Paragraph Evaluation
PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
These 3 paragraphs come from the Character Traits lesson you completed in groups during our reading of The Outsiders. In your group, you had to identify a trait for that character, and then you had to prove with evidence that character trait.
Below you will find the trait the group identified and the paragraph they wrote to prove it.
Paragraph #1: Johnny is Protective
On pg. 57 it states, “I had to. They were drowning you Pony. They might have killed you. “ This shows that he is protective over Ponyboy. This is because Johnny killed a socs because they were drowning Ponyboy. In trying to protect Ponyboy it shows Johnny protects his friend in need.
Paragraph #2: Ponyboy is Intelligent
On page 2, Ponyboy says, “I’m not like them, nobody digs movies and books the way I do.” This shows that Ponyboy has different interests than the rest of the Greasers.
Paragraph #3: Cherry is Brave
On page 24, “She gave him an incredulous look; and then, she threw her coke in his face.” This is because she stood up to a greaser, Dally.
Paragraph #4: Dally is Considerate
For instance, when Johnny and Ponyboy come to Dally after Johnny killed Bob, he takes care of them, “get that (wet) sweatshirt off. He threw a towel at me. Dry off and wait here...” “Dally appeared after a minute and handed us a gun and a roll of bills…(pg. 60). This shows Dally can be considerate and father like when his friends are in need. Johnny and Ponyboy were cold and afraid after the incident in the park, and Dally immediately took care of them understanding this.
PARAGRAPH PRACTICE
In the following paragraphs, some common errors discussed are present. Your task is to identify the problems and then re-write the paragraph to make it a 4.
1. Trait: Discouraged
For instance, father was always beating him up and his mother ignored him…If it ahdn’t been for the gang, Johnny never would have known what love and affection are.” This quote shows that Johnny is discouraged to do many things because he has no positive influence from his parents.”
What is wrong: ______
New Paragraph:
What improved it: ______
2. Trait: Confused
According to the text, Ponyboy realizes “that was the first time I realized the extent of Johnny’s hero-worship for Dally Winston (76). Ponyboy doesn’t understand why Johnny worships Dally.
What is wrong:______
New Paragraph:
What improved it:______
3. Trait: Confident
On page 24, it said: “Johnny gulped and got pale” but said, “You heard me, leave her alone. This shows Johnny is courageous enough to look up to Dally.
What is wrong:______
New Paragraph:
What improved it:______
4. Trait: Loyal
From the reading, I know that “but one night I saw Dally getting picked up by the fuzz and he kept real cool and calm the whole time. They was getting him for breaking out windows in th school building, but it was Two-bit.” This shows he would do anything for his friends.
What is wrong:______
New Paragraph:
What Improved It:______