Composition 4A
Write a one-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 sentence (3)
The question is turned into the topic sentence, which fully and clearly introduces the topic, does
not begin with “In the book/story/title…”, and includes the book’s title and author.
Content (24)
Two similarities are explained and each is supported with two specific examples from the book.
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 summary or restatement of your main ideas.
This should then leads to 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 (2)
Word choices are varied, interesting, and precise.
No overused words or phrases are included.
MUGS / SS (12)
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:
Topic sentence (Turn the question into your topic sentence.)____________________________________
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Similarity # 1_________________________________________________________________________
Example_______________________________________________________________________
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Example_______________________________________________________________________
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Similarity # 2__________________________________________________________________________
Example_______________________________________________________________________
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Example_______________________________________________________________________
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Concluding statement (Transition + a summary or restatement of the two similarities + final point about
the gang having these similarities: overall result, prediction, what is better understood.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Composition 4A
NAME_____________________________________________________
Topic sentence
The question is turned into the topic sentence.
It fully and clearly introduces the topic.
It does not begin with “In the book/story/title…”
It includes the book’s title and author.
_____ (3)
Content
_____ (24)
Two similarities are stated and explained.
Each similarity is supported with two specific examples from the text.
All content is specific, clear, complete, organized, and accurate.
Appropriate transitions are used correctly to introduce main points and examples.
Conclusion
It begins with a transition.
This is followed by a summary or restatement of your main ideas.
This leads to a final statement that presents a final point
about the gang having these traits
_____(4)
Word choice
Word choices are varied, interesting, and precise.
No overused words or phrases are included.
_____(2)
MUGS / SS
_____ (12)
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)