Name_________________________
February 9, 2012
My Brother Sam Is Dead End of Book Essay
Write a 4 paragraph essay explaining the question below. Follow the formula for your essay
outlined on the brainstorming grid on pages 2-4 of this document.
Use at least three examples in from the book to support your answer.
Use at least one quote from the story to support your answer, include the page number.
Tim's father says, "In war, the dead pay the debts of the living." What does this
mean, in general terms, and how does this idea play a role in My Brother Sam is
Dead?
.Writing Rubric
5 = Exceeds standards
4 = Meets standards
3 = Approaches standards
2 = Does not meet standards
0 =missing
__________/30
Standard / Paragraph
SELF EDDITING
SCORE
PEER EDITING
SCORE
FINAL SCORE
Introductory Paragraph
Body Paragraph # 1
Body Paragraph # 2
Conclusion Paragraph
3 Examples from text to
support statements in
essay
One direct quote
(including page #)
TOTAL
Begin your brainstorming on page 2 of this document.
1

Introductory paragraph for the essay:
o A strong lead sentence, which is the first sentence that captures the readers’
interest. The lead sentence is followed by the thesis statement.
o The thesis statement should include:
 The key points of the essay.
 Follow the thesis statement by a few sentences that outline how you will
make your key point.
Lead Sentence (hook)
Thesis Statement (include key points of the essay)
Key point of essay (what you plan to include in body paragraph # 1)
Key point of essay (what you plan to include in body paragraph # 1)
Concluding Sentence for your Introductory paragraph (this should transition into the body of
the essay)
2
Tim's father says, "In war, the dead pay the debts of the living." What does
this mean, in general terms, and how does this idea play a role in My
Brother Sam is Dead?
Paragraph RATE + E Template Body Paragraph # 1
R
Restate the
question
A
Answer the
question
(R + A should be
1 to 2 sentences)
T
Text support
E
Explain
(T + E should be 4
to 6 sentences)
+E
Concluding
sentence
(Should be 1 to 2
sentences)
3
Tim's father says, "In war, the dead pay the debts of the living." What does
this mean, in general terms, and how does this idea play a role in My
Brother Sam is Dead?
Paragraph RATE + E Template Body Paragraph # 2
R
Restate the
question
A
Answer the
question
(R + A should be
1 to 2 sentences)
T
Text support
E
Explain
(T + E should be 4
to 6 sentences)
+E
Concluding
sentence
(Should be 1 to 2
sentences)
4
The Conclusion of your essay:
 This is the last paragraph of your essay.
o Restate the thesis statement.
o Include your observation
o Include your opinion
o A good conclusion ends with a memorable statement – try using a quotation, a
call to action or a forceful statement.
Restate the thesis statement
Include your own observations (do not say I or you) 2-3 sentences
Include your own opinion (do not say I or you) 2-3 sentences
A good concluding sentence(s) ends with a memorable statement
Suggestions:
 Quotation
 Call to action
 Forceful statement
5