Philosophy 12U
Human Nature: In-Class Essay Assignment
The question:
What is human nature? What are three distinctive traits of the species
known as human beings?
The answer:
A five-paragraph essay describing your observations of human beings
as seen in the source materials.
Sources:
Instinct video
The Third Wave Article
Chapter 2, philosophy textbook
Your brain
Assessment: Refer to the attached Rubric.
Format:
Answer the question in a five-paragraph essay, using the guidelines below.
Paragraph 1
Introduction
 Start with a catchy sentence
 Explain topic in general
 State sources to be used
 End with thesis statement
E.g. From my observations, it can be argued that human beings are
____________, ______________, and __________________.
Paragraph 2
Explanation of first trait and supporting evidence consisting of:
 Example from video
 Example from article
 Support/reference from philosopher in chapter 2
Paragraph 3
Explanation of second trait and supporting evidence consisting of:
 Example from video
 Example from article
 Support/reference from philosopher in chapter 2
Paragraph 4
Explanation of third trait and supporting evidence consisting of:
 Example from video
 Example from article
 Support/reference from philosopher in chapter 2
Paragraph 5
Conclusion
 Restate thesis statement
 One summary sentence for each thesis point (human trait)
 End with a thought-provoking statement (can relate back to intro sentence)
Human Nature: In-Class Essay Assignment
Expectations:
IS1.01
IS1.03
IS2.01
IS2.02
IS3.03
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
________________________
student name
Students will show evidence of their ability to:
Classify philosophical conclusions;
Apply logical and critical thinking skills to evaluate or defend positions in philosophical sources;
Summarize main philosophical concepts and theories;
Compare the problems , principles and conclusions of different philosophers;
Clearly explain their views and display their use of philosophical reasoning skills in written papers.
Evaluation:
Category/Criteria
Knowledge and
Understanding
Understanding of
concepts and theories
Thinking and Inquiry
Analyzing and
evaluating information;
forming conclusions
Communication
Clarity
Essay Format and
language conventions
Application/Making
Connections
Synthesis of ideas
from different sources
Level 1
A considerable
amount of
information was
irrelevant and/or
inaccurate
Level 2
Some information
was irrelevant and/or
inaccurate
Level 3
Most information was
relevant and accurate
Level 4
Information was
relevant to the topic
and contained
accurate facts
Critical thinking skills
applied with limited
effectiveness
Critical thinking skills
applied in a
moderately effective
manner
Critical thinking skills
applied in a
considerably effective
manner
Critical thinking skills
applied in a highly
effective manner
Communicates
information and ideas
with limited clarity
Communicates
information and ideas
with some clarity
Communicates
information/ideas
with considerable
clarity
Communicates
information and ideas
with a high degree of
clarity
Uses language
conventions (eg.
spelling, punctuation
grammar) with
limited accuracy
Uses language
conventions (eg.
spelling, punctuation
and grammar) with
moderate accuracy
Uses language
conventions (eg.
spelling, punctuation
and grammar) with
considerable accuracy
Uses language
conventions (eg.
spelling, punctuation
and grammar) with a
high degree of
accuracy
Makes connections
between concepts
with limited
effectiveness
Makes connections
between concepts
with moderate
effectiveness
Makes connections
between concepts
with considerable
effectiveness
Makes connections
between concepts
with a high degree of
effectiveness