AMERICAN STUDIES American Dream - Great Gatsby Essay

Name _________________

Period_______

This assessment is a one and a half to two page essay focusing on one of the characters in The Great Gatsby, in which a character’s view of the American Dream is examined. The essay needs to use details, examples, and quotations from the novel and stay true to the character’s beliefs.

____ Ideas and Development

15 __ clear discussion of one character’s view of the American Dream

__ essay stayed true to the chosen character’s views

__ abundant details, examples, and quotations from the novel to support your character’s

view are used (with proper page citation for quotations)

__ good judgment in the choice of supporting details

__ clear focus on the assigned topic

____ Organization

15 __ appropriate title of essay

__ clear introduction: use engaging lead, summarize the story, define the character, include the thesis.

__ logical paragraphing to help the reader (clear focus on one topic per paragraph)

__ sufficient detail to explain the points

__ effective transitions between paragraphs

__ effective conclusion: restate the main points, clearly answer the thesis, connect the issue to self or world, hook back to the lead.

____ Sentence Fluency, Voice, and Word Choice

10 __ sentences flow and read smoothly

__ variety in sentence length and structure

___ one 3 word sentence. Highlight this.

___ one 25+ word sentence. Highlight this.

__ vivid word choice that helps show your reader your ideas (highlight at least five words or phrases that

you feel are particularly vivid)

____ Conventions

10 __ neat and legible (typed, double-spaced)

__ spelling, punctuation, and usage don’t cause your teacher to suffer premature graying

__ complete, proper sentences (no fragments, run-ons, or comma splices)

____ Total

50