Synthesis Essay

(Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis)

Purpose: To assist the student in developing a critical view towards the types relationships we cultivate

in our lives as well as the qualities found within those relationships.

What to look for: As the student reads the Screwtape Letters he or she should

1) identify the characters in Screwtape Letters,

2) the qualities and purpose of relationships each of the characters maintain, and

3) how those relationships were detrimental or beneficial for the Patient.

(A hint: the Patient is trying to be a good Christian and the goal of the Christian life is a relationship with

God, with the ultimate goal of being with Him in Heaven).

Task: Based upon your reading of the Screwtape Letters and the information presented in your textbook regarding relationships, write a 5-paragraph essay discussing the relationships from one of two perspectives:

•The qualities that hinder a healthy relationship with God and others. These are the qualities which Wormwood and Screwtape encourage in the Patient

•The qualities that produce a successful relationship with God and others (successful meaning that it has helped each person in the relationship to grow in a positive and productive manner). These are the qualities about which Screwtape often complains.

Create a thesis sentence and develop a train of thought that supports your thesis. The student must use three quotes from this book (with proper MLA-7th edition citations) that support the thesis. The essay must be typed and submitted via turnitin.com and a paper copy to your teacher.

Grading Rubric: [100 points]

  1. Following directions (5 paragraphs, typed) [10 points]
  2. Development of Thesis (clarity, content, structure) [50 points]
  3. Proper Quotations (3 quotes) [20 points]
  4. Proper Citations (MLA) [20 points]

A helpful guide: One of threads that is woven within the Screwtape Letters is relationship. The Letters describe relationships between a number of characters. Similar to our lives, some of the "characters", people we know, are beneficial to our relational development and some are not. As you read the Screwtape Letters identify the characters, the role they play in the letters and the type of relationships and purpose they maintain in the letters. Be cognizant to the fact that, just like in life we maintain different relationships with different people, the characters in the book may do so as well.

A helpful resources: Use your textbook to identify the qualities of relationships (see pages 33, 37, 66, 87-90, 88,132, 199)

DUE:

On or before Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 no later than 8:00 a.m. in Room 104.

Points will be deducted for late work.

If the student is not in attendance at school on Sept. 23rd, the paper must then be e-mailed to anduploaded to turnitin.com on or before the due date.

Name: ______Period: ______

Screwtape Letters Essay Gradesheet

Each paragraph will be graded in five areas:

  1. Construction: Were instructions followed regarding citations? Did the writing follow the standards of formal writing?
  2. Clarity: Were the ideas in the writing expressed clearly?
  3. Content: Did the writing convey the information gathered through research?
  4. Comprehension: Did the student show understanding of the topic?
  5. Cohesiveness: Did the writing show an overall purpose and focus? Was there a logical conclusion?

Paragraph

Construction :____

Clarity :____

Content :____

Comprehension :____

Cohesiveness :____

Development of Thesis: ____/50

Proper Quotes: ____/20

Proper Citations: ____/20

Following Directions: ____/10

TOTAL: ____/100