Becomes a hook on which the writer can the topic sentences that “hang” present evidence in support of the argument. Anticipates questions about the topic and provides the unifying thread between pieces of information. For the reader, the thesis statement: Serves as a to follow through the paper. “map” Prepares the reader about what he/she is to read. Keeps the reader focused on the argument. Helps the reader spot the main ideas. Engages the reader in the argument. Offers enough detail for your reader to grasp your argument. Be sure your thesis… takes a stand- do not just state an observation. expresses one main idea- keep it narrow and specific. Example: Through Miss Maudie Atkinson’s open-mindedness, optimism, and compassion, she helps Jem and Scout better understand Atticus and their community. (The example above is based on To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel you’ll be reading your freshman year at Arundel.) Rubric: Summer Reading English 9 Honors Strong (10 pts.) Developing Not There Yet (8 pts.) (6 pts.) Ideas This narrow and manageable thesis While ideas are clear, Ideas, details or events seem is made vivid through relevant, additional details strung together in a loose or telling, quality anecdotes and would expand general random fashion. Connections details that shares interesting ideas and enrich the between ideas are unclear or not information with the reader. essay. present. Organization The essay has a clear 5 paragraphs 1 of these elements is 2 or more of these elements are (intro, 3 body paragraph, missing. missing. conclusion) Tone The writer doesn’t use any informal The writer The writer frequently uses language. There isn’t any slang or occasionally uses informal language. any use of the pronouns or informal language. “I” “you”. Format All formatting rules listed in the 1 of the formatting 2 or more of the formatting rules directions are followed (12 pt. font, rules is missing. are missing.
Becomes a hook on which the writer can “hang” the topic sentences that present evidence in support of the argument. Anticipates questions about the topic and provides the unifying thread between pieces of information. For the reader, the thesis statement: Serves as a “map” to follow through the paper. Prepares the reader about what he/she is to read. Keeps the reader focused on the argument. Helps the reader spot the main ideas. Engages the reader in the argument. Offers enough detail for your reader to grasp your argument. Be sure your thesis… takes a stand- do not just state an observation. expresses one main idea- keep it narrow and specific. Example: Through Miss Maudie Atkinson’s open-mindedness, optimism, and compassion, she helps Jem and Scout better understand Atticus and their community. (The example above is based on To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel you’ll be reading your freshman year at Arundel.) Rubric: Summer Reading English 9 Honors Strong (10 pts.) Developing (8 pts.) Not There Yet (6 pts.) Ideas This narrow and manageable thesis is made vivid through relevant, telling, quality anecdotes and details that shares interesting information with the reader. While ideas are clear, additional details would expand general ideas and enrich the essay. Ideas, details or events seem strung together in a loose or random fashion. Connections between ideas are unclear or not present. Organization The essay has a clear 5 paragraphs (intro, 3 body paragraph, conclusion) 1 of these elements is missing. 2 or more of these elements are missing. Tone The writer doesn’t use any informal language. There isn’t any slang or any use of the pronouns “I” or “you”. The writer occasionally uses informal language. The writer frequently uses informal language. Format All formatting rules listed in the directions are followed (12 pt. font, 1 of the formatting rules is missing. 2 or more of the formatting rules are missing.