Cultural Identity Essay
Multicultural Literature
In a five paragraph essay, address the following questions pertaining to cultural
identity.

Who am I? What forms my identity?
o According to yourself, according to your family, according to your culture

Do other members of your cultural group also reflect your beliefs?
o Do you consider yourself to be a typical American or to be more
influenced by another cultural group?

Have you ever encountered prejudice or stereotypes due to your cultural
background?
o When have you felt a sense of “inclusion” due to your cultural identity?
o When have you felt a sense of “exclusion due to your cultural identity?
Evaluation Criteria
Content:
Thorough development of ideas: specific examples
Explanation and analysis of ideas
Organization/Style:
Paragraph structure (approx. ten to twelve sentences)
Mature sentence structure (including variation)
Correct use of writing conventions (spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.)
Presentation: Times, 12 pt., double spaced
When the essay is due, please come to class with the assignment already assembled and
in this order top to bottom:
Final draft
Rubric
Rough drafts
You may write in first person since this essay is about you.
Rough draft due: _____________________
Final draft due: ______________________
Grading Scale
Introduction
Begins by getting the audience’s attention
Begins broadly and narrows down to your thesis
Has a clear/direct thesis statement
____
10
Body
Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence
Each body paragraph is well developed including main points, concrete examples, and
explanations
Each ends with a clincher
There is a transition provided between body paragraphs
____
60
Conclusion
Begins by restating thesis statement
Sums up major arguments
Ends on a memorable note by referring back to the attention getter
____
10
Mechanics (2 points each)
Consistent verb tense
Words are spelled correctly
Pronouns have clear antecedents and are used correctly
Absent of fragments and run-ons
Uses transitional words within each paragraph
No 2nd person pronouns
No contractions
End marks used correctly
Style
____
20
(2 points each)
Essay is cohesive: each body paragraph only covers the paragraph topic
and sticks to the thesis
The essay is thoughtful—displays effort and analytical thought.
The writer uses strong vocabulary and cuts out unnecessary words.
The essay has a catchy title.
Sentences are fluid; not awkward in phrasing
____
10
______
115