English III “Rip Van Winkle” Writing Assignment
“Rip Van Winkle” explores one man’s journey to the future. In response to this short story and
the Wishbone episode, “Rip Van Winkle,” you are to create a time capsule of your own in essay
form. You are to choose 5 items that describe you now to put in this 24”L X 12”W X 12”D time
capsule. Your items have to fit inside the time capsule with the lid closed. Think about the items
Dr. Brown chose to put in her time capsule; she included marbles, a newspaper, a baseball
program, and articles about the town.

You must have an introduction paragraph and a conclusion paragraph.

You are to dedicate a paragraph to each of your five items. First, describe your item
(remember the 5 senses). Then, describe WHY you are choosing this item. What does it
mean to you? What will be your response when you open this capsule and see it?

You need to type this essay: TNR 12. MLA format. (Make sure you check the “Don’t add
extra spaces in between paragraphs” box under line spacing.)
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There is not a page limit on this assignment. Write enough to get the job done.

Staple your rubric on top of your paper.
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This assignment is due Tuesday, December 10th by 3:30.
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EDIT YOUR WORK!!
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If you have any questions, please see Ms. Makler.
Name______________________________________________________ Hour_____ Date_____
Rubric for Time Capsule Writing Assignment
Name/ Teacher / Class/ Date
/5
Introduction paragraph
/5
Conclusion paragraph
/5
Item 1: Description and meaning
/5
Item 2: Description and meaning
/5
Item 3: Description and meaning
/5
Item 4: Description and meaning
/5
Item 5: Description and meaning
/5
TNR 12
/5
Grammar & Mechanics (1/2 pt. each)
(After 10 errors, I stop correcting them)
/5
/50