Essay Guidelines
Paper Setup
These general guidelines pertain to the setup of your essays. They should be followed for every essay that will be turned in for credit. Guidelines for specific assignments will be handed out in class, posted within the classroom, and posted to this web site. You may find the web site guidelines by clicking on the appropriate link listed below.
Lyddie Essay
You will be required to complete one five-paragraph essay. All essays will be written in accordance with the five-paragraph format distributed and discussed in class. Choose one of the following essay statements. Due dates will be posted well in advance.
1. Lyddie taught herself to read, write, and spell by laboriously reading Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Explain why she was so impressed by this book and what influence it had on her life.
2. Compare and contrast the character traits of Lyddie and Ezekial. Be specific and use detail from the story to support your point of view.
3. If you were to live in Lyddie’s
shoes, how would you have persuaded your mother to let you stay at home and
take care of the family farm?
Common Essay Errors
1. Homonyms – these are often used incorrectly. Be sure to check especially their, there, and they’re!
2. Contractions – do not use them in final copies!!
3. THESIS STATEMENTS: Be sure the last sentence of the first paragraph is a thesis statement containing a topic and controlling idea (should be provable/arguable). This statement should also be restated in the first sentence of the last paragraph. Everything you discuss in the essay should relate to the thesis statement.
4. Do not use “I think” in your essay. Your essay will easily let me know your opinion on a subject/topic.
5. Use specific examples from the book or your life experiences! This adds interesting detail to your writing!
6. Be careful of how and when you use commas. Be sure there is a reason for every comma used!
7. Spacing – when typing your paper be sure to use Times New Roman 12 font. Double-space between each line. Start a new paragraph by indenting – no extra spaces between lines are needed.
8. Do not use the words things and stuff. Be specific!
9. Be careful of the words then
(signifying time) and than (signifying a comparison).
Name: _______________________ Due: __________________
Five-Paragraph Essay Rubric
Title of Assignment: ________________________________
Scale: 4—Excellent 3—Good 2—Fair 1—Poor
1. Essay Format
This essay contains five paragraphs, important
facts and ideas related to the topic and is organized
according to the guideline distributed in class. __________
2. Thesis Statement
The essay has a clear and well-defined thesis statement. __________
3. Quality of Information
The Body of the Essay
The essay is rich in detail and uses information and
examples related to the topic. Ideas are well thought
out and organized. __________
4. Conclusion
The essay has a strong conclusion that summarizes
all key points. The thesis statement is restated at the
beginning of this paragraph __________
5. Conventions
Paragraphs include both topic and concluding/transition
sentences. The writer has thoroughly proofread the report
and has corrected errors in grammar, punctuation, and
spelling. Sentences are well written and fluent. __________
6. Interest
The writing is interesting and holds the reader’s attention. __________
7. Presentation
The essay is appealing to the eye. It is neat,
double-spaced, and uses a Times New Roman12 font. __________
8. Reflection
The student demonstrates insight and thought about the
organization, ideas, voice, fluency, and conventions of
the written essay. __________
Student Reflection:
In the space provided below, evaluate your
writing. Review the rubric and critique the
essay you have written based on the
requirements outlined.
Performance Scale
Points........ Numerical....... Letter .......Points..... Numerical ......Letter
32 ..................100........................A+---------22................79........................C+
31....................97.........................A-----------21...............77.........................C+
30....................95.........................A..---------20................75.........................C
29....................93.........................A-.....------19................73..........................C
28....................90.........................A-....-------18................70..........................C-
27....................89.........................B+...-------17.................69.........................D+
26...................87..........................B+..--------16................67.........................D+
25...................85..........................B..---------15................65..........................D
24...................83.........................B..---------14.................63..........................D
23..................80..........................B-...-------13.................60...........................D-
Final Draft of Written Work
Requirements
1. Carefully check work for conventions; spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
2. clearly write a heading on your paper as follows:
Name Language Date Assignment
3. Include a title whenever necessary.
4. Use white lined paper
5. Use a margin on both the right and left sides of the paper.
6. Write in pen.
7. If you make an error, cross the error out with one line and continue writing.
8. Do not skip lines.
9. do not use the back of the paper.
10. Neatness counts towards presentation.
Lyddie