Overcoming Challenges Essay
Resource Packet
2013-2014
Name _______________________
Overcoming Challenges Comparative Essay
In William Henley’s poem, “Invictus,” the narrator expresses that an individual has
the power to persevere no matter what obstacles may come. Throughout the course
of this unit, we’ve studied various individuals who have expressed the same mindset.
In a well-developed extended response essay, compare the central idea of “Invictus”
to the central idea of ONE of the articles we have read about triumphant individuals.
In your answer, be sure to:
 Discuss the central idea of the poem
 Discuss the central idea of the text and explain how it relates to the poem
 Use evidence from BOTH works to support your response.
**You must complete the planning page before you begin writing.**
Writing an Introduction Paragraph
The introduction paragraph of an essay is very important. It has 2 purposes: to
inform your reader as to what the rest of the essay will be about and to engage your
reader so that he or she will WANT to keep reading. An introduction has THREE
parts progressing from very general to very specific! Follow the format below:
1. Restatement of Quotation OR General Statement:
A. Some essay questions will provide you with a quotation. This is called a
Critical Lens essay. Your job is to use the texts you have read as evidence in
support of this quotation. In this case, simply recopy the quotation to begin
your essay.
B. Other essay questions, like the prompt you just received, will not provide
you with a quotation. In this case, begin with a general statement about the
topic of the essay. Do not mention specifics such as texts or people’s
names. Instead, consider the topic of the essay and formulate a very general,
but engaging statement about this. It can be more than one sentence, but really
shouldn’t be more than two.
Example – Throughout their lifetimes, people encounter a variety of challenges that
test their resilience. However, with a determined spirit and an optimistic attitude,
these obstacles can be conquered.
2. Title, Author, Genre Sentence (TAG):
Your TAG sentence should introduce the titles, authors, and genres of the texts
about which you are writing. Your TAG sentence should also state the
connection between these texts. Avoid getting too specific here – save that for
the next part.
Example – The article, “The Power of Determination” by Burt Dubin and the poem,
“Invictus” by William Henley both relate the stories of individuals who have
overcome the odds and vowed to beat the obstacles presented to them.
3. Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is what you are going to PROVE in your essay. Get this
from the ESSAY QUESTION!! You should use specifics such as who and
what in your thesis. DO NOT write, “In this essay, I will be writing about…”
Example – The central idea of the poem relates to the story of Dr. Glenn
Cunningham in that, despite what doctors told his mother about his hopeless
condition, Cunningham took control of his own fate and persevered until he
overcame the challenges he faced.
Put it all together and this is what you get –
Throughout their lifetimes, people encounter a variety of challenges that test
their resilience. However, with a determined spirit and an optimistic attitude, these
obstacles can be conquered. The article, “The Power of Determination” by Burt
Dubin and the poem, “Invictus” by William Henley both convey the stories of
individuals who have overcome the odds and vowed to beat the obstacles presented to
them. The central idea of the poem relates to the story of Dr. Glenn Cunningham in
that, despite what doctors told his mother about his hopeless condition, Cunningham
took control of his own fate and persevered until he confronted the challenges he
faced.
Writing Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs of an essay are the most important because this is
where you give evidence to support what you stated in the thesis
statement in your Introduction paragraph. Great body paragraphs are
specific, contain textual evidence, and frequently connect each detail back
to the thesis. Your body paragraphs follow TSC format! Follow the
outline below:
1. Topic Sentence
Open with a Topic Sentence that is interesting and explains what the paragraph
will be about.
Example:
The central idea of “Invictus” is related to Helen Keller’s speech in that both texts
seek to inspire others to be empowered by the obstacles they face and to view these
tribulations as an opportunity to persevere in order to conquer them.
2. Supporting Details
The supporting details which must prove the topic sentence and should
frequently relate back to it. Be sure to use textual evidence to support your
claim. Don’t forget to add transition words to improve the fluency of your
paragraph.
Example:
In “Finding a Joy in Overcoming Obstacles,” Keller, like the speaker in Henley’s
poem, is faced with a difficult challenge that she refuses to allow to prevent her from
doing what she wishes to do. Through their texts, both Henley and Keller emphasize
the importance of not allowing one’s self to be defeated by an obstacle. Unable to
speak, Keller explains how her “thoughts used to beat against my fingertips like little
birds striving to gain their freedom.” She was frustrated by her inability to orally
express her thoughts and dreamt of the day when her mother could “hear my voice.”
Similar to Henley, Keller found herself beaten down by the “bludgeonings of
chance,” but did not surrender. Instead, she vowed to “be of good cheer” and to
focus on the “success that may come tomorrow” rather than “of today’s failures.”
