The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Essay Assignment
Name ______
First Draft Due ______
Revised Final Draft Due ______
Now that we’ve read the whole book and three articles about the book, it’s time for you to write a personal response to Sherman Alexie’s novel.
The Topic: In Sherman Alexie’s book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, the main character Arnold Spirit Jr. has a hard life, but he makes many choices to try to become the person he wants to be. What do you think is most courageous about Arnold and how could his courage inspire you to overcome your own obstacles to achieve your own dreams?
In your essay:
· focus on what you think is the most courageous thing Arnold does and how it relates to acts of courage you have done or would like to do
· give specific examples from the book and use at least one idea from one of the articles you read about the book
· use at least one or two quotations from the book or articles that help you make your point
· use your own words to summarize or paraphrase any points from the book or articles that help you make your point
· organize your essay into paragraphs that include
o an introduction with a strong hook
o Arnold’s courage to pursue his dreams
o your courage to pursue your dreams
o how Arnold could inspire you
o a conclusion that summarizes your main points and makes a final statement
Scoring Guide
Categories / Below Standard / Near Standard / At Standard / Exceeds StandardIdeas & Content
30 pts / · Thesis is unclear
· Weak connection between book and self
· Weak, very general or little support that does not show good understanding
· Does not use quote or quote does not support / · Thesis is beginning to be clear
· Makes some connection between book and self
· Uses general support that shows some understanding
· Uses at least 1 quotation that might not strongly support / · Has a clear thesis
· Makes a good connection between book and self
· Uses specific examples that shows understanding of book
· Uses 1 or 2 quotations that support point / · Has a clear thesis
· Makes deep connection between book and self
· Uses specific examples to support that show understanding of book and an article
· Uses 1 or 2 quotations that dramatically support point
Organi-zation
10 pts / · No paragraphs or major errors
· No clear introduction
· No clear conclusion / · Paragraphs are used with some errors
· Incomplete introduction
· Incomplete conclusion / · Clear use of paragraphs
· Complete introduction
· Conclusion summarizes clearly / · Clear use of paragraphs that support thesis
· Complete intro with strong hook
· Conclusion summarizes with final insight
Conven-tions, 10pts / · Basic errors in conventions
· No bibliography / · Convention errors sometimes distract
· Bibliography with errors / · Minor convention errors don’t distract
· Bibliography with small errors / · Few or no convention errors
· Correct bibliography with few or no errors