Three Day Road – Essay
Choose ONE of the following prompts and complete a literary essay on Three Day Road.
1. Boyden uses the story of the windigo both literally and on a deeper, more subtle level. What purpose
does the windigo serve in Three Day Road? What message, if any is Boyden trying to send to his
readers?
2. Elijah and Xavier are cousins, close friends, and comrades on the battlefields of the Great War. Could
one exist without the other? Are they opposites? How does their relationship support each other in the
war? Look at how their relationship progresses over the course of Three Day Road and form an opinion
on one or more of these questions.
3. What does the novel as a whole say about war and what it can do to those who must kill in war? How
are Elijah and Xavier changed, spiritually and physically, by their experiences in war?
4. Own topic. *Must be pre-approved by the teacher before test day!
Pointers:
Make sure you use proper formal essay structure and style;
You need at least two examples for each of your three main points; at least three of your six examples need to be quotations (the other three may
be paraphrases);
Your essay should be 4-6 double spaced pages in length;
This assignment is to be completed in class only.
Response to the
prompt
Advanced
Addresses the topic clearly
and responds effectively to all
aspects of the prompt.
Proficient
Addresses the topic, but may
respond to some aspects of the
prompt more effectively than
others.
Demonstrates an accurate
understanding of the novel in
developing a sensible response.
Basic
Distorts or neglects aspects of
the essay prompt.
Below Basic
Indicates confusion about the
topic or neglects important
aspects of the essay prompt.
Demonstrates some
understanding of the novel, but
may misconstrue parts of it or
make limited use of it in
developing a weak response.
Forms an unclear or simplistic
opinion, may lack focus or
demonstrate confusion.
Is poorly organized and developed,
presenting generalizations
without adequate support, or
details without generalizations.
Demonstrates very poor
understanding of the novel, does
not use any quotes appropriately
in developing a response, or may
not use any at all.
Does not form an opinion, lacks
focus and coherence, and may
fail to communicate ideas.
Has very weak organization and
development, providing
simplistic generalizations
without support.
Understanding
the novel
Demonstrates a thorough
critical understanding of the
novel in developing an
insightful response.
Quality and
clarity of thought
Forms an opinion and explores
a complex idea thoughtfully
and in depth.
Is coherently organized and
developed, with 3 thoughtful
reasons and *6 well-chosen
examples. *3 of which are
exact quotes
Forms an opinion and shows
some depth and complexity of
thought in exploring it.
Is adequately organized and
developed with 3 clear reasons
and 6 examples.
Syntax and
command of
language
Has an effective, fluent style
marked by syntactic variety
and a clear command of
language.
Demonstrates adequate use of
syntax and language.
Has limited control of syntax and
vocabulary.
Has inadequate control of syntax
and vocabulary.
Grammar, usage,
and mechanics
(See list on back
for details)
Is generally free from errors
in grammar, usage, and
mechanics.
May have some errors, but
generally demonstrates control
of grammar, usage, and
mechanics.
Has an accumulation of errors in
grammar, usage, and mechanics
that sometimes interfere with
meaning.
Is marred by numerous errors in
grammar, usage, and mechanics
that frequently interfere with
meaning.
Organization,
development, and
support