Name: ______________________________

Date: ______________________________

English 10

Essay #4: Expository Essay – Briar Rose

Based on the novel, Briar Rose, explore ONE theme that the author suggests. 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. Here is a list of possible theses statements to write about.

1. One must believe the unbelievable 6. Gemma of Briar Rose is similar to Lenny in Of

2. War brings out the best in people. Mice and Men.

3. War brings out the worst in people. 7. Life can be like a fairy tale.

4. The past is prologue. 8. It is far better to go down fighting than just to

5. Briar Rose is similar to Of Mice and Men. Submit to defeat.

_____ Ideas and Development

20

___1. minimum of 500-600 words.

___2. clear discussion of one thesis statement

___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

_____ Organization

20

___1. appropriate title

___2. introduction: use engaging lead, summarize the story, 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. elaboration to explain points made.

___5. commentary of each point made.

___6. effective transitions both within and between paragraphs.

___7. 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

5

___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

5

___1. typed essay, double-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

50

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