“A Kidnapped Santa Claus” – Essay
Background Information
An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. They are
often used to express morals or themes. “A Kidnapped Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum is an allegory. The
five demons in the piece serve as metaphors for the evils of the world.
Prompt
In “A Kidnapped Santa Claus” there are five demons: selfishness, envy, hatred, malice, and repentance.
These concepts are traits that pose danger to humanity. In an expository essay, answer the following
components:
1.
2.
Which trait poses the greatest threat to people? Why?
Which trait is the least threatening to people? Why?
3. Choose one of these traits (selfishness, envy, hatred, malice, or repentance). How
have you experienced this trait in your life? Explain how you overcame it.
Requirements
- Brainstorming: Before you begin your essay, you must complete a written brainstorming
technique. It is up to you which method you would like to use.
- TAP-F: In addition, before writing, you must create a TAP-F
- You must complete two drafts: a rough draft and a final copy.
- Your essay must be a minimum of five paragraphs long.
- Each paragraph must be a minimum of 6-8 sentences.
- Rough Draft: Your rough draft must be handwritten. After you complete your rough draft, you
must use a red pen to self-edit your paper. Make any necessary changes before beginning the
final copy.
- Final Copy: Once you have written and edited your rough draft, you will complete a final copy.
Your final copy must be HANDWRITTEN.
Grading
Points
5
5
10
40
TOTAL:
Component
Brainstorming
TAP-F (written on the top of the rough draft and final copies)
Rough Draft (must be self-edited with red pen or no credit will be given)
Final Copy (graded through the FCOSC Rubric)
60 Points (Project Grade)
After you have completed your essay, you must staple your materials in the following order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Grading Rubric
Brainstorming
Rough Draft (with revisions made in red pen)
Final Copy
DUE DATE:
____________________________
Name: ________________________
POD: _____
Date: ________________________
“A Kidnapped Santa Claus”- Essay
Brainstorming
TOTAL:
___/5
Rough Draft (*Must be self-edited with red pen)
TOTAL:
___/10
TOTAL:
___/5
TAP-F
o
o
o
o
The T is correctly written using complete sentences (2 points)
The correct audience is addressed. (1 point)
The purpose is accurate (1 point)
The correct format is given (1 point)
FOCUS
Concentrating on a
single subject to
give it importance
(awareness of task)
CONTENT
Gathering
information and
writing detailed,
specific sentences
on topic
(5 paragraphs
minimum. Author
discussed most
threatening trait, least
threatening trait, and
provided reasons why.
Discussed personal
connection.)
2
CONVENTIONS
Grammar,
mechanics, spelling
and sentence form
Specific detailed
ideas with strong
development. Ex:
anecdotes,
opinions, statistics,
reasons and
explanations
Advanced arrangement
of content with
evident/subtle
transitions
Shows audience
awareness, uses
precise
words/sentences to
create voice
0-5 errors combined
across all categories
Apparent point
about single topic
Sufficiently
developed content
with adequate
explanation
Logical order with
transitions
Variety of words and
sentences that may
or may not set
tone/voice suited to
audience
6-10 errors across all
categories
No apparent point,
but has a topic
Little information
and inadequate
explanation
Confused arrangement
and no transitions
Limited word choice
and sentence
structure. No voice.
11-15 errors across
all categories
Little evidence of a
topic
Minimal content
No evidence of any
order of content
No word variety or
control of sentence
structure
16 or more errors
across all categories
Sufficient
awareness of task
4
(Introduction, at least 3
body paragraphs,
conclusion)
STYLE
Use and
arrangement of
words/sentences to
create tone and
voice (audience
awareness)
Sharp point about
single topic showing
awareness of task
8
6
ORGANIZATION
Writing in logical order
across paragraphs,
using transition words
FCOSC TOTAL:____/40
Final Total: _______/60 points