WQtemplate

In Search of a Hero:

Essay

Who 'er excels in what we prize
Appears a hero to our eyes
- Jonathan Swift

Requirements

Your essay should persuade your audience (the editors of TIME Magazine), that the individual you selected deserves to be named "Hero of the Century."
As with all essays, you need a thesis statement and supporting details. You must remember the proper conventions for writing. You will be evaluated using a Rubric .
For those of you in need of a review on how to write a good essay you can check out the following link: A Guide to Essay Writing
The Writing DEN also has help for writing an essay. See their Step by step instructions on How to Write an Essay for even more help.
A wonderful writing strategy many authors use to get their readers' attention is to use an appropriate quotation in either the introductory statement or in the concluding statement of an essay . This link: Quotations will take you to over 18000 to choose from.

Essay Rubric

Criteria Beginning 1 Developing 2 Accomplished 3 Exemplary 4 Score

Ideas
The paper lacks a central idea or focuses the reader to make inferences based on sketchy details.

The paper has a central idea, but supporting details may be limited , insubstantial, too general or out of balance with the main idea.

The paper is clear and focused. Supporting details are in balance with the main idea. The writing shows insight into the topic.

The paper is clear, focused and interesting. Relevant details make the writing especially captivating. The writing shows clear insight into a topic.

Organization
Organization is haphazard and disjointed. The writing lacks direction. The introduction and conclusion are not clear.

The reader can follow what's being said, but the overall organization is unclear. The introduction and conclusion are identifiable, but not well-crafted.

The order and structure of the paper enhance the central idea. The introduction draws the reader in, and the conclusion is clear.

The order and structure of the writing is compelling and moves the reader through the text. The organization flows smoothly from beginning to end.

Word Choice
The writing uses limited vocabulary. The language is vague , repetitive, and weak.

The language is quite ordinary, but does convey the message. Images lack detail. Meaning may be clear, but some words lack precision.

Words convey the message in an interesting, natural, and precise manner. The writing is concise.

The writing is rich and full, yet concise. Powerful verbs and strong imagery make the writing particularly interesting.

Sentence Fluency
The paper is difficult to follow or to read aloud. Sentences tend to be awkward.

Although the text moves along efficiently, sentences tend to be mechanical. Occasional awkward constructions are present.

The has an easy flow and rhythm when read aloud. The writing sounds natural. Sentences vary in structure and length.

Sentences are well constructed and vary in structure and length. The writing flows beautifully and is especially easy to read aloud.

Conventions
Numerous errors in mechanics repeatedly distract the reader. Basic punctuation is incorrect, and spelling errors are frequent. Extensive editing would be required to polish the text.

Errors in spelling and grammar are not overwhelming, but impair readability and are distracting. Moderate editing would be required to polish the text.

The writer demonstrates good control of standard writing conventions (e.g.,spelling grammar, and punctuation). Light editing would be required to polish the text.

Few, if any, errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and usage are present. Only minor editing would be required to polish the text.

Persuasive Argument
Arguments used to persuade the reader are illogical or nonexistent. Thesis is not clear.

A clear thesis for argument is present. Supports for the thesis are identifiable, but not always clear and logical.

The writer uses clear and logical supports for the thesis which is being argued. Supports are arranged in an effective manner.

The thesis is clearly identifiable. Supports are specific, logical, and highly effective in persuading the reader of the writer's intent.

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Teacher Notes

Criteria	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Ideas	The paper lacks a central idea or focuses the reader to make inferences based on sketchy details.	The paper has a central idea, but supporting details may be limited , insubstantial, too general or out of balance with the main idea.	The paper is clear and focused. Supporting details are in balance with the main idea. The writing shows insight into the topic.	The paper is clear, focused and interesting. Relevant details make the writing especially captivating. The writing shows clear insight into a topic.
Organization	Organization is haphazard and disjointed. The writing lacks direction. The introduction and conclusion are not clear.	The reader can follow what's being said, but the overall organization is unclear. The introduction and conclusion are identifiable, but not well-crafted.	The order and structure of the paper enhance the central idea. The introduction draws the reader in, and the conclusion is clear.	The order and structure of the writing is compelling and moves the reader through the text. The organization flows smoothly from beginning to end.
Word Choice	The writing uses limited vocabulary. The language is vague , repetitive, and weak.	The language is quite ordinary, but does convey the message. Images lack detail. Meaning may be clear, but some words lack precision.	Words convey the message in an interesting, natural, and precise manner. The writing is concise.	The writing is rich and full, yet concise. Powerful verbs and strong imagery make the writing particularly interesting.
Sentence Fluency	The paper is difficult to follow or to read aloud. Sentences tend to be awkward.	Although the text moves along efficiently, sentences tend to be mechanical. Occasional awkward constructions are present.	The has an easy flow and rhythm when read aloud. The writing sounds natural. Sentences vary in structure and length.	Sentences are well constructed and vary in structure and length. The writing flows beautifully and is especially easy to read aloud.
Conventions	Numerous errors in mechanics repeatedly distract the reader. Basic punctuation is incorrect, and spelling errors are frequent. Extensive editing would be required to polish the text.	Errors in spelling and grammar are not overwhelming, but impair readability and are distracting. Moderate editing would be required to polish the text.	The writer demonstrates good control of standard writing conventions (e.g.,spelling grammar, and punctuation). Light editing would be required to polish the text.	Few, if any, errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and usage are present. Only minor editing would be required to polish the text.
Persuasive Argument	Arguments used to persuade the reader are illogical or nonexistent. Thesis is not clear.	A clear thesis for argument is present. Supports for the thesis are identifiable, but not always clear and logical.	The writer uses clear and logical supports for the thesis which is being argued. Supports are arranged in an effective manner.	The thesis is clearly identifiable. Supports are specific, logical, and highly effective in persuading the reader of the writer's intent.