This perseverance is also reflected in “Invictus” through the speaker’s expression of
gratitude to “whatever gods may be/For my unconquerable soul.” Keller delivers
this speech in an attempt to inspire “those who are trying to learn to speak and those
who are teaching them” to become, as Henley describes, “master of [their] fate.”
Each speaks of their refusal to allow themselves to feel as if they are victims of the
obstacles that have been presented to them. Instead, they are empowered by these
challenges. Keller asserts that one will find “a delight in climbing rugged paths”
and Henley remarks that he will be found “unafraid.” Neither Keller nor Henley is
willing to accept the fate that they have been dealt and both are confident that they
have the ability to change their futures.
3. Conclusion Sentence
The job of the Conclusion Sentence is to wrap up the paragraph by restating
the topic sentence. DO NOT introduce new information here or end with “This
is how…”
Example:
Both Keller and Henley seek to inspire their audiences to face challenges head on in
an attempt to conquer them rather than admit defeat.
Put it all together and this is what you get:
The central idea of “Invictus” is related to Helen Keller’s speech in that both
texts seek to inspire others to be empowered by the obstacles they face and to view
these tribulations as an opportunity to persevere in order to conquer them. In
“Finding a Joy in Overcoming Obstacles,” Keller, like the speaker in Henley’s poem,
is faced with a difficult challenge that she refuses to allow to prevent her from doing
what she wishes to do. Through their texts, both Henley and Keller emphasize the
importance of not allowing one’s self to be defeated by an obstacle. Unable to speak,
Keller explains how her “thoughts used to beat against my fingertips like little birds
striving to gain their freedom.” She was frustrated by her inability to orally express
her thoughts and dreamt of the day when her mother could “hear my voice.” Similar
to Henley, Keller found herself beaten down by the “bludgeonings of chance,” but
did not surrender. Instead, she vowed to “be of good cheer” and to focus on the
“success that may come tomorrow” rather than “of today’s failures.” This
perseverance is also reflected in “Invictus” through the speaker’s expression of
gratitude to “whatever gods may be/For my unconquerable soul.” Keller delivers this
speech in an attempt to inspire “those who are trying to learn to speak and those who
are teaching them” to become, as Henley describes, “master of [their] fate.” Each
speaks of their refusal to allow themselves to feel as if they are victims of the
obstacles that have been presented to them. Instead, they are empowered by these
challenges. Keller asserts that one will find “a delight in climbing rugged paths” and
Henley remarks that he will be found “unafraid.” Neither Keller nor Henley is
willing to accept the fate that they have been dealt and both are confident that they
have the ability to change their futures. Both Keller and Henley seek to inspire their
audiences to face challenges head on in an attempt to conquer them rather than admit
defeat.
Writing a Conclusion Paragraph
The job of a Conclusion Paragraph is to wrap up what has been proven. It
should NEVER mention new information that has not already been
presented in the Body Paragraphs. Follow the format below:
1. Restate Thesis Statement
Go back to your Introduction Paragraph and recopy the Thesis Statement.
This is the last sentence of your Intro. If you feel comfortable, you can
reword it to add flair to your essay!
Example:
The central idea of the poem relates to the story of Dr. Glenn Cunningham in
that despite what doctors told his mother about his hopeless condition,
Cunningham took control of his own fate and persevered until he overcame the
challenges he faced.
2. Sum Up Sentences
Sum up what you have already proven in your body paragraphs. You
should have two sum up sentences – one that sums up body paragraph 1
and one that sums up body paragraph two. Remember – no new info here!
Example:
In the poem, “Invictus,” William Henley emphasizes his refusal to accept defeat
in the face of adversity. Similarly, Helen Keller seeks to inspire her audience
by encouraging them to patiently persevere through obstacles that will
undoubtedly arise throughout the course of one’s lifetime.
3. Closing Sentence/Vomit Sentence
The job of the closing sentence is to reflect on the topic of your essay and
leave your reader with a lasting impression.
Example:
Though challenges may seek to hinder one’s progress, inspirational individuals
such as William Henley and Helen Keller are reminders that success can be
attained regardless of the circumstances.
Put it all together and this is what you get:
The central idea of the poem relates to the story of Dr. Glenn Cunningham in
that despite what doctors told his mother about his hopeless condition, Cunningham
took control of his own fate and persevered until he overcame the challenges he
faced. In the poem, “Invictus,” William Henley emphasizes his refusal to accept
defeat in the face of adversity. Similarly, Helen Keller seeks to inspire her audience
by encouraging them to patiently persevere through obstacles that will undoubtedly
arise throughout the course of one’s lifetime. Though challenges may seek to hinder
one’s progress, inspirational individuals such as William Henley and Helen Keller are
reminders that success can be attained regardless of the circumstances.
Name: _____________________________
English 8
Date __________
Period ______
Overcoming Challenges Essay Rubric – ORGANIZATION
Note: You will receive TWO grades on this assignment - One for the Organization of your
essay and the other for Ideas/Content, Conventions, Word Choice, and Fluency. Each grade
will be out of 100! Be sure to keep these rubrics next to you when you write your essay
because they will help to ensure that you do well as long as you follow them!
Introduction Paragraph
Total= 25 Points
General Statement (5 pts)
/5
TAG Sentence (Mention both texts) (10 pts)
/10
Strong Thesis Statement (10 pts)
/10
Body Paragraph #1 (Analysis of Poem)
Total = 25 Points
Accurate Topic Sentence (5 pts)
/5
Supporting Details #1 (5 pts)
/5
Supporting Detail #2 (5 pts)
/5
Supporting Detail #3 (5 pts)
/5
Conclusion Sentence (5 pts)
/5
Body Paragraph #2 (How Poem Connects to Selected Text)
Total = 25 Points
Topic Sentence (5 pts)
/5
Supporting Details #1 (5 pts)
/5
Supporting Detail #2 (5 pts)
/5
Supporting Detail #3 (5 pts)
/5
Conclusion Sentence (5 pts)
/5
Conclusion Paragraph
Total=25 points
Restate Thesis (5 pts)
/5
Two strong sentences that sum up the main
/10
points of each body paragraph (10 pts)
Final thought that reflects on the connections
/10
between texts (10 pts)
Organization Grade: _______/100
Ideas/Content, Conventions, Word Choice, and Fluency Grade: _______/100
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Overcoming Challenges Essay Rubric – Ideas/Content, Conventions, Word Choice, and
Fluency
Category
Ideas &
Content
Conventions
Word
Choice
Sentence
Fluency
25 - 22
21-17
16-11
10-5
4-0
The essay provides
a thorough
explanation of how
the central idea of
the poem is related
to the text of choice.
Many (at least 3)
relevant and
accurate details
were taken from the
texts and clearly
support the thesis.
The question is
answered fully and
accurately.
The essay provides
a strong
explanation of how
the central idea of
the poem is related
to the text of choice.
Some (at least 2)
relevant and
accurate details
were taken from the
texts to support the
thesis. The
question is
answered.
The essay provides a
general explanation
of how the central
idea of the poem is
related to the text of
choice. . Few (1)
relevant and accurate
details were taken
from the texts to
support the thesis.
The question is
answered though not
as well as it could be.
The essay provides
an inaccurate or
incomplete
explanation of how
the central idea of
the poem is related
to the text of choice.
Very few (1)
relevant and
accurate details
were taken from the
texts to support the
thesis. The
question is not
answered.
The essay provides
an inaccurate and
incomplete
explanation of how
the central idea of
the poem is related
to the text of
choice. No
relevant or accurate
details were taken
from the texts to
support the thesis.
The question is not
answered.
All sentences are
accurately
punctuated and all
words are correctly
spelled. It is clear
that the student has
proofread his or her
work because there
are no obvious
errors.
The majority of
sentences are
accurately
punctuated and
most words are
correctly spelled. It
is clear that the
student has
proofread his or her
work because there
are few obvious
errors.
Some sentences are
accurately punctuated
and some words are
accurately spelled. It
is questionable as to
whether the student
proofread his or her
work because there
are many obvious
errors.
Few sentences are
accurately
punctuated few
words are
accurately spelled.
It is clear that
student did not
proofread his or her
work because there
are many obvious
errors.
No sentences are
accurately
punctuated and no
words are
accurately spelled.
It is clear that
student did not
proofread his or her
work because there
are too many
obvious errors.
Many sophisticated
vocabulary words
are used to enhance
the writing piece.
Repetition of words
and phrases is
avoided.
Some sophisticated
vocabulary words
are used to enhance
the writing piece.
Repetition of words
and phrases is
avoided.
Few sophisticated
vocabulary words are
used to enhance the
writing piece. Some
words and phrases are
repeated.
Very few
sophisticated
vocabulary words
are used to enhance
the writing piece.
Many words and
phrases are
repeated.
No sophisticated
vocabulary words
are used to enhance
the writing piece.
Many words and
phrases are
repeated.
There are no run-on
sentences or
fragments. The
paragraphs read
very smoothly.
There are some runon sentences or
fragments. The
paragraphs read
smoothly.
There are many runon sentences or
fragments that make
the paragraphs
somewhat difficult to
read. The paragraphs
don’t read smoothly.
There are many
run-on sentences or
fragments that make
the paragraphs very
difficult to read.
The paragraphs
don’t read
smoothly.
There are many
run-on sentences
and fragments that
make the
paragraphs
impossible to read.
The paragraphs
don’t read smoothly.