3.08

Essay Prompt

Based on your book selection and outside research, describe and analyze a current human rights issue. You will illustrate how this real-life issue affects people within the United States and one other country.

Let’s break down the prompt: For this research paper, you’ll first identify a human rights issue in the novel you read. For some examples, check out this video: Human Rights Issue Help Video . In lesson 3.06, you began researching your issue in the real world and found 3 sources online. You should have a source that helps you discuss the issue in the US and another source that helps you discuss it in a different country. You’ll use ALL of this information to help you answer the prompt.

Step 1: Write an introduction

Your introduction should include 3 parts:

1) The hook: Get the reader’s attention. You can begin with an anecdote, a definition, a quotation, a description, a bold statement, or a fact/statistic

2) The bridge: Provide supporting details on the topic. Provide some background information.

3) The thesis: Clearly state what your paper will be about. Make sure to address all aspects of the prompt. You can use this model for support:

a) The novel, insert book title sheds light on the issue of insert human rights issue which still greatly impacts the United States and insert another country today.

Type your introduction paragraph here:

Step 2: Write your body paragraphs:

Body Paragraph 1: Focus on how the human rights issue occurs in your novel. Include evidence from your novel and your research (if applicable).

Body Paragraph 2: Focus on how the human rights issue occurs in the United States. Use evidence from your research in 3.06 and the novel.

Body Paragraph 3: Focus on how the human rights issue occurs in a different country. Use evidence from your research in 3.06 and the novel.

Each paragraph should include the following:

Topic sentence: Introduce what will be covered in that paragraph

Example, reason, detail or fact from the text: This is your evidence!

Explanation

Example, reason, detail or fact from the text: This is your evidence!

Explanation

Type your Body paragraphs here:

Step 3: Write your conclusion

There are 3 useful strategies to remember when writing your conclusion:

1) Signal Closure: use words such as "finally," "clearly," "from these examples, one can see that...". Make a bold statement using the power of language or structure to influence readers

2) Synthesize: What do those ideas I analyzed in my essay tell me about language, life, or humanity? Sum up your points with fresh, new language.

3) Challenge the Reader: Tell them directly to take a specific action. Show them the effects of a changed way of thinking or acting

Type your conclusion here:

Step 4: Revise your essay

Check the following in your essay:

· Comma Usage

· Sentence Structure

· Semicolons

· Dialogue Punctuation

Use the MLA checklist to ensure that your essay is in MLA format and that you’ve included your works cited page (created in lesson 3.06) at the end.

Copy and paste your final draft here:

Step 5: Reflection questions

Explain what challenged you the most about writing your introductory paragraph (hook, bridging statement, thesis statement).

Most students think that editing and revising are the same. Can you define these terms in your own words and explain what you do when you revise and what you do when you edit?

Describe the last step of your writing process; how do you know when an essay is complete?

On Target

Almost There

Needs Improvement

Final Copy of Essay

(90 points)

90-72 points

· The essay has a clear introduction paragraph with all three components.

· The body paragraphs have: opening sentence, at least one quotation, summary, or paraphrase from their selected novel or an outside source, and connects to the thesis statement.

· The conclusion paragraph synthesizes information for the reader. The central idea of the essay is presented in a thoughtful manner and does not sound repetitive.

71-55 points

· The essay has a clear introduction paragraph with two of the three components.

· The body paragraphs contains all but one element: opening sentence, at least one quotation, summary, or paraphrase from the selected novel or an outside source, and connections to the thesis statement.

· The conclusion paragraph synthesizes information for the reader. The central idea of the essay is presented somewhat, or the information sounds somewhat repetitive.

54-0 points

· The essay has a clear introduction paragraph with only one component and does not have a thesis statement.

· The body paragraphs contain only one element: opening sentence, at least one quotation, summary, or paraphrase from their selected novel or an outside source, and connects to the thesis statement.

· The conclusion paragraph does not synthesize information for the reader. The information sounds repetitive.

Reflection Questions

(15 points)

15-12 points

· Questions are answered in 2-3 complete sentences.

7-0 points

· Responses are missing or contain fewer than 2 complete sentences.

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

(10 points)

10-8 points

· There are virtually no spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.

7-6 points

· There are a few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.

5-0 points

· There are several spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.