Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Name
Date
Period
This paper will be structured using five paragraphs, including an introduction, conclusion and three body paragraphs that
all support the Island of the Blue Dolphins theme of preserving nature.
This is a challenging writing assignment that requires higher level thinking and interpretation of the text, as well as clear,
organized writing skills. The information you need to support your ideas in this essay is not clearly stated in the book.
You will have to analyze the text and reflect on your reading. Do not expect the ideas to be obvious.
Your final should be neatly written in pen or word processed. One to two pages in length.
Final paper due
Background homework
Before class on December 10, please read the following interview excerpts about Island of the Blue Dolphins author
Scott O'Dell.
Vocabulary to think about: nature, conservation, environment, resources
Come prepared to discuss this material during class. Use the space below for notes.
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Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
My Beliefs -- nature and the environment
How do you feel about man's relationship with the environment? What are your thoughts about nature and
conservation? Does man use his environment wisely? Give examples.
What specific experiences with nature, the environment, hunting, animals, the outdoors, camping, hiking, etc. have you
and your family experienced?
Share your thoughts and experiences with your group. What thoughts do other people in your group have? Are they
similar or different from yours?
Write a final statement that expresses your beliefs about man's relationship with nature and the environment.
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Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
I believe. . . After careful reflection I . . .
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Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Scott O'Dell's Beliefs -- nature and the environment
Based on the ideas and themes in Island of the Blue Dolphins, explain Scott O'Dell's attitude toward the environment.
Use your notes, conversations, discussion, the book to help you.
Write a final statement that expresses Scott O'Dell's ideas about man's relationship with his nature and the
environment.
Scott O'Dell believes. . . All of the evidence indicates. . .
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Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Specific examples of Scott O'Dell's attitude about nature from Island of the Blue Dolphins
1. List one way that Scott O'Dell deals with the theme of nature and the environment in his book.
Be specific. Tell the
page number and explain how the characters deal with this issue.
Try this format!
An example is
when
does
.
2. List a second way that Scott O'Dell deals with the theme of nature and the environment in his book.
the page number and explain how the characters deal with this issue.
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Be specific. Tell
Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Introduction
Write an introductory paragraph that expresses your ideas about nature. Also include Scott O'Dell's feelings about
nature, based on your interpretation of Island of the Blue Dolphins. Three to four sentences.
Try this format!
explains my idea about nature. Similarly / On the other hand, Scott O'Dell believes
Readers know this because
.
.
Conclusion
Write a concluding paragraph explaining how Scott O'Dell's ideas about nature are the same or different from your own.
Three to four sentences.
Try this format!
I believe
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about the environment. This is similar to / different from Scott O'Dell because
.
Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Learning Targets & Rubric
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ANALYSIS
I can analyze an author's approach to a specific theme
using sources.
CONVENTIONS
I can write using correct conventions including
capitalization, punctuation, spelling and paragraph
breaks.
WRITING
I can organize my writing with transitions in a
structure that helps move the reader smoothly from
one idea to the next.
LITERATURE
I can connect the writing to my personal experience
and evaluate the author's intended purpose.
READING
I can determine a theme or central idea of a text and
how it is conveyed through particular details.
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3
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Five-paragraph Essay Packet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
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