The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher
Author’s Purpose Analysis Essay 2014
Prompt: In a well-developed essay, explain how Lewis Thomas manipulates the resources
of language to support his purpose.
1. Paper must be typed in MLA style. (See OWL Purdue online for MLA help.)
2. Paper must have an introduction, a paragraph for each device (see
www.bobcatenglish2pre-ap for devices), and a conclusion.
3. Your thesis statement must be the last sentence of the introduction.
EXAMPLE: In “The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher,” Lewis Thomas
accomplishes his purpose of _______________________________________ through
his _______, ________, and _____ .
4. Due dates: April 16, 17, and 18, 2014
5. Paper must be submitted online to turnitin.com by the end of your class period on
April 18th or it’s an automatic ZERO.
6. See reverse side for rubric by which your essay will be graded.
The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher
Author’s Purpose Analysis Essay - Grading Rubric
Student Name: _______________________________________
MLA Format
15 points total
__________
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Introduction
Thesis Statement
15 points
_________
5 points
_________
Paragraph 2
Rhetorical Element
(Topic sentence relates the device to the purpose.)
Textual Evidence
5 points
_________
(2-3 pieces of text evidence. These pieces should be limited, specific, and well chosen as well as connected.
That connection should be discussed and related to author’s purpose.)
Application to author’s purpose
5 points
_________
(This is the analysis portion of the paragraph – students explain
HOW the author uses LANGUAGE to ACHIEVE PURPOSE – not summary!)
Paragraph 3
(Please see notes under Paragraph 2. They also apply to this paragraph.)
Rhetorical Element
5 points
_________
Textual Evidence
5 points
_________
Application to author’s purpose
5 points
_________
(Include a transition in Topic Sentence!)
Paragraph 4
(Please see notes under Paragraph 2. They also apply to this paragraph.)
Rhetorical Element
5 points
_________
Textual Evidence
5 points
_________
Application to author’s purpose
5 points
_________
10 points
_________
(Include a transition in Topic Sentence!)
Conclusion
More than 1 sentence! Make sure to restate thesis!
70 points total
_________
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Mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.)
No first name of author, no dead words! PROOFREAD!15 points total
_________
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GRAND TOTAL
100 points
__________