Composition 4A
Write a four-paragraph essay explaining two traits or similarities that are common among the members
of Ponyboy’s Greaser gang. Provide two specific supporting examples for each similarity. Note: Not
every gang members has to share this similarity; most of them should. Also, you may use individual
characters for examples.
You may summarize the example or quote directly from the book. If you use a quotation, cite the
page number(s) where it is found using the following format:
“…final words of the example” (62).
“…final words of the example” (62) and my sentence continues from there.
Use this copy of the evaluation rubric as a writing guide.
Total points: 45
Topic paragraph (4)
It includes the title and author.
It provides necessary background information.
It ends with a clear thesis that states your topic and purpose in writing.
Content (24)
Both supporting paragraphs begin with topic sentences that are transitional and state the
paragraph’s topic (a similarity); paragraph 3’s TS refers to the thesis.
Each paragraph explains one similarity that is supported with two specific examples from the text.
Support is specific, clear, complete, organized, and accurate.
Appropriate transitions are used correctly to introduce each main point and example.
Conclusion (4)
It begins with a transition which is followed by a restatement of the thesis.
Next, it restates of summarizes your main points (the similarities).
It ends with a final statement that presents a final point about the gang having these traits. This
final point may be what the reader better understands, a speculation about the gang, or the
overall result of these commonalities.
Word choice (3)
Word choices are varied, interesting, and precise.
No overused words or phrases are included.
Transitions are varied.
MUGS / SS / Word Choice (10)
Capitalization, punctuation, spelling, numbers, and usage are correct.
No first or second person is used.
Present tense is used consistently.
Sentences are complete, clear, grammatically correct, and not wordy or repetitive.
The essay is correctly formatted and submitted.
Brainstorm first:
Thesis_________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Similarity # 1____________________________________________________________________________
Example_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Example_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Similarity # 2___________________________________________________________________________
Example_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Example_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Concluding Paragraph (Transition +restate thesis + a summary or restatement of the two similarities +
final point about the gang having these similarities: overall result, prediction, what is better understood.)
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Composition 4A
NAME_____________________________________________________
Topic paragraph
It includes the title and author.
It provides necessary background information.
It ends with a clear thesis that states your topic and purpose in writing.
_____ (4)
Content
_____ (24)
Both supporting paragraphs begin with topic sentences that are transitional
and state the paragraph’s topic; paragraph 3’s TS refers to the thesis.
Each paragraph explains one similarity that is supported with two specific examples from the text.
Support is specific, clear, complete, organized, and accurate.
Appropriate transitions are used correctly to introduce each main point and example.
Conclusion
_____(4)
It begins with a transition which is followed by a restatement of the thesis.
Next, it restates of summarizes your main points (the similarities).
It ends with a final statement that presents a final point about the gang having
these traits. This final point may be what the reader better understands,
a speculation about the gang, or the overall result of these commonalities.
Word choice
Word choices are varied, interesting, and precise.
No overused words or phrases are included.
Transitions are varied.
_____(3)
MUGS / SS
_____ (10)
Capitalization, punctuation, spelling, numbers, and usage are correct.
No first or second person is used.
Present tense is used consistently.
Sentences are complete, clear, grammatically correct, and not wordy or repetitive.
The essay is correctly formatted and submitted.
_____(45)