Form: 3-4 pages long, double-spaced, computer printed, MLA formatted, and
12 font Times New Roman. Essay should be 800-1200 words. Please do not
submit more than 1400 words.
Content: We read and saw in A Raisin in the Sun what the American Dream
means to each member of the Younger family. What does it mean to you?
Explain what the American Dream means to you in your Thesis and then share
your own life story and cultural background and/or the life story of your family
and/or your friends and/or co-workers and/or other people that you know that
you think has helped you form your ideas about the American Dream. You do
not need topic sentences. Aim for vivid imagery and specific, concrete detail.
Avoid abstract, vague language. Specific examples throughout are key. Write
at least 4 paragraphs.
A Cautionary Note: This is personal writing. Know that if you use AI for this
essay, you are giving them your personal information to do with it as they see
fit. You may want to hold off on using any AI for this particular essay.
Essay Requirements:
–An engaging Introduction that provides context and includes a Thesis
statement at the end that explains what the American Dream means to you
–At least 3-4 body paragraphs that tell your story that led you to feel the way
you do about the American dream.
–Each of these paragraphs should have ideas that naturally follow from the
preceding paragraphs and sentences.
–These paragraphs should explain the 5 W’s and the H–who, what, when,
where, why, and how—in relation to the story that you are telling.
–They should also contain sensory detail (allowing the reader to imagine
hearing, touching, tasting, seeing, or smelling what you describe) and / or
dialogue so that the reader feels like he or she is present in the story that you
describe. You may also wish to include metaphors and similes to make your
story come alive.
Rubric:
Essay Focus: The essay clearly follows assignment guidelines and directions. This encompasses organization, content, and accuracy. It follows the guidelines on the prompt for the Introduction, Thesis, body paragraphs, transitions, and Conclusion. Sentences do not repeat each other and no AI literally announces its presence. The Conclusion paraphrases the Thesis in a sentence and otherwise remains focused on leaving the reader thinking.
Critical Thinking: The essay is insightful, thoughtful, clear, and well-developed. The student writer makes thoughtful connections between their own story and their definition of the American Dream.
Grammar and Style: The essay contains an interesting, original title. The essay demonstrates varied vocabulary with vivid language and precise, concrete specific details that evoke the senses. It may make effective use of dialogue and is lively and engaging throughout, avoiding abstract, vague language.
MLA:
The essay contains correct MLA headings. Any sources used are cited; all cited sources are used. The essay shows any MLA in-text citations tied to a correctly formatted MLA Works Cited.
