World Studies I: Persuasive Writing Samples
Prompt: Choose a topic with opposing viewpoints. Research two articles (one for, one against). Choose a side and
write a persuasive response following your teacher’s structure and guidelines.
Persuasive: College Prep (Medium)
As time passes, piracy becomes easier. However, extreme measures that censor the internet are not the answer.
Anti-piracy laws such as SOPA have come into consideration, threatening freedom of expression and many other
human rights. Destroying the internet isn’t worth stopping a teen from illegally downloading their favorite song.
If SOPA is passed, the internet will break. Mark Clayton states that it would “not only violate the first amendment
of free speech rights, but will harm security of the internet’s address system.” Private information would be leaked
and many businesses would fall. If we want to put an end to piracy and all the money we’re losing from it, dictating
the internet is not the way. If one person on a networking site posts a music video, SOPA would shut down the
entire website, and us, as people, have a right to talk about or share whatever we want. Passing SOPA will take this
controversy to a new level.
Many cyber activists are also against SOPA for numerous reasons. Chris Arsenult, author of the article “Blackout
Websites” writes, “This piracy act reduces freedom of expression, increase cyber security issues, and undermines
the global internet.” While some may agree that music and video companies will gain a higher income, it doesn’t
make up for the decline in other areas. Online webstores may be accused of slight infringement and shut down.
Many Americans will be angered with the law, because the foreign websites we use today may be disabled if this
law is passed.
If a foreign website infringes on US property law, it will be disabled. Americans who enjoy online shopping or
reading will “find the links to the websites they attempt to visit are completely locked,” states Clayton. This is a
form of censorship that is often found in communist regions, going against all the United States stands for.
Blacking out websites and shutting them down for petty reasons is only going to infuriate the users of the internet.
There are, however, some ways to stop piracy without SOPA.
Websites that are made for only illegal purposes, such as priatebay.org, could be shut down to reduce priacy’s
frequency. This way, others don’t have to suffer solely for the intake of media companies. Piracy is a big problem,
but we don’t need SOPA to fix it. This is a much better way to compromise anti-piracy laws without ruining the
internet.
RUBRIC SCORE & COMMENTS
Overall Score: 3
Prompt: (4-/3+) Addresses the prompt in general. Thesis is vague.
Complexity: (4) Develops an argument on the issue and demonstrates some critical thinking with accurate
evidence.
Organization: (4) Adequate organization with formulaic use of topic sentences and transitions.
Diction/Syntax/Conventions/Voice: (3-5)
Strengths
Has a perspective/opinion. Offers some background.
Organized. Offers knowledge of impact to society.
Offers solution.
Weaknesses
Generalizations. Evidence and commentary are
separate/disconnected.
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Persuasive: College Prep (high)
“Space, the final frontier” a statement by many is not far from the truth. The space program is responsible for
exploring the vastness of space. Space exploration is one of the most beneficial and perhaps one of the most
productive uses foreshadowing to create of government funding.
“The technological advancements of the world have come from the space program.” (Isitt). Research in robotics
have helped industrial manufacturing and medical machine industries. The machines or robotics in factories help
produce more products to be sold to consumers. When some people are unable to do things on their own such as
breath machines help them to fill their lungs. Nasa scientist have found a use for solar energy a alternative and
cleaner energy source. We don’t have to relie on large power plants as we once did. The solar energy is also much
safer for the environment. Many advancements with the technology helps us to have better lives.
Nasa scientist have conducted much research in space that has direct and practical uses. Space cameras now have
practical use in that they make better lenses for scratch resistant eyeglasses. People no longer worry about having
to get new glasses as much because of this. Nitinol, a metal that can take much twisting and bending, is used to
make satellites as well as wire for braces. People may now go to the dentist to have straight teeth without fear of
it breaking. It may help people to eat better without pain. These research projects help with everyday things.
Some would go as to say that the space program is a waste of time and money, that there is no long term benefit.
What they do not know is that space exploration has led to international cooperation and peace possible for the
benefit of humankind. The international space station helps by bringing people from different countries to do
research side by side in space. Scientist may work freely to help one another without hostility, working together to
exchange ideas and information to benefit all people. The economic cooperation through the space program has
bought global communication to an all time high in history. With this communication people may now get along
together. Communication has brought brought many closer to a peaceful future. The space program has made
international cooperation possible for space to be a peaceful frontier.
Space exploration is necessary if we are all to reach a better tomorrow. The advancements of technology helps
ease much of our burdens. Practical uses of these make things possible for our benefit. Peace is perhaps for the
first time in history within our reach with international cooperation. That is why we as Americans, should be proud
of this and remain ahead, and tell Congress we must not shut down exploration of space, the last great wilderness
of the world.
RUBRIC SCORE & COMMENTS
Overall Score: 5
Prompt: (5) Addresses the prompt adequately. Thesis presents an adequate argument.
Complexity: (4) Develops an argument on the issue and demonstrates some critical thinking with accurate
evidence.
Organization: (4) Adequate organization with formulaic use of topic sentences and transitions.
