Kucaj
English 10
Caesar essay
Since we are gearing up for MCAS later this month, I’ve listed three long composition questions from
previous years’ MCAS tests. You will choose ONE of them and write an essay about The Tragedy of Julius
Caesar. There are more details and requirements below.
Option One
Works of literature often feature characters with the ability to inspire or lead others. From a work of
literature you have read in or out of school, select a character with the ability to inspire or lead others. In a
well-developed composition, identify the character, describe how the character inspires or leads others, and
explain why this character’s ability is significant to the meaning of the work of literature.
Option Two
Honor can have different meanings for different people. Literature is full of characters that can be considered
honorable. From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character that is honorable.
In a well-developed composition, identify the character, describe what makes the character honorable, and
explain why the character’s honor is important to the work of literature.
Option Three
In literature, characters often demonstrate responsibility or a lack of responsibility. From a work of literature
you have read in or out of school, select a character who demonstrates responsibility or a lack of
responsibility. In a well-developed composition, identify the character, show how the character demonstrates
responsibility or a lack of responsibility, and explain how the character’s behavior affects the work of
literature.
Again, you will choose one of the above to write about, and it MUST be about The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
Other requirements:
 Five well-developed paragraphs
 A thesis statement that includes a theme
 Body paragraphs that relate to the thesis and help support it with specific evidence
 MLA formatting
 Third-person voice (no “I,” no “you,” etc.)
*IMPORTANT*
We will be doing peer editing through a website called Buzzword. If you have never used it before, you will
need to register (directions on separate sheet). Also, on the rough draft due date, you MUST have an
electronic copy of your rough draft – this means you must type it, and you either need it saved on a flash
drive or you need to email it to yourself as an attachment.
Due dates: