Saturday, November 16, 2013

essay writing

The Three Paragraph Essay:
Your essay must have at least three paragraphs, each of which should have between five and eight sentences.
  1. The Introduction
a)      Identify the novel and the author.
b)      Make a link between the novel and the question being asked.
c)      Thesis statement (What your essay will be about.
d)     Respond to part A of the question with at least three supporting points.
  1. The Second Paragraph
      a)  Topic Sentence 
      b)  Respond to Part B of the question with at least three supporting points.
  1. The Conclusion/ The Third Paragraph
     a) Topic Sentence
     b)  Respond to Part C of the question with at least three supporting points.
                 c)  Restatement of Thesis

“War can have a severe impact on any country.” Based on The Silver Sword:
a) Describe the impact the war on Warsaw and Germany. (7 marks)
b) Explain its impact on one of the protagonists in the novel. ( 9 marks)
c) Explain how the character overcomes the challenges presented by the war. (9 marks)
Content: 25 marks
Expression: 10 marks
Total: 35 marks


SAMPLE ESSAY
(for co-operative essay writing activity in class)
The Silver Sword written by Ian Serraillier shows the devastating impact that war can have on a country. In the novel, Warsaw is a very good example of this because the Nazi invasion left the city in ruins. Public buildings, homes and other infrastructure were destroyed. In addition, families were separated, leaving children orphaned and homeless. Food was scarce and the atmosphere was bleak. When the children arrived in Berlin, they realized the destruction was similar there. It was also in ruins and full of refugees.
            The war did not only affect Warsaw and Berlin, but the protagonists as well. Ruth was one of the protagonists who was greatly impacted by the war. She had many responsibilities because the Nazis had taken away her parents and later Edek. This made her more mature, responsible, assertive and wise. She had to take care of Bronia, her students, Jan and later Edek as well. In order to acquire paper, pencils, food and blankets, she demanded to see the lieutenant and even forced her way past Ivan to do so. Also, she was a disciplinarian who punished Jan for attacking and stealing from Ivan. Finally, she shielded Bronia from the harsh realities of war by keeping her occupied with drawing, stories and play.
            Although Ruth faced many challenges as a result of the war, she was able to overcome them with the support of family, friends and her determination to find her parents. She received help from Edek, Jan and Ivan. After Joseph and Margrit were taken away, Edek provided food, shelter, furniture and their other needs. Jan also protected them and found food for them when Edek was captured. She received important information about her father and brother from Jan and Ivan. In addition, the sight of the silver sword encouraged her when she felt hopeless. Although war can be devastating, its challenges can be overcome with hope, determination and the support of family and friends.


 “Determination is the most important attribute one can have during times of war. Both Joseph and Edek demonstrate determination in The Silver Sword.”
With reference to the novel:
a.       Describe Edek and Joseph.    (6 marks)
b.      Explain how Joseph escaped from the prison in Zakyna, and how Edek escaped from the farm in Germany.                                                     (12 marks)
c.       Explain why you believe determination was important to their success.
(7 marks)
(Expression 10 marks)
(Essay Total: 35 marks)

Homework/Classwork Essay Mark Scheme:
Part A – 6 marks. 3 marks for each character.
Joseph – father of Balickis, headmaster, imprisoned for turning the picture of Hitler to the wall (regardless of where this detail is in the essay, the student should still be given the mark).
Edek – the second child, son of Joseph and Margrit, or brother of Ruth and Bronia. He was caught smuggling cheese by the Nazis (regardless of where this detail is in the essay, the student should still be given the mark).

Part B – 12 marks . 6 marks for describing the escape fully....

Part C – 7 marks. Joseph – 4 marks. Edek 3 marks. Students must show some recognition of the difficulty/danger which the challenges presented. For example, Joseph escaping from Zakyna...other escapees were shot or died as a result of the weather. Joseph’s previous attempt was thwarted by sickness. Edek could have frozen to death under the train and he got extremely sick after. They must argue that determination to see their family made them continue - Joseph would always look at the picture of his family etc and Edek preferred to risk dying in order to go to Switzerland.

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