Argument Essay: Their Eyes Were Watching God
1. Choose one of the following topics.
2. Generate a CLAIM.
DUE
3. Brainstorm TEXTUAL EVIDENCE.
DUE
4. Anticipate opponent’s argument CONCESSION.DUE:
5. Develop REFUTATION.
DUE:
6. Type a ROUGH DRAFT.
DUE:
7. REVISE and EDIT rough draft.
DUE:
8. Submit FINAL ESSAY.
DUE:
TOPIC CHOICES
Essay Topic #1: The Symbol of the Mule
In addition to the frequent references to nature, certain animals have symbolic weight in Their Eyes Were
Watching God. The animal with the greatest symbolic charge in this novel is the mule. Mentioned frequently
throughout the novel, the mule obviously represents the carrier of heavy loads and burdens, but it can also—
and does—represent stubborn resistance. Study some of the passages in which mules are used as symbolic
representations and make an argument about which reading you find more compelling and why. Do the
characters in the novel find positive qualities in the mule and, by extension, in themselves? –D0
WE
WANT TO GIVE THEM THIS MUCH INFO OR DO WE WANT THEM TO COME UP
WITH THEIR OWN SYMBOLS?
Essay Topic #2: A Feminist Novel?
Their Eyes Were Watching God has been categorized as a feminist novel by many critics. Would you agree?
Is Janie a feminist throughout the novel, or is there more evidence to claim that she develops what
might be called a feminist consciousness through the intensity and insights of her experiences? Argue
your position by providing thoughtful analysis and textual evidence to support your claim.
Argument Essay
Masters the Standard
Meets
Approaching
Below Expectation
“A” Work
“B” Work
“C” Work
“D” Work
CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, & STRUCTURE
Valid & intriguing claim
Valid and relevant
Claim introduced but not
Invalid or missing
a. Introduce precise, knowledgeable
– valid counterclaim
claim – valid
well developed.
claim or
claim(s), establish the significance of the
explained respectfully –
counterclaim described
Counterclaim recognized
counterargument.
claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from
Sophisticated
– Logical sequence of
at a minimal level – Claim,
Lack of organization
alternate or opposing claims, and create an
presentation of claim,
claim, counterclaim,
counterclaim, reasons, &
of claim,
organization that logically sequences
counterclaim, reasons,
reasons, & evidence.
evidence are present but
counterclaims,
claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and
& evidence.
not well developed.
reasons, and/or
evidence.
evidence.
15 total points
14-15 points
12-13 points
11 points
10 points
EVIDENCE FOR CLAIM AND
Significant & valid
Significant & valid
Minimal evidence
Unfair or incomplete
COUNTERCLAIM
evidence presented for
evidence presented for
presented for claim and
claim and/or
b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims
both claim and
both claim and
counterclaim. Audience
counterclaim.
fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most
counterclaim so that the
counterclaim so that the
remains unconvinced or
Minimal or missing
relevant evidence for each while pointing
audience understands
audience understands
unclear.
evidence.
out the strengths and limitations of both in
both sides of the issue
both sides of the issue.
a manner that anticipates the audience's
and has learned
knowledge level, concerns, values, and
something new.
possible biases.
25 total points
23-25 points
20-22 points
18-19 points
16 points
WORD CHOICE AND SENTENCE
Consistently
Sentences are carefully
Syntax and grammar have
Sentences are poorly
STRUCTURE
sophisticated sentences
constructed and paper
mistakes or sentences lack
constructed. Lack of
11.1.c Use words, phrases, and clauses as
and diction to create
flows without any
variety.
fluency negatively
well as varied transitions and syntax
fluid writing.
major issues.
impacts
comprehension.
10 total points
9-10 points
8 points
7points
6 points
STYLE AND OBJECTIVE TONE
Dispassionate, formal,
Formal style & objective
Author slips into
Informal style and
11.1.d formal style and objective tone
objective, logical tone &
tone of voice.
ethos/pathos in attempt to
tone is not objective.
style, yet the audience is
sway audience to his/her
intrigued.
point-of-view.
10 total points
9-10 points
8 points
7points
6 points
CONCLUSION
Conclusion provides
Conclusion provides
Conclusion provides some
Conclusion does not
11.1.e concluding statement supports the
final synthesis of
closure to research
closure but fails to
provide closure for
argument
research presented. Ties
presented. Ties
demonstrate clear
the reader. Research
everything together
everything together
synthesis of knowledge of
is left unclear to
proficiently.
capably.
research topic.
reader.
10 total points
9-10 points
8 points
7points
6 points
USAGE AND MECHANICS
No errors in grammar,
Few errors in grammar,
Errors in grammar,
Many errors in
11-12.L.1 & 11-12.L.2 Demonstrate
capitalization,
capitalization,
capitalization,
grammar,
command of the conventions of Standard
punctuation, and
punctuation, and/or
punctuation, and/or
capitalization,
English grammar usage, the conventions of
spelling of more
spelling
spelling consistent in
punctuation, and/or
Standard English capitalization,
sophisticated words &
narrative.
spelling throughout
punctuation, and spelling when writing.
sentences.
10 total points
9-10 points
narrative
8 points
7points
6 points
Grade ______/80