ALL MLA-Style Format
Length: 3 to 4 pages (950 words minimum, typed in MLA style,
Goal: The purpose of this essay is to help us fulfill English primary Student Learning Objective to “Analyze a culturally diverse selection of literature . . . using the conventions of the major literary genres, including the relationship of style, form, and character to meaning.”
Here is the essay prompt:
Read Hugh Howey’s story “Select Character” thoroughly, and find connections with the other stories we have read. Then analyze those connections in a detailed 3-4 page essay, using fiction terms we have covered and quotations from the stories for support. (See the Rubric below for full details.)
Focusing on Howey’s story, you can do any of the following, or a unique combo of your own. :
compare and/or contrast “Select Character” with one or more of the other stories we have read in terms of how repeating aspects of setting and/or plot are used to develop character(s) and convey meaning (theme)
analyze the development of characters and meaning using character terms (round and flat, static and dynamic) and plot elements (stages of exposition, complication, rising action, climactic moment, etc.) in “Select Character” and one or more of our other stories
discuss the impact of the point of view that the story is told from (first person, limited omniscient, etc.) in “Select Character” and in one or more of our other stories (the same or a different point of view)
I hope you’ll feel free to hook into an idea and develop it in your own way based on Howey’s story and how it connects in some way(s) the other stories we have read this semester.
3.0 pts
Your essay title effectively reveals the focus of your essay and choice of approach.
3 to >0 pts
Your essay title needed attention to reveal the focus of your essay, as shown in the sample and choice of approach.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe introductory paragraph should fully and correctly name the required authors and story titles, followed by an introduction that clearly states the connection your essay will focus on and a thesis that hints at the meaning(s) that grow from that connection. Use the sample as a guide.
20 to >16.0 pts
Your introductory paragraph fully and correctly names the authors and story titles and presents a clear statement of a connection and the meaning(s) growing from it.
16 to >0 pts
Your introductory paragraph needed to name the authors and story titles more carefully and/or include a clearer statement of a connection and the meaning(s) growing from it, as shown in the sample.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe focus of the essay should be on Hugh Howey’s story “Select Character” with the majority of the details and quotations coming from that story throughout the essay. In the sample, the dotted lines show where Howey’s story would be analyzed. 🙂
20 to >16.0 pts
The focus of your essay is on Hugh Howey’s story “Select Character” with the majority of the details and quotations coming from that story throughout the essay.
16 to >0 pts
Your focus needed to be on Hugh Howey’s story “Select Character,” and it needed more details and quotations coming from that story throughout the essay, as shown in the sample.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSeveral well-developed body paragraphs should present your ideas about Howey’s story and how it connects with at least one other of our stories, supported by details, some fiction terms, and several brief quotations from Howey’s story and from at least one of our other stories to support your own connections. Use the sample as a guide.
30 to >24.0 pts
Your body paragraphs effectively present and develop your ideas and support them with details, terms, and several brief quotations from Howey’s story and another story or stories to support your own connections.
24 to >0 pts
Your body paragraphs needed attention to present and develop your ideas and support them with details, terms, and several brief quotations from Howey’s story and another story or stories to support your own connections, as shown in the sample.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe concluding paragraph should share fiction-related insights you have gained from reading and writing about Howey’s story and analyzing way(s) that it connects with other stories to create meaning.
15 to >12.0 pts
Your concluding paragraph shares fiction-related insights you have gained from reading and writing about Howey’s story and analyzing way(s) that it connects with other stories to create meaning.
12 to >0 pts
Your concluding paragraph needed to share fiction-related insights you have gained from reading and writing about Howey’s story and analyzing way(s) that it connects with other stories to create meaning, as shown in the sample.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe essay should demonstrate care and consistency in its MLA typing format; phrasing and spelling; punctuation of titles and quotations; and correct use of author and character names. Use the sample as a guide.
10 to >8.0 pts
Your essay demonstrates care and consistency in its MLA typing format; phrasing and spelling; punctuation of titles and quotations; and correct use of author and character names.
8 to >0 pts
Your essay needed attention to demonstrate care and consistency in its MLA typing format; phrasing and spelling; punctuation of titles and quotations; and correct use of author and character names, as shown in the sample.
10 pts
Total Points: 100
