Honors English 8
Ms. Kavalek
“To Build a Fire” essay
Topic: In a three to five paragraph essay, prove that pride causes the man in Jack London’s short story “To Build a Fire” to make many mistakes which lead to his own demise.
Requirements and Tips:
- ___ complete the graphic organizer (below and on the back side of this paper)
- ___ write three to five well-developed paragraphs
- ___ use at least three examples from the story; cover their connection to pride and cover their
connection to the man’s ultimate downfall, death.
- ___ use at least one quote as a supporting example, but no more than two
- ___ organize each idea/ example clearly: include a topic sentence; transition into the example/quote;
include the example/quote; and discuss each example’s/quote’s significance
- ___ avoid plot summary. AVOID IT. Discussion of plot should always involve its significance or your
insight about it
- ___ present a hook; a solid thesis in one sentence; and a memorable and insightful conclusion
- ___ use present tense verbs; LITERATURE LIVES!
- ___ use only Times New Roman font, size 12
- ___ include a creative, relevant title that is also T.N.R. size 12 (no fancy and big fonts)
- ___ review class writing notes, especially about essay writing
FCA’s (Focus Correction Areas) à Major points will be deducted for errors with the following…
-quote incorporation (no quote plunking)
-MLA citation (no missing or incorrect citations)
-clear, specific wording (no vague pronouns)
-use of third person (NO first person anywhere in the essay; no second person either)
-use of present tense verbs (Literature lives!)
ex. Yes: The man disregards advice. ex. no: The man disregarded advice.
Grading: Your essay will be graded on the five PA writing domains—Focus, Content, Organization, Style, and Conventions 100 point essay
Due dates: your organizer and topic sentences are due on 12/16/13; final draft is due Thursday, 12/19/13
ORGANIZER:
Introduction:
Body: