Name:
Romeo and Juliet
Formal Paragraph Assignment
For this assignment, you are required to write a formal paragraph proving a
specific argument in proper MLA format.
Choose ONE of the following topics:
1) Romeo and Juliet act solely on their lust and passion for one another. Their
lack of rational thought leads to the destruction of individuals and/or
relationships. Analyze the validity of this statement in a formal paragraph.
2) Fate plays a major role in the play Romeo and Juliet. Using 3 specific
examples, explain how fate is the reason for the downfall and death of
Romeo and Juliet.
3) The imagery of light and darkness, at times, is one of the most powerful
forces in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. Choosing 3 examples from
the play, discuss how light OR dark imagery plays an important role in the
play.
4) Love is a major theme within the play Romeo and Juliet. Discuss how love
can be seen as a cause of suffering in the play OR how love can be a cause
of joy/happiness. Remember that you must choose 3 examples from the
drama to prove your point.
LENGTH
At Least 250 words, no longer than 300 words.
GUIDELINES
 Typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font
 Written in third person and present tense throughout paragraph
 All MLA guidelines must be followed – i.e. quotations, citations, works
cited page, etc.
 All process work (brainstorming, outline, peer edited rough copy) must be
handed in with the good copy as well as this rubric.
TIMELINES
We will be dedicating time in class to complete this assignment, please bring all
process work with you everyday.
PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
Name:
KNOWLEDGE/UNDERSTANDING: /10
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shows knowledge of structural elements of paragraph:
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effective topic sentence
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clearly states main idea/focus of paragraph
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well formed body paragraphs
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logically developed ideas
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single controlling idea
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effective concluding sentence
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sums up main idea of paragraph
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provides closure to paragraph
shows understanding of piece of literature & literary devices
THINKING/INQUIRY:
/10
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effective use of examples, quotations
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quotations are introduced and interpreted

supports ideas/opinions with relevant evidence
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sufficient detail and insight
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ideas are clearly linked to topic sentence/main focus
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complete/active use of writing process
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brainstorming, outline, rough drafts & editing
COMMUNICATION:
/10
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language/writing is mature, formal, descriptive & aggressive

ideas are expressed clearly and completely

varied sentence structure
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grammar and mechanics
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spelling and vocabulary
run-ons & fragments
comma use
pronouns/antecedents
subject/verb agreement
consistent tense
punctuation
APPLICATION:
/10

applies proper MLA format

first page information

proper quoting and documentation

accurate works cited page

analyzes significance of ideas—explains their importance
to the development of plot, character, issues, imagery, etc.
/40