Freedom Writer’s Diary Essay
You are to write a five-paragraph essay about this book/film. It should be 500-700 words and
include the title, author, and genre. You have written at least two five-paragraph essays so far
this year, so that should be relatively easy by now! Make sure you start with an outline!
Prompt: The lives of the Freedom Writers changed dramatically from the time they were
freshman until graduation. What are the factors that affected their lives, either positively
or negatively? Their story proves that anyone can break through stereotypes to teach and
to learn.
You will need THREE different thoughts or ideas for the main body of the essay. You may use
any of the ideas listed here, or you may think of your own ideas. New ideas might come your
reading, from the notes you took during the movie, or your own observations and thinking. Just
be sure to develop the ideas thoroughly! To have five paragraphs, you’ll need to do in-depth
thinking.
All ideas need to be explained – what is the evidence that proves your thinking? Use the quotes
from the characters to support your ideas.
I. Virtues
ethnic/racial groups? How does Ms. Gruwell earn the respect of her students? How do the
students finally come to respect one another? How does respect work, anyway -- how can you
tell when someone does or does not respect you? Why is trust such an important component of a
teacher-student relationship?
well manage to get the students to show tolerance for one
another? Her father was a civil rights worker when Erin was growing up; how might that have
affected her feelings on tolerance?
ips in their
personal lives: physical violence and/or emotional abuse, substance abuse, poverty,
homelessness, gang violence, and deaths of family and friends. Ms. Gruwell herself must endure
a lack of support from her colleagues and supervisors. What were some other roadblocks to Ms.
Gruwell's success at first? How does courage and perseverance apply to these situations?
II. Relationships
e difficult issues to deal within their
families. Eva's father was in prison because of loyalty to the gang, and she had to testify in court
on a case similar to the one that sent her dad away. Marcus was kicked out of his house when he
joined a gang. One boy tells the class that he has no other family, just them. Comment on all
these situations and how they are resolved.
III. Other Ideas
the
students. How does writing "free" the students from their pain? Do you or have you ever kept a
journal or diary? If so, do (did) you write about events, emotions, or both? Was it a good
experience, helpful for you?
you
think their anger is justified?
f the inequalities among students and classrooms at Wilson
High School?
end of the
story? Why did they change? What was one important event that made a difference? Consider
these characters: Erin Gruwell, Scott Gruwell, Eva, Marcus (the boy who went back to his
mother's home), Ben (the white boy), and any others.
makes it
important? What would the movie be like if that part didn't happen?
The essay needs to be typed, 12-point font and include a cover page and a works cited page using
MLA format. Please include the word count on the cover page. When you turn in the final draft,
you must turn in the outline and a rough draft that shows the essay has been edited.
Hand-written draft due:
May15
Final copy due:
May 22
If you do not have a printer: You MUST send me a word document that I will print. You
will NOT be allowed in the computer lab to do your printing!!