Hero
Definition Essay
Writing Project
Objective:
The purpose of this writing activity is to take a closer look at the idea of a hero
and the theme of heroism, develop skills of definition and explanation; practice the writing
process; and develop written expression.
Directions:
Following the ABCDE method of essay writing, write a formal essay defining
what makes a hero.
Grading:
Final writing projects will earn points for prewriting, drafting, editing steps,
class writing and grammar goals, and creativity, as well as content quality and accuracy.
The Prompt:
Consider the importance of heroes throughout time and literature, and write a formal essay
clearly defining them and their importance. Your essay must include a clear definition of a
hero, provide at least three specific examples of different heroes, and explain what makes one
hero superior to the rest. Finally, you will need to follow all of your class grammar and
writing rules.
My prewriting is due on ___________.
My first draft is due on __________.
My final project is due on __________.
The Rubric:
Prewriting (ABC Prewriting, Drafts, and editing steps)
10 Points
Usage & Mechanics (Final Essay Form and Grammar Goals PWR 1-6)
7 Points
Composition & Content (Overall Final Essay Quality & Content Goals)
10 Points
Written Expression
Total Points
3 Points
30 Points
A-B-C-D-Essay Prewriting
Consider the importance of heroes throughout time and literature, and write a formal essay
clearly defining them and their importance. Your essay must include a clear definition of a
hero, provide at least three specific examples of different heroes, and explain what makes one
hero superior to the rest. Finally, you will need to follow all of your class grammar and
writing rules.
Attack- Attack your prompt. Identify all of the verbs and turn it into a checklist.

Consider the importance of _________________________________________________

Write a formal essay clearly ________________________________________________

Include _________________________________________________________________

Provide_________________________________________________________________

Explain _________________________________________________________________

Follow _________________________________________________________________
Brainstorm- Take time to use some method to brainstorm by jotting down ideas, listing,
drawing, webbing, freewriting, or etc. about what you might include in this piece.
Choose your order- Choose the elements from your brainstorm you want to include
in your piece and create a plan for its order or organization.
I.
Introduction Idea-
II.
Hero #1-
III.
Hero #2-
IV.
Hero #3-
V.
Conclusion Idea-
Draft – Draft your ideas into as well formed of a piece as you can. Remember that the better
your draft is the more helpful your editors can be and the better your final will be.
Examine for Errors and Edit- When you edit, evaluate your piece, check for
errors, and change what needs improving. It is always a good idea to review your own work more
than once and have someone else help you edit it too. Just make sure you fulfill the class
requirements for your grammar and writing goals.
Name
Period
Name
Hero Essay Grade Sheet
Requirement
Points
Earned
Points
Possible
Period
Hero Essay Grade Sheet
Requirement
Points
Earned
Points
Possible
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prewriting
 ABC Prewriting
Prewriting
 ABC Prewriting
/
4
/
4

Draft(s)
/
2

Draft(s)
/
2

Editing
/
4

Editing
/
4
7
Usage & Mechanics
 Final Essay Form and
Grammar Goals (PWR 1-6)
/
7
/
10
Usage & Mechanics
 Final Essay Form and
Grammar Goals (PWR 1-6)
/
Composition & Content
 Overall Final Essay
Quality & Content Goals
/
10
Composition & Content
 Overall Final Essay
Quality & Content Goals
Written Expression
/
3
Written Expression
/
3
Total
/
30
Total
/
30
Hero Essay Checklist
Writer’s Name _______________________
Editor’s Name_________________
1. Does the draft have a title? _____ If not, suggest one for the author.
2. Is this essay typed or written neatly in dark blue or black ink? _____
3. Is this essay double spaced? _____
4. Does this essay have clear, reasonable, and neat margins including space at the bottom?_____
5. Is the introduction clear and interesting? _____ If not, give the author some suggestions.
6. Is there a clear conclusion at the end of the essay? _____ If not, suggest one here.
7. Name at least one thing the author of this essay did well.
8. Name at least one thing this author could improve.
Hero Essay Checklist
Writer’s Name _______________________
Editor’s Name_________________
1. Does the draft have a title? _____ If not, suggest one for the author.
2. Is this essay typed or written neatly in dark blue or black ink? _____
3. Is this essay double spaced? _____
4. Does this essay have clear, reasonable, and neat margins including space at the bottom?_____
5. Is the introduction clear and interesting? _____ If not, give the author some suggestions.
6. Is there a clear conclusion at the end of the essay? _____ If not, suggest one here.
7. Name at least one thing the author of this essay did well.
8. Name at least one thing this author could improve.