English 9H
Miss Raub
40 points
Exploring the Types of Writing
TASK:
We are going to explore various types of writing in connection with our non-fiction unit. Your first step in this assessment is to respond to EACH of the following prompts after we read the corresponding selection. You, along with the help from your peers, will select your ONE, strongest piece and independently complete several revisions and peer edits. Your final, polished copy should be double-spaced in Times New Roman 12-point font and adhere to MLA formatting of your name, etc. Your rubric should be stapled on top, then your final copy, and then your original rough draft. Do this before coming to class that day!
1. Descriptive/Narrative- “A Celebration of Grandfathers”
Rudolfo Anaya had a deep respect for his grandfather. Should people show a special reverence for the elderly- why or why not? Also, describe an older person whom you respect and provide reasons why he or she is deserving of your respect. Be sure to give your response an appropriate title. (2 paragraphs)
2. Persuasive/Expressive- “Glory and Hope”
Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to ending the apartheid in South Africa. Think about some of the problems in today’s world. About what cause do you feel most passionately and why? What, in relation to this issue, is your vision for the future/a solution? Besure to give your response an appropriate title. (2 paragraphs)
3. Informative/Technical- “Caucasian Mummies Mystify Chinese”
Keay Davidson from the San Francisco Examiner newspaper wrote a lengthy, detailed account of the discovery of the mummies in China. Assume the role of a newspaper reporter who is on location in China. Your job is to tell the story of this discovery in your own words. Include the usual: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW. Then, discuss the impact that this unearthing may have on Chinese society and the world at large. Be sure to give your response an appropriate title in the form of a headline. (2 paragraphs)
4. Reflective/Reaction- “Single Room, Earth View”
Sally Ride provided you with a first-hand account of American’s space program and our planet from a new perspective. How has Sally Ride’s essay changed the way you think about our planet?
How has this changed the way you think about the space program? Be sure to give your response an appropriate title. (2 paragraphs)
Due Date:______
English 9HName______
Miss RaubPeriod______Date______
RUBRIC for NON-FICTION WRITING
Focus (10)
______/5 The write answers the assigned question(s) thoroughly and thoughtfully ______/5 The writer stays on topic with no extraneous information
Content (10)
______/10 The writer uses specific examples to illustrate his/her ideas
Organization (10)
______/5 Topic sentences are used
______/5 There is a clear division between paragraphs, as per the prompt
Style (5)
______/3 The writer uses an elevated level of vocabulary; no slang, no contractions
______/2 The writer uses sophisticated and varied sentence structures
Conventions (5)
______/3 Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling is used (-1 for every 2 errors)
______/2 Original title/headline
TOTAL ______(40)
*Late papers will be penalized 5 points per day.
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