Part I: Identifications (Passages and Context). L points (x per identification based on ii per
criteria A-C + iv for D) (recommended time 20-30 minutes)
For FIVE of the following ten excerpted passages,
 A) identify the speaker (ii)
 B) the character(s) being addressed (ii)
 C) the circumstances in which this dialogue is taking place (ii),
 D) and the significance/point of what is being said relative to the characters, plot, and
themes of the Iliad as a whole (iv).
Parts A through C do not require complete sentences. Part D may be answered in either
complete sentences or in an outline form, but complete sentences may help you better
demonstrate a high level of understanding of the passage and your insight into its significance.
Criterion D Scoring:
 0 (no response or a response that shows no real comprehension of the passage or its
significance)
 i “minimal response that requires improvement or contains a significant
inaccuracy/several inaccuracies in comprehension”
 ii “adequate response showing only a basic comprehension of the passage’s significance,
or an otherwise good response that suffers from a significant flaw or other minor errors”
 iii “good response that shows a more sophisticated comprehension of passage with no
major flaws and perhaps only one or two minor errors”
 iv “excellent response demonstrates a high level of understanding of the passage and
insight into its significance with no errors.”
N.B. You may NOT use the text, notes, or any other resources for this portion of the test.
When you are finished, please turn in your answers and begin Part II (Essay).

If you wish to type your answers rather than write them on the answer booklet provided,
you must:
o turn off your internet browser
o close all windows except your word document
o name the file: “Assessment I.1 IDs Firstname Lastname” using your first and last
name in the appropriate parts of the file name.
o be sure to save early and often—you are not entitled to extra time if you
accidentally erase your work
o submit your essay by:
 emailing the document as an attachment to Mr. Chang
 uploading the document to your class folder in the Google Drive
1
Part II: Essay. LX points
 The key is cohesiveness and cogency of your arguments and answering the question as
written.
 Reference to specifics from the text is key to provide support.
 Direct textual quotation is not necessary but may be helpful. It should be judiciously
done and “pack a punch.”
 Keep your introduction minimal and your conclusion concise.
 You may bring a written, PRINTED outline. You cannot make reference to other
materials besides a PRINTED outline, the text, and your notes from reading checks.
 If you choose to type the essay, you must:
o turn off your internet browser
o close all windows except your word document
o name the file: “Assessment I.1 Essay Firstname Lastname” using your first and
last name in the appropriate parts of the file name.
o be sure to save early and often—you are not entitled to extra time if you
accidentally erase your work
o submit your essay by:
 emailing the document as an attachment to Mr. Chang
 uploading the document to your class folder in the Google Drive
Pick ONE of the following prompts to answer in a well-developed essay.
1. Discuss how the Iliad, a poem about war and Achilles’ rage, is also a poem that addresses
what the ancient Greeks believed it meant to be human. In your essay, be sure to discuss the
poet’s depiction of the gods, the heroic code, and, most importantly, the journey of Achilles
himself.
2. The code that governs the Homeric hero is straightforward but unique; the aspiration of every
hero is to achieve honor (timé). Honor is essential to the Homeric heroes, so much so that life
would be meaningless without it. Thus, honor, which can only be won in battle, may be
argued to be more important than life itself. The heroic ideal in the Iliad is sometimes
offensive to contemporary sensibility for a variety of reasons, but what is required here is not
the reader's approval, but understanding of these heroic principles according to Homer.
Therefore, examine the elements evident in the Iliad’s heroes that contradict our westernized
expectations and discuss an individual character other than Achilles who most epitomizes the
archetype of the Homeric hero.
3. Explain how Achilles seems to operate at both a sub-human and a super-human level
throughout the final books (18-22 and the start of 23) of the Iliad. What events help to bring
Achilles back to humanity in the final two books? Why is it necessary that Achilles
ultimately “return” to his humanity?
2
Grading Rubric
6
An excellent, well-organized essay. The discussion makes liberal use of specific details
to support the discussion of the question at hand. Occasional, minor mistakes need not spoil the
general impression of the essay. More important than the number of details included are the
quality and completeness of the discussion and the general coherence of the argument. The
essay is also very well written, thoroughly proofread, and lively to read.
60 points (minus 0)
5.5 ______________________________________________________________ 54 points (minus 4)
5
A good, strong essay with discerning discussion and specific details to support the
discussion of the question at hand. The discussion is either not as sophisticated or well
developed as a “6” or not quite as well supported with specific details, or the discussion may be
strong in one area, but weaker or less adequate in another. The references appear confident, and
the essay reflects more than casual familiarity with the material. The essay is also well written,
carefully proofread, and lively to read.
52 points (minus 8)
4.5 __________________________________________________________ 49.5 points (minus 10.5)
4
An adequate essay with limited discussion of the question at hand supported by specific
details. The discussion may be uneven, may develop one aspect more than another, or may be
more descriptive than analytical. Still, the details are specific and relevant. The essay is clearly
written and proofread.
47 points (minus 13)
3.5_____________________________________________________________` 44 points (minus 16)
3
A limited essay. In general, the discussion is possibly misconstrued, inappropriate, and/or not
detailed OR there is a good discussion of only one aspect of the question and a faulty or lack of
discussion of another. The answer tends to rely on description.
41 points (minus 19)
2
The student presents a vague or faulty discussion of the question at hand OR there is a weak
discussion of one aspect of the question and no discussion or inaccurate discussion of the other.
Statements are very general or even irrelevant to the question. The student shows very little
comprehension of the question.
38 points (minus 22)
1
The student understands the question but is unable to write any meaningful discussion of.
Although no substantive argument is presented, the response may contain some correct information
relevant to the question. The student demonstrates little or no understanding of the question at hand.
30 points (minus 30)
0
A response which is totally irrelevant, totally incorrect, or merely restates the question. The
student demonstrates no understanding of the question at hand.
20 points (minus 40)
3