Mrs. Lukes
Academic English 10
Non-fiction Writing Assignment
Name ________________________________________ Date _________________________ Period _____
Non-fiction Writing Assignment
80 Points
Due: February 22, 2013
For this writing assignment, you will choose one of the prompts below. If you have another specific
topic in mind that you’d like to write about, discuss your idea with Mrs. Lukes. Follow the instructions
outlined with each option. All options should be 1.5-2 pages in length. Your writing assignment will be
grading using the attached rubric.
Option 1: Think about a person you know or have read about who, like Marguerite (from “Getting a
Job,” Maya Angelou, pg. 411), has overcome obstacles with his or her personal determination. Write
a non-fiction narrative in which you tell about that person’s struggle.
Option 2: Write an editorial on the Montgomery boycott that might have appeared the day after it
began. In your editorial, consider the reasons both for and against the boycott. Then recommend a
course of action. (“Montgomery Boycott,” Coretta Scott King, pg. 124)
Option 3: In recent years, some extremists have argued that the Holocaust never happened. Write a
persuasive essay in which you argue against that position, using excerpts from “Night,” as part of your
evidence. Use additional factual support as needed. (“Night,” Elie Wiesel, pg. 591)
Option 4: Near the beginning of the account of Charley’s encounters, Steinbeck states, “Whatever
my purpose in going to Yellowstone, I’m glad I went because I discovered something about Charley I
might never have known.” Do you think it’s often possible to learn a life lesson through an experience
with a pet? In a persuasive essay, express your opinions. Support your position with evidence from the
excerpt (“Travels with Charley,” John Steinbeck, pg. 936) or from your own life.
Please be sure to…

Include the following heading:
Your Name
Mrs. Lukes
Option #
Date

Double-space your paper.

Cite any references or direct quote (a page number will be sufficient if you’re using the lit. book).
Mrs. Lukes
Academic English 10
4
Ideas and Content
Organization
Voice
Conventions
Focus on topic is clear
and definite. Effective
and appropriate details
create a vivid picture
showing knowledge and
insight.
Memorable introduction
and conclusion,
sequencing of details is
effective, transitions
effectively tie the paper
together.
The writer’s personality is
expressed; writing evokes
strong emotion in the
reader.
A strong grasp of
standard writing
conventions is apparent,
capitalization and
punctuation are
accurate.
Non-fiction Writing Assignment
3
Focus on topic is clear
and definite. Sufficient
details create a vivid
picture showing some
knowledge and insight.
Effective introduction
and conclusion,
sequencing of details is
logical, transitions
attempt to tie the ideas
of the paper together.
Writer’s personality
shows; writing evokes
some emotion in the
reader.
A strong grasp of
standard writing
conventions is apparent;
capitalization and
punctuation are mostly
accurate.
2
Focus on topic is
somewhat undefined.
Underdeveloped details
show little knowledge
and art too general to
create a picture.
Introduction and
conclusion attempt to
establish focus,
sequencing of details Is
limited, transitions are
limited.
Writer’s personality is
undefined; writing
evokes limited emotion in
the reader.
A basic grasp of the
standard writing
conventions is apparent.
Errors in conventions may
impair readability.
1
Focus on topic is not
clearly defined. Limited
or disconnected details
show a lack of
understanding and
sidetrack the reader.
Introduction and/or
conclusion lack focus,
sequencing of details is
not clear, transitions are
not evident.
Writer’s personality is not
evident; writing evokes
minimal emotion in the
reader.
A minimal grasp of the
standard writing
conventions is apparent.
Numerous errors in
conventions distract the
reader.
Score: ______/16 * 5 ______/80
Reminders:
 Please turn this rubric in with your final writing assignment (no rubric = -5 points).
 Writing assignments must be uploaded to Turnitin.com.
 10% (8 points) will be deducted for each day the assignment is late, up to 3 days. After 3 days, your grade will be a “0.”
 Plagiarized papers will automatically receive a zero.