English 2 NAME: ______

FINAL “AXOLOTL” ASSIGNMENT

QUESTION: How does magical realism in Julio Cortázar’s “Axolotl” help the reader gain a deeper understanding of reality? How does magical realism reveal the author’s true point of view? Write a long constructed response in which you use four pieces of specific textual evidence to support an original thesis statement. We will share our initial thoughts in class, so that we may deliver feedback to each other. (RI.9-10.5, W.9-10.4, SL.9-10.1)

PREWRITING: We are going to do speed-partners for the 8 questions below. First brainstorm your own thoughts. Then, you’ll have 2 minutes to chat with a partner about the question and jot down your ideas. By brainstorming and collaborating, you can add to your own understanding of the text. This way, you set yourself up for a deeper written response.

What is reality?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

How do authors help readers to shape their understanding of reality?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

How can an author reveal his or her perspective on life in a text?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

How is magic realism different from other genres?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

How can magic realism reveal truth in a different way when compared to other genres?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

Based on the story, what is something Julio Cortazar thinks is important in life?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

What would “Axolotl” look like without the magical realism?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

How does magic realism help to reveal Cortazar’s perspective on life in “Axolotl”?

My Thoughts / Notes from speed discussion

FINAL “AXOLOTL” ASSIGNMENT

QUESTION: How does magical realism in Julio Cortázar’s “Axolotl” help the reader gain a deeper understanding of reality? How does magical realism reveal the author’s true point of view? Write a long constructed response in which you use at least four pieces of specific textual evidence to support an original claim.

SUMMARY: Give me a claim & two paragraphs. Each paragraph will have 2 cited quotes.

HOW MANY SENTENCES ARE EXPECTED IN EACH PARAGRAPH? ______

HOW DO YOU PUNCTUATE A SHORT STORY? ______

THE FIRST TIME YOU USE AN AUTHOR’S NAME, YOU WRITE HIS/HER

______. AFTER THAT, JUST USE THE

______.

RUBRIC

Elaboration of Evidence / Language and Vocabulary
4 / The response provides thorough and convincing support/evidence for the writer’s claim that includes the effective use of sources, facts, and details. The response achieves substantial depth that is specific and relevant:
§  use of evidence from sources is smoothly integrated, comprehensive, relevant, and concrete
§  effective use of a variety of elaborative techniques / The response clearly and effectively expresses ideas, using precise language:
§  use of academic and domain-specific vocabulary is clearly appropriate for the audience and purpose
3 / The response provides adequate support/evidence for the writer’s claim that includes the use of sources, facts, and details. The response achieves some depth and specificity but is predominantly general:
§  some evidence from sources is integrated, though citations may be general or imprecise
§  adequate use of some elaborative techniques / The response adequately expresses ideas, employing a mix of precise with more general language
§  use of domain-specific vocabulary is generally appropriate for the audience and purpose
2 / The response provides uneven, cursory support/evidence for the writer’s claim that includes partial or uneven use of sources, facts, and details, and achieves little depth:
§  evidence from sources is weakly integrated, and citations, if present, are uneven
§  weak or uneven use of elaborative techniques / The response expresses ideas unevenly, using simplistic language:
§  use of domain-specific vocabulary that may at times be inappropriate for the audience and purpose
1 / The response provides minimal support/evidence for the writer’s claim that includes little or no use of sources, facts, and details:
§  use of evidence from the source material is minimal, absent, in error, or irrelevant / The response expression of ideas is vague, lacks clarity, or is confusing:
§  uses limited language or domain-specific vocabulary
§  may have little sense of audience and purpose