Name:

Date:

American Studies

Unit 2: American Dream

Great Gatsby Essay: Based on the literature in this unit, explore ONE author’s view of American freedom. Would this author: agree or disagree that American freedom is something to boast about; claim that there is too much or too little freedom; claim that there are specific problems or benefits to this system; propose changes to the American system. These questions should not simply be answered in the essay, but rather be considered thinking about the topic as a whole, and then formulated into a coherent essay that deals with the issue of the author’s view of freedom in general. Specific examples, details, and quotations from the author’s work should be used to support the essay. This essay should be a minimum of 500-600 words.

_____ Ideas and Development

20

___1. minimum of 500-600 words.

___2. clear discussion of one character’s view of the American Dream

___3. abundant details, examples, quotations from the novel to support the character’s view (with proper page citations for quotations.)

___4. good judgment in choice of details.

___5. clear focus on the assigned topic

___6. the essay stayed true to the character’s views

_____ Organization

20

___1. appropriate title

___2. clear introduction, use engaging lead, summarize the issue, include the thesis (underline the thesis).

___3. paragraphing helped the reader follow the argument/analysis.(One topic per paragraph, building toward the strongest example or idea.

___4. sufficient detail to explain points made.

___5. effective transitions both within and between paragraphs.

___6. clear conclusion, restate the main points, clearly answer the thesis, connect issue to self or world, hook back to the lead.

_____ Sentence Fluency, Voice, and Word Choice

10

___1. sentences flow and read smoothly.

___2. variety in sentence length, structure, and first words.

___3. vivid word choice that helps show the reader ideas. (Underline at least five vivid words or phrases

_____ Conventions

10

___1. typed essay, single-spaced, one inch margins, 12pt standard font.

___2. proper spelling, punctuation, and usage.

___3. complete, proper sentences. (No fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.)

_____ Total (minimum of 38 needed on the final draft alone to pass this portion of the unit project).

60

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_____ Rough Draft and Editing Session

10 ___1. complete draft, minimum 500-600 words.

___2. typed, single-spaced, one inch margins, 12pt standard font.

___3. meaningful, thoughtful suggestions for your partner

Partner’s name:___

_____Extra Credit

8 ___1. +3 included in link on digital portfolio’s American Studies homepage

___2. +1 point for each day project is submitted prior to due date (up to 5 points).