Essay : Teachers, although in many cases trying to their best they can, have failed in many
ways. Mike Rose in his article “I Just Want to Be Average,” from his book
Lives on the
Boundary
exposes the injustices underprivileged students face. Is it just underprivileged students
that face a weak educational system? Who is to blame for the failing system? Are teachers to
blame? What is your take on this issue?
What constitutes a good essay:]
- Use the third person. Do not use the “I” pronoun.
- Introduce your essay by establishing what prompt you are responding to. Briefly summarize the issue (what people are debating; what the opposing views are). Now that you have had a chance to read and learn more about the issue, state your opinion in third person (your thesis). Include the points you will use in the body to support your thesis.
- Support your thesis in a few paragraphs. For each paragraph, provide an arguable topic sentence that directly supports your thesis. Reference the article(s) you’ve read about the issue. Give us the title of the article and the name of the author (or the organization responsible for it, if there is no human being attached as the author). Use direct quotes by using a key line or two from the piece, and then explain how what the article says demonstrates support for your thesis. Relate the point to some evidence of your own through analysis. Explain how and why that information supports your view on the issue. Use the experiences of people you know, hypothetical situations, or information you looked up to show why you feel the way you do about the issue. Remain in the third person.
- Conclude your essay with some final thoughts on the subject. Do not bring in any new ideas. Help us see why the educational domain will be a better place if we embrace your point of view on the issue.
- Each essay should be at least 500 words in length.
- Use MLA style.
- Provide a Works Cited Page for the complete portfolio.
(Portfolio Specific)
Logistics:
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All three essays are included, with re-writes |
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YES |
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NO |
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Essays are in third person and at least 500 words each |
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YES |
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NO |
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Content of Essays: |
5 = Excellent |
4= Above Average |
3= Pass |
2= Below Average |
1= No Pass |
Introductions grab attention, establish topic |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Thesis clearly established with supporting points stated |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Support for thesis is persuasive |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Article(s) are referenced to enhance supporting points
|
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Conclusions lower the curtain, dim the lights effectively
|
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Sentence Level: |
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Punctuation/Grammar poses no major distractions
|
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Sentence syntax smooth, word choice clear
|
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Progress/Improvement: |
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Evident throughout the course of the essay sequence.
|
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Re-writes demonstrate thoughtful revision and incorporate feedback
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5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |