The Odyssey Essay Assignment 0910

SMCHS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WRITING RUBRIC
SMCHS Graduates will be: Spiritual - People of Faith, Intellectual - Skilled Lifelong Learners,
Physical - Healthy Individuals, Social & Moral - Involved Citizens of the World
ASSIGNMENT TITLE & INTRODUCTION:
The Odyssey Argumentative Essay
Directions:
In a well-developed five (5) paragraph essay, determine whether or not Odysseus is
a good role model.
PROMPT:
We know Odysseus is an Epic Hero, we may even consider him a great leader, but is
he a good role model? Determine whether or not Odysseus is a good role model
(HINT: Answer these questions in your thesis: Is Odysseus a good role model? Why
or why not?) Use at least three (3) of Odysseus’ character traits to prove your
point.
ASSIGNMENT SPECIFIC ELEMENTS:
Introductory Paragraph includes hook, title, author, précis, thesis that
directly answers the prompt
3 Body Paragraphs - (support for your Thesis)
Conclusion Paragraph : revisits thesis and explains with convincing
commentary the reasons that support it. Leaves the reader with general
thoughts regarding your theme, possibly unrelated to Odysseus or The
Odyssey
MLA Format with Works Cited: original title, 1” margins, heading, page
numbers, spacing, internal citations, works cited format (see MLA handbook)
Insight: Did you think deeply and portray your thoughts using mature
diction?
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You will also be graded on how well you stay tied to your thesis
statement
• Whatever claim you make in your thesis statement must be carried
through your entire essay
You will lose points for Weak Vocabulary, excessive misspellings, poor
grammar, etc.
Tips for a successful essay:
Remember, I’m looking for QUALITY!
Stay in active voice and avoid verb tense shifts; 3 rd person; correct
spelling/grammar/punctuation; no Weak Vocabulary, sentence fragments,
run-ons, or awkward sentences (READ your essays out loud)! NO “you,” “I,” “I
think Odysseus is a good role model…” (second or first person point of
view).
Be CLEAR in your thoughts – never ASSUME that I know what you are
talking about!
Stay away from generalizations, they weaken your argument!

SMCHS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WRITING RUBRIC
SMCHS Graduates will be: Spiritual - People of Faith, Intellectual - Skilled Lifelong Learners,
Physical - Healthy Individuals, Social & Moral - Involved Citizens of the World
Argument 5 4 3 2 1
Application: Does the writing have an argumentative thesis that answers the prompt?
Analysis: Is the argument divided into logical parts? Are provoking questions addressed? Are terms
defined?
Synthesis: Are the logical parts related to the whole? Is an understanding of the big picture evident?
Evaluation: Are opinions presented in arguable fashion? Are judgments made? Is a point made?
Development 5 4 3 2 1
Evidence: Are specific, concrete details presented?
Accuracy: Are the concrete details accurate and true?
Relevance: Is the evidence relevant to the argument? Is the relevance explained? Does it prove your
point?
Substance: Is enough evidence presented to prove your point?
Organization 5 4 3 2 1
Unity & Coherence: Does all of the writing center on the argument?
Order: Are the argument and evidence arranged in the most convincing order?
Structure: Are introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion constructed appropriately? Are
paragraphs introduced, maintained, and concluded?
Presentation: Are symmetry, parallel structure, transitions & variation employed effectively? Is the
writing’s length appropriate to the argument?
Expression 5 4 3 2 1
Style: Is the style appropriate to the assignment – formal, informal, scholarly, personal, or creative?
Voice: Is a recognizable identity present? Is the audience understood? Is the tone appropriate?
Diction & Language: Are the most effective words chosen? Is rhetorical or figurative language
employed appropriately?
Clarity: Is the writing clear, active, readable, and appropriately concise?
Conventions 5 4 3 2 1
Diction & Spelling: Are the right words spelled correctly?
Grammar & Usage: Are person, tense, subject/verb agreement, & subordination used appropriately? Are
words and phrases used according to custom?
Mechanics & Punctuation: Is sentence construction sound? Are punctuation marks used appropriately?
MLA: Is the proper formatting applied to font, margins, spacing, & citations?
TOTAL: ________/100
Rationale for numeric values:
5 Skill or element applied subtly, sophisticatedly, with superior insight & complexity.
4 Skill or element applied with greater competence and with greater insight & complexity, but lacking the distinction of a 5.
3 Skill or element applied competently.
2 Skill or element approaching competence.
1 Little evidence of skill or element.