Name ______Date ______

Science Fiction Unit

Color Symbol Response

While “Searching for Summer” may seem like a child’s story, the color symbols that Joan Aiken utilizes reveal a hidden layer of meaning within the simple text. A symbol is an object (or idea) that represents an idea, situation, or another object other than itself. You are surrounded by symbols in your daily life, and probably use them frequently without realizing what they are.

Prompt: Choose a color that represents you. Describe how it can identify you as a person by the characteristics that it may have. Many colors represent ideas in fiction, and they also are associated with certain ideas or objects that provide it with additional meaning. Remember, you can also create a meaning behind the color if you support your idea with a logical explanation.

Format

1.1-2 page response in paragraph form

2.If typed: double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman

or if handwritten: single-spaced, neat, printed (no cursive, please!)

3.Refer to the PSSA rubric below for further requirements.

4.You should staple in the following order: (1) rubric, (2) response paper.

DUE: Tomorrow (September 11)

Points / Focus / Content / Organization / Style / Conventions
5 /
  • Clear thesis or topic sentences
  • Each paragraph develops one idea
  • Sharp, distinct point
/
  • Plenty of facts, details, reasons, explanations
  • Each paragraph is developed with 5 to 6 sentences
/
  • Introduction and conclusion are related
  • Transitions in paragraphs and between follows obvious sustained plan and has paragraph sense
/
  • Sentence variety/control includes effective word order (not all SVO) and length
  • Above grade level vocabulary
  • Effective figurative language and/or analogies
/ Control of diction, grammar, usage mechanics and syntax
  • 2-3 errors
  • No run-ons or fragments

4 /
  • Apparent yet generalized topic
  • Loosely controlled or organized
Paragraphs are somewhat focused /
  • Details—not balanced or sustained
  • Some examples, facts, explanations
  • Some paragraphs developed with 3 to 4 sentences
/
  • Somewhat logical order/loose plan
Internal transitions:
  • Poor paragraph sense
  • Intro and conclusion are not related
/
  • Some sentence variety
  • Sentences sense
  • General vocabulary and/or repetitive/wordy
/ Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, and usage (must have at least one error-free paragraph)
3 /
  • Topic too broad
  • No thesis or topic sentence
  • Off-topic sentences
  • Tacked-on or random ideas
/
  • Limited detail
  • Generalized statements
  • Paragraphs of 1-2 sentences or all one paragraph
/
  • Confusing attempt at organization
  • No transitions
  • Hard to follow
/
  • Repetitive or poor sentence structure
  • Poor vocabulary
  • Awkwardness in sentence structure
/ Failure to use mechanics or usage and grammar effectively (errors distract the reader)
2-0 / No sense of order or topic / One paragraph—no detail / No obvious plan / Fragments, repetitive sentences, makes no sense / Unintelligible