Diction/Syntax/Conventions/Voice: (3-5)
Strengths
Clear thesis. Organized. Chooses appropriate evidence
to support thesis. Provides multiple examples to
support perspective. Provides a solution. Addresses
opposition. Full conclusion.
Weaknesses
Opens several paragraphs with quotes.
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Persuasive: Honors (high)
Within millions of Americans uninsured and health care costs on the rise, the current health care system of the
United States is not working at a satisfactory level. Private insurance companies, who are concerned more with
profit rather than the health of their customers, control the present form of American health insurance. This leads
to a multitude of issues, including expensive premiums and covered efficiency. Although some rise concerns with
the idea of new takes and government-controlled health care, many problems could be solved by the end of
implementation of a single-pager health care system, which would offer greater access, affordability, and equality.
In its present state, the American health care system leaves many uninsured and in danger. Currently, over 46
million, or 16% of Americans are uninsured (Ballans of Sprague). This statistic is troubling for several reasons.
Firstly, uninsured Americans do not receive preventative care and are likely to encounter systems of a treatable
condition once it is too late to severe damage. Preventative checkups could have detected these conditions before
severe damage occurred. Also, the uninsured are likely to go bankrupt if a medical emergency occurs. “A
particularly disrupting aspect of this trend is the recent rise in the percentage of uninsured children,” argues
Ballaro and Sprague. This is caused by cuts to services such as State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Children with special health care needs are at particular risk given by their unique needs that require routine
contact with the health care system (Ballaro and Sprague). Many who are uninsured currently turn to programs
such as medical and medicine for coverage. However, these programs are expected to be completely trained of
funding by 2041 (Kennedy and English). This will result in millions more uninsured Americans. All in all, the current
health care system leaves millions without access to insurance, placing them at high risk of becoming seriously ill
as well as going bankrupt.
Additionally, a single-pager system would be more affordable when compared to the present system. In the past
10 years, the average employer-based premium has sky-rocketed 81%, while the average income has only
increased 11% (Ballaro and Sprague). This outplacing has led many employees to make cuts too, or even drop,
health insurance benefits for their employees, leaving more Americans without health care coverage. The U.S
currently spends 16% of its gross nation product (GDP) on health care compared with 8 to 10 percent in most
other western industrialized nations (Ballaro and Sprague). This shows how much money is being given to the
private health care industry. For this price, Americans should be receiving the best health care. However, a 2007
study found Americans return on their investment is poor (Ballaro and Sprague). The United States ranked last
when compared to countries such as Canada, Britain, and Germany in terms of quality, access, efficiency, equality,
and outcomes. This shows the costly American health care system is not performing well. The current health
insurance system in the United States is not delivering the best care despite its expensive price.
The system also presents an unjust situation. The United States is the only developed nation to offer health care as
a privilege, not a right (Ballaro and Sprague). All Americans deserve quality health insurance, not only the wealthy.
The current system punishes those who are already ailing due to illness or poverty (Ballaro and Sprague). The sick
and poor need more coverage than the healthy and rich. A uninsured health care system would evenly distribute
rink and would provide all with the right of health coverage.
Despite the advantages of a single-pager insurance system, many still have concerns. One argument is that
Americans could not afford the new taxes that would be needed to fund a universal system. Certainly, Americans
need not shall out more money in this economic struggle. However, Americans already pay costly premiums to
insurance companies. Moreover, their money would finance a much more efficient system of it supported
universal health care. Others claim single-pager system that employed in Canada do not work and result in long
wait time are limited doctors. In fact, Canada ranked higher than the United States in a 2007 study meaning quality
and efficiency. Another common belief among health care reform opponents is that a universal system would limit
insurance freedom and choice. But they fail to realize that only the rich are provided quality insurance with the
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current system. Americans who are poor or unemployed are left uninsured. In the long run, a single-pager health
insurance system would is the best option for the United States.
In summary, the implementation of a single-pager health insurance system would reduce costs, provide insurance
to more Americans and make insurance a right rather than a privledge.
Works Cited
Ballaro, Beverly and Nancy Sprague. "Point: The United States Needs A Single-Payer Health Insurance System."
Points Of View: Health Insurance (2011): 2. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 2 May 2012.
Driscoll, Sally and Richard A. Grant. "Counterpoint: The Free Market Is More Effective At Improving Healthcare And
Lowering Costs Than The Government." Points Of View: Health Insurance (2011): 3. Points of View
Reference Center. Web. 2 May 2012.
Kennedy, Patricia and Marlanda English. "Health Insurance: An Overview." Points Of View: Health Insurance (2011):
1. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 2 May 2012.
RUBRIC SCORE & COMMENTS
Overall Score: 6
Prompt: (6) Addresses the prompt clearly and effectively. Thesis presents a clear argument with some originality.
Complexity: (6) Effectively develops an argument on the issue. Demonstrates strong, sustained critical thinking
with clear appropriate evidence.
Organization: (6) Clear organization and effective structure.
Diction/Syntax/Conventions/Voice: (6-7)
Strengths
Introduces ideas well, and then transitions into his
perspective. Has a clear opinion and shows he has
something to say. Imbedding quotations. