English I                          Odyssey Paragraph

 

Due on                       , 200___

 

Over the years scholars have debated the heroism of Odysseus as a literary figure.   Literature and Integrated Studies defines a hero as someone “who displayed courage, persistence, strength, and wisdom” (Purves 733).

 

In a paragraph, discuss Odysseus as an example of a hero. Think about “nobility of character” as you perceive it in our society today and actual people who exemplify your definition (look over your interview and the articles we read in class).

 

Conclude with some comments about how you think nobility of character has changed over the years and whether it remains an important value today

 

Be sure to include parenthetic citation for quoted material from “The Voyage” or “The Homecoming” from The Odyssey, in your textbook Literature and Integrated Studies.

 

Questions your paragraph should answer:

     How did the Ancient Greeks define nobility? (in the first few sentences)
What aspects of Odysseus’s character might be considered noble? (in majors)

     Provide evidence from the text of the above-mentioned traits. (in quotes)
How would you describe nobility of character by today’s standards? Does Odysseus’s character match today’s standards; if not, what is different? (in analysis)

 

1.     Use the Stylebook for proper documentation – MLA format, works cited, etc.

2.     Don’t forget transition words and statements

3.     Review the rubric !!!!


Your paragraph will be graded on:      72 Point Rubric + Outline [14 pts] + Rough Draft [14 Pts] = 100 Pts.)

 

Score

General Impression

Focus / Organization

paragraph structure, citations, and transitions

Language / Context

vocabulary (avoid use of a lot, like, got; slang words), active voice, word choice, transitions

Elaboration / Analysis

main idea related to prompt, content, argument

Grammar /

Mechanics

varied sentence structure, complete sentences, pronoun reference, subject-verb agreement, verb tense, spelling, punctuation

 

 

72

Exceptional Achievement

·         Clearly Stated main idea, majors

·         Unified focus and organization

·         Effectively orients reader with transitions

·         Specific and concrete

·         Details consistent with intent

·         Details create clear, vivid image

·         Extended elaboration of main point

·         One or two minor errors

·         No major errors

 

 

 

18

 

60

Commendable Achievement

·         Stated or implied main idea

·         Focused and organized

·         Effectively orients reader

 

·         Specific sensory details

·         Most details consistent with intent

·         Full elaboration of one main point

·         A few minor errors

·         No more than one major error

 

 

15

 

48

Adequate Achievement

·         Main idea present, but may not maintain consistent focus

·         Some orientation of reader

·         Some specific details

·         Details usually clear

·         Generally clear images

·         Moderate elaboration of main point

·         Some minor errors

·         One or two major errors

·         Errors to not cause reader confusion

12

 

36

Some evidence of achievement

·         Main idea not clear

·         Usually on topic, but with some digressions

·         Few or inconsistent details

·         Some details, but may not be appropriate

·         Restricted elaboration of main point

·         Some minor and some major errors

·         Some cause reader confusion

9

 

24

Limited evidence of achievement

·         Vague indication of main idea or focus

·         Significant digressions

·         No sense of closure

 

·         Little concrete language

·         Simple or generic naming

·         Limited elaboration of main point

·         Many minor and major errors

·         Errors interfere with reader understanding

6

 

12

Minimal evidence of achievement

·         No apparent main idea

·         No apparent plan or coherence

·         No concrete language

·         No elaboration of main point

·         Many major errors causing reader confusion

3


EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPH OUTLINE

 

 

Topic Sentence:                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                               

Major 1:                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                               

Context of quotation:                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                               

Quotation and citation:                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                               

Analysis of quotation:                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                               

Major 2:                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                               

Context of quotation:                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                               

Quotation and citation:                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                               

Analysis of quotation:                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                               

Major 3:                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                               

Context of quotation:                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                               

Quotation and citation:                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                               

Analysis of quotation:                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                               

Concluding Sentence:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            


California Standards addressed in this assignment:

 

Reading

3.4 Determine characters’ traits by what the characters say about themselves in narration, dialogue, dramatic monologue, and soliloquy.

Writing

1.1 Establish a controlling impression or coherent thesis that conveys a clear and distinctive perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and focus throughout the piece of writing.

1.2 Use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, appropriate modifiers, and the active rather than the passive voice.

1.6 Integrate quotations and citations into a written text while maintaining the flow of ideas.

1.7 Use appropriate conventions for documentation in the text, notes, and bibliographies by adhering to those in style manuals.

1.9 Revise writing to improve the logic and coherence of the organization and controlling perspective, the precision of word choice, and the tone by taking into consideration the audience, purpose, and formality of the context.

Writing Applications 2.2 Write responses to literature:
a. Demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the significant ideas of literary works.
b. Support important ideas and viewpoints through accurate and detailed references to the text or to other works.
c. Demonstrate awareness of the author's use of stylistic devices and an appreciation of the effects created.
d. Identify and assess the impact of perceived ambiguities, nuances, and complexities within the text.

Written and Oral Language

1.1 Identify and correctly use clauses (e.g., main and subordinate), phrases (e.g., gerund, infinitive, and participial), and mechanics of punctuation (e.g., semicolons, colons, ellipses, hyphens).

1.2 Understand sentence construction (e.g., parallel structure, subordination, proper placement of modifiers) and proper English usage (e.g., consistency of verb tenses).

1.3 Demonstrate an understanding of proper English usage and control of grammar, paragraph and sentence structure, diction, and syntax.

Manuscript Form

1.4 Produce legible work that shows accurate spelling and correct use of the conventions of punctuation and capitalization.

1.5 Reflect appropriate manuscript requirements, including title page presentation, pagination, spacing and margins, and integration of source and support material (e.g., in-text citation, use of direct quotations, paraphrasing) with appropriate citations.

 

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