Task:
Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting what was emphasized in the story version of “A Christmas
Memory” with the movie version. Tell about TWO things that are emphasized – either in both versions
or only in one – and give evidence from the source that shows how they were emphasized.
Grading Rubric
This paragraph is worth 50 points. The rest of your assessment will be multiple-choice
questions about the story version.
Introduction
4-5 points
2-3 points
1 point Introduction
0 points
Introduction hooks the
reader and clearly
states the topic
Introduction does
not hook the reader
OR does not clearly
state the topic
does not hook the
reader AND does not
clearly state the topic
No introduction is
included in the
paragraph
First
emphasis
8-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
First argument for
what is emphasized is
clear, logical, and
thorough
First argument for
what is emphasized
is somewhat clear,
logical, and
adequate
Argument for what is
emphasized is not
clear, somewhat
illogical, or inadequate
Argument for what is
emphasized is not
clear, illogical, AND
inadequate
Textual
evidence
8-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Evidence from the text
is relevant, adequate,
and logically supports
the opinion of the
author
Evidence from the
text is somewhat
relevant, mostly
adequate, and
mostly supports the
opinion of the
author
Evidence from the text
is sparse, may not be
clearly relevant, and/or
does not clearly support
the opinion of the
author
Evidence from the
text is not given
Second
emphasis
8-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
First argument for
what is emphasized is
clear, logical, and
thorough
First argument for
what is emphasized
is somewhat clear,
logical, and
adequate
Argument for what is
emphasized is not
clear, somewhat
illogical, or inadequate
Argument for what is
emphasized is not
clear, illogical, AND
inadequate
Textual
evidence
8-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Evidence from the text
is relevant, adequate,
and logically supports
the opinion of the
author
Evidence from the
text is somewhat
relevant, mostly
adequate, and
mostly supports the
opinion of the
author
Evidence from the text
is sparse, may not be
clearly relevant, and/or
does not clearly support
the opinion of the
author
Evidence from the
text is not given
Conclusion
4-5 points
2-3 points
1 point
0 points
Conclusion reiterates
the topic and the
examples given and
mirrors the
introduction
Conclusion does not
reiterate the topic
and the examples
given OR does not
mirror the
introduction
Conclusion does not
reiterate the topic and
the examples given
AND does not mirror
the introduction
No conclusion is
included in the
paragraph
Exemplar:
If I were comparing the book version of Wicked with the musical, my paragraph would look like this:
Wicked is one of the most popular musicals of all time. Personally, I have seen it three times.
The book version also experienced popular success and was a New York Times bestseller. There were
many differences between the two versions. For one thing, the book emphasized the influence of the
Clock of the Time Dragon. This was the traveling show where Elphaba was born. The clock was
emphasized in the book because it was mentioned many times at different points in the story. Many of
the characters in the Dragon's shows are later hunted down and killed or at least harassed, including
Elphaba's parents. In the musical, however, the time clock was only mentioned once and mostly served
as just a decoration on stage. The clock was definitely not emphasized in the musical, as the audience
members I was with did not even notice the reference to it or its presence on stage. Conversely, the
friendship between Elphaba and Glinda was emphasized much more in the musical than the book. In
the book, entire chapters went by where Glinda was not even mentioned. In contrast, in the musical
there were numerous songs featuring both characters, and the topic of their friendship appeared in no
fewer than three different songs. Glinda also helped to orchestrate Elphaba’s escape from those who
were trying to kill her. This emphasis on the deep friendship between the two girls despite their
differences was most likely a reason for the popular appeal of the musical version. The Time Clock in
the book version and the deep friendship between Elphaba and Glinda in the musical version were two
of the major differences between the two works, and lent each one its unique personality.
Multiple choice – answers marked with *
Which of the following would Capote most probably say caused him the greatest grief during his
childhood?
A.
B.
C.
D.
God
Nature
Poverty
Those who Know Best*
Capote and his friend bake their fruitcakes mostly for
A.
B.
C.
D.
Celebrities
Kind strangers*
Family members
Close friends and neighbors
On their last Christmas together, Capote’s friend realizes that God shows Himself
A.
B.
C.
D.
In everyday things*
Only at Christmas time
Only at the moment of death
Only to children and old people
The relationship between Capote and those who Know Best could best be described as
a.
b.
c.
d.
Warm
Loving
Distant*
Imaginary
When they meet Haha Jones, Capote and his friend find that Haha is not really
a.
b.
c.
d.
A giant
Scarred
An Indian
Unable to laugh*
Capote’s friend refuses to sell their Christmas tree to the mill owner’s wife because
a.
b.
c.
d.
It is too special to sell*
They don’t need the money
They wouldn’t be able to get another tree
The woman will not pay her a fair price for it
As a child, exchanging homemade gifts with his friend year after year makes Capote feel
a.
b.
c.
d.
Furious
Disappointed
Embarrassed
Pleasantly satisfied*
What did Buddy’s friend want to get him for Christmas?
a.
b.
c.
d.
A store-bought kite
A bicycle*
A new Christmas sweater
A football
Which was NOT something Buddy wanted to get his friend for Christmas?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Chocolate covered cherries
A pearl handled knife
A bicycle*
A radio
Why were the relatives so upset about the two drinking whiskey?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Because it was too expensive to waste
Because it’s illegal and they don’t want to get in trouble with the law
Because they were saving it
Because they have relatives who struggle with alcoholism*
Why doesn’t Buddy’s friend go to the picture show with him?
a.
b.
c.
d.
They don’t have enough money
She would rather hear Buddy tell the story*
She can’t walk that far
It hurts her eyes
What is Buddy’s relationship with his “friend”?
a.
b.
c.
d.
They are neighbors
They are cousins*
She is his grandmother
They are not blood relatives
Which of the following has Buddy’s friend done?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Traveled far from home
Killed a rattlesnake*
Cursed (in private)
Worn cosmetics
e. Received a telegram
f. Eaten in a restaurant
Which of the following has Buddy’s friend NEVER done?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Dipped snuff
Told ghost stories
Talked to herself
Walked in the rain
Told a lie on purpose*
Tamed hummingbirds
Why was this the last Christmas that Buddy spent with his friend?
a.
b.
c.
d.
She passed away before the next Christmas came around
He was sent to military school and didn’t ever go back for Christmas*
She was sent to a nursing home and children were not allowed
She became so senile that she refused to see him when he tried to visit her
What happened to Queenie?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Those who Know Best sent her to live on a farm
She was kicked by a horse and passed away*
Buddy took her to school where she was a pleasant reminder of his friend
She got rabies and had to be put to sleep