts on MLA format, etc.
• At least four citations, properly cited.
• Uploaded to turnitin by the start of class J

 

Presentation Requirements:

• You will have 3 – 5 minutes to ENGAGE the class on your topic.
• You will have to present the interesting facts to the class concerning your research.
• You need to have supplementary materials: Handouts/poster. You will NOT be allowed to use a power-point.
  • Should be brief
  • Have the topic clearly displayed
  • Include just the facts
  • NOT cut/paste from website J
• Use your presentation skills and the do’s/don’ts from your Shakespeare Presentation.
  • Eye contact, speak clearly/loudly, animated, entertaining, speak with the class not AT them
  • You are allowed ONE note-card, but DO NOT read off of your note cards

Rubric:

 

Requirements	Total points (4 points each)
Focus: one topic is researched thoroughly but focused and concise. Word count is 700 – 1000, information is relevant and accurate.
MLA Format: proper font, margins, heading, etc
Citations: At least four citations, properly cited
Works Cited Page: at least 4 properly formatted, scholarly sources.
Turnitin/Final Copy read: uploaded successfully by the start of class, rubric attached ON TOP of your report.
Effectiveness of presentation: Covers just the facts, information is relevant and interesting, class in engaged and entertained.
Time: uses time wisely and is between 3  – 5 minutes
Supplementary materials: Uses a handout and/or poster visual. Either one (or both) is clear, legible, easy to read and understand, is relevant to the facts, indicates effort.
Presentation skills: speaks with the class, engages the audience, speaks clearly/loudly, makes eye contact and uses the note card allowed as a guide, not reading off of it. Shows preparation and indicates time spent practicing.
Total Score/Comments	______/36