English 9H
Miss Raub
40 points
Exploring the Types of Writing
TASK:
We are going to explore various types of writing in connection with our non-fiction unit. Your first
step in this assessment is to respond to EACH of the following prompts after we read the
corresponding selection. You, along with the help from your peers, will select your ONE, strongest
piece and independently complete several revisions and peer edits. Your final, polished copy
should be double-spaced in Times New Roman 12-point font and adhere to MLA formatting of your
name, etc. Your rubric should be stapled on top, then your final copy, and then your original rough
draft. Do this before coming to class that day!
1. Descriptive/Narrative- “A Celebration of Grandfathers”
Rudolfo Anaya had a deep respect for his grandfather. Should people show a special reverence
for the elderly- why or why not? Also, describe an older person whom you respect and provide
reasons why he or she is deserving of your respect. Be sure to give your response an appropriate
title. (2 paragraphs)
2. Persuasive/Expressive- “Glory and Hope”
Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to ending the apartheid in South Africa. Think about some of the
problems in today’s world. About what cause do you feel most passionately and why? What, in
relation to this issue, is your vision for the future/a solution? Be sure to give your response an
appropriate title. (2 paragraphs)
3. Informative/Technical- “Caucasian Mummies Mystify Chinese”
Keay Davidson from the San Francisco Examiner newspaper wrote a lengthy, detailed account of
the discovery of the mummies in China. Assume the role of a newspaper reporter who is on
location in China. Your job is to tell the story of this discovery in your own words. Include the
usual: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW. Then, discuss the impact that this
unearthing may have on Chinese society and the world at large. Be sure to give your response an
appropriate title in the form of a headline. (2 paragraphs)
4. Reflective/Reaction- “Single Room, Earth View”
Sally Ride provided you with a first-hand account of American’s space program and our planet from
a new perspective. How has Sally Ride’s essay changed the way you think about our planet?
How has this changed the way you think about the space program? Be sure to give your response
an appropriate title. (2 paragraphs)
Due Date:_____________
English 9H
Miss Raub
Name_______________________________
Period________ Date__________
RUBRIC for NON-FICTION WRITING
Focus (10)
______/5 The write answers the assigned question(s) thoroughly and thoughtfully
______/5 The writer stays on topic with no extraneous information
Content (10)
______/10 The writer uses specific examples to illustrate his/her ideas
Organization (10)
______/5 Topic sentences are used
______/5 There is a clear division between paragraphs, as per the prompt
Style (5)
______/3 The writer uses an elevated level of vocabulary; no slang, no contractions
______/2 The writer uses sophisticated and varied sentence structures
Conventions (5)
______/3 Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling is used (-1 for every 2 errors)
______/2 Original title/headline
TOTAL _________(40)
*Late papers will be penalized 5 points per day.
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