Writing Assignment
On
Kate Chopin's "Story of an Hour"
In about a page (single-spaced, typed, standard margins, 12-point font), address the
following question: what are the main issues raised by the character of the
protagonist of Chopin's story, as revealed in the conflict she undergoes in the course
of it, in the way that conflict is resolved, and in what happens at the end? [See note.]
Before leaping into the actual business of writing, take some time to analyze carefully the
question as posed. If you do this, you can see that,

before you can discuss (or for that matter, even detect) the main issues raised by
Mrs. Mallard's nature, you're going to have to explain (hence, for yourself,
discover) what traits and features ought to be brought into an adequate picture of
that nature and how they should be understood to connect with each other. But in
order to do that,

you are first going to have to clarify the nature of the conflict that she is subject
to.
Somewhere in the process of doing this, you'd want to have something to say about the
implied and dramatized history of this conflict:

how did the ground for it get laid, and

what conditions enabled it to emerge as it does?
Look carefully, in other words, at the way she experiences what happens to her, and try
to understand why she experiences it in this way.
Exceeds
Expectations
A Range
Meets
Expectations
B Range
Meets Some
Expectations
C Range
Does Not Meet
Expectations
D-F Range
The student understands not only the objective but also the implications
of assignments. S/he writes in a variety of modes, with a clear focus or
thesis. Supporting details are well developed and organized, showing
both analysis and synthesis of ideas. Word choice and syntax are
accurate and appropriate. The student shows mastery in the
conventions of Standard English.
The student understands the objective of assignments and selects an
appropriate mode of written expression with a focus or thesis. Supporting
details show an understanding of the subject matter and an analysis of
ideas. They are somewhat developed and organized. Word choice and
syntax are accurate and appropriate. Errors in the conventions of
Standard English are few.
The student requires some additional explanations and models in order to
understand the objective of assignments or to complete the writing
process. With direction, s/he selects an appropriate mode. Writing has a
somewhat limited focus or thesis, and supporting ideas may be
inaccurate, simplistic, and/or confused. The student may require
assistance to develop or organize his response. Word choice and syntax
are consistent with grade level. There are some errors in the
conventions of Standard English.
The student misinterprets significant elements of writing assignments,
selecting an inappropriate mode or using it incorrectly. The student
requires many additional explanations, models, graphic organizers,
and/or strategies in order to complete parts of the writing process. The
writing has no clear focus or a very limited thesis. Ideas and concepts are
often unorganized or inaccurate. Inaccurate or limited vocabulary, syntax
errors, and errors in the conventions of writing make the writing
ineffective.
Contents copyright © 1999 by Lyman A. Baker.
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