Thesis sentence due: __________ Rough draft due: ___________ Final draft due: __________
Comparing & contrasting important elements in a
short story
Background: We have been reading several stories that deal with the complex issues of growing
up, making decisions, and being part of a family. The characters each struggle amid a broad
diversity of problems, relationships and concerns.
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Assignment: Write an essay that compares and contrasts two of the stories you have read.
Focus on important aspects of the stories, such as the growth or change of a major character,
the development of a significant conflict, or analysis of the central themes expressed through
the story. Develop a thesis that makes your main idea and then back it up with details from
the stories you have chosen.
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Honors option: Complete the same assignment, but include one story that you read and we
have not discussed in class. In addition, your essay should focus on the similarities and
differences between significant themes revealed through your chosen stories.
Requirements: Support important ideas and viewpoints through accurate and detailed references
from each excerpt. You must include a 1) one-sentence thesis, 2) use five-paragraph
organization, and 3) incorporate at least two quotes into your essay.
As you write, you will be scored based on how well you:
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provide a meaningful comparison that expresses an important aspect of the story.
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demonstrate a thoughtful, comprehensive grasp of the texts.
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accurately and coherently provide specific textual details and examples to support the thesis
and main ideas.
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demonstrate a consistent tone and focus, and illustrate a purposeful control of organization.
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demonstrate a clear understanding of the complexities of the texts.
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permit few, if any, errors in the conventions of the English language.
Process: Start off with a web or cluster to help you generate ideas about similarities and
differences shown in the stories. Refer to the notes and activities we’ve done in class. Begin to
develop a thesis statement that succinctly states your idea. Write a rough draft. Review your
work with a copy of the rubric to help you strengthen it. Revise your work so each reason is
amplified and you come to a clear, intelligent conclusion.
Reminders: No “I” statements anywhere in the paper. Blend your quotes into your writing and
avoid statements such as: “This quote means …” or “The following quote shows my ideas …”
BRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL – English 10
Name: ______________________________
Short Stories Compare/Contrast Essay Rubric
Exemplary – 5
Criteria
Proficient – 3
4
Beginning – 1
2
Thesis
Statement
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A focused concise sentence states the essay’s
main idea as part of a broader introduction and
provides strong backbone for the essay’s main
argument.
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Ideas in introduction cover main
argument of essay, but thesis may be
somehow incomplete, awkward, or ideas
split up.
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No clear statement of ideas in
introduction related to examples
provided; or vague thesis may contradict
essay’s arguments.
Organization
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Writing is consistently clear and stays on topic
throughout, in an effective five-paragraph
structure.
Sequence of ideas is logical and effective.
Writing includes inviting introduction and
powerful conclusion.
Strong, focused body paragraphs used to build
or extend main idea.
Smooth and clear transitions between ideas
clearly show how ideas connect.
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Writing is unclear and/or off-topic, and
essay missing several or many elements of
five-paragraph format.
Sequence of ideas generally without order,
or ordered illogically.
Introduction and/or conclusion omitted.
Body paragraphs not organized and/or offtopic.
Transitions unclear or absent.
Main idea is richly supported and developed
with specific evidence, relevant examples and
ideas, and/or insightful connections.
Author uses original, creative ways to
accurately relate material in stories and explore
main ideas deeper than a surface or literal level.
At least two quotes from stories are used and
effectively blended into the body of the essay
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Writing demonstrates a strong grasp of
conventions.
Writing consistently demonstrates proficiency
with spelling, capitalization, punctuation.
Grammar and usage are correct and enhance
clarity and credibility.
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Writing is generally clear and on-topic,
but may be some inconsistencies in
following five-paragraph format.
Sequence of ideas generally well-ordered.
Introduction and conclusion generally
complete, but may be some problems
fully extending main point.
Most components of body paragraphs
organized and on-topic.
Most transitions consistently clear and
smooth or some transitions omitted.
Main idea is sufficiently supported and
developed with evidence, examples and
ideas, and/or meaningful connections.
Author uses original, creative ways, in an
effort to relate material in stories and
explore main ideas beyond a surface or
literal level.
Two quotes used for support, but there
may be minor problems blending into
writing.
Writing demonstrates adequate grasp of
conventions.
Writing demonstrates some
inconsistency with spelling, capitalization,
punctuation.
Grammar and usage may detract from
clarity and/or credibility.
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Ideas &
Content
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Grammar,
Mechanics,
Conventions
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Main idea is not supported or developed
with specific evidence, relevant examples
and ideas, and/or insightful connections.
Author does not use original, creative
ways to accurately relate material in
stories and does not explore main ideas
beyond a surface or literal level.
Quotes from stories are lacking in essay
and/or do little to develop main argument.
Writing demonstrates weak grasp of
conventions.
Writing contains numerous errors in
spelling, capitalization, and/or punctuation.
Grammar and usage interfere with clarity
and credibility.
Essay follows MLA style with proper works cited
Peer-edited rough draft included
Peer editing reflection included and completed
MLA style not followed (1/2 grade penalty)
Peer-edited rough draft not included
Peer editing reflection not included or incomplete
Comments: