Tuesdays with Morrie unit:
TAKE HOME ESSAY TEST
Name:____________________________________
Date Due:______________________Period______
TYPE your answers (please use 12 - 14 pt. font) to YOUR CHOICE of 2 (two) of the following 4 essay prompts.
Do your best work, following the “ACES” essay paragraph format reviewed below. Remember that this is still a
TEST. You should not be discussing your answers with other students. Type a full heading in the upper right
corner of your paper. Use only 1st or 3rd person point-of-view in your analytical response.
1.First, start with an *ASSERTION* (n: a positive, confident statement which can be logically proven by evidence from the
text) ***This is NOT SIMPLY a restatement of the question or prompt.
2. Then, *CITE* specific evidence which can support and, ultimately, prove, your assertion. (Evidence may be
paraphrased examples or quotes from the text; however, be sure to use a quote if directed to do so by the question/prompt.)
3. Next, *EXPLAIN* how that evidence supports your assertion. (Note: Your citation and explanation do not necessarily
have to be separate sentences.)
Writers should expect to use words/phrases such as: because, since, in comparison to, however, by contrast, as a result,
throughout the novel, in addition to….
4. Finally, a *SUMMARY *statement should be used by the writer to conclude the essay paragraph. (Avoid the cliché: “In
conclusion;” however, writers may use phrases such as: the evidence above shows, finally, as a result of, so, the author’s use
of…)
5. Be sure to # your responses to indicate which ACES essay prompt you are answering.
Remember: Don’t waste time with flowery, “creative writing” descriptions and/or unnecessary details or
repetition.
GET to the POINT! Be concise.
You will be graded on YOUR TYPED RESPONSES to 2 (two) of the following four essay prompts:
Essay #1: How is the universal theme “Live Life to the Fullest” expressed differently within the memoir,
Tuesdays with Morrie and the short story, “The Scarlet Ibis?”
Provide specific evidence, including at least one quote from each literary work to explain the contrasts and
support your assertion.
Essay # 2: Based on his memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie, what does Mitch Albom intend for his readers to
understand as “Life’s Greatest Lesson” as taught to him by Morrie Schwartz? (Provide at least 3 citations of
evidence, including at least one quote, to explain and support your assertion.)
Essay # 3: Choose one of the poems from this unit and explain whether you think “Morrie” OR “Brother”
would agree OR disagree with the poet’s attitude/tone toward death. Be sure to explain/support your answer with
specific details,*including at least one quote,* from both the poem and the memoir OR short story.
*Note: the poem title will not be an effective quote by itself. (Hmm, how many possible approaches to this
prompt are there?)
Essay # 4: Focus on the short story, “The Scarlet Ibis.” Explain how James Hurst uses “Figurative
Language”to establish, shape, and change the Mood throughout the short story. (Provide at least 3 citations of
specific evidence, including quotes, to explain and support your assertion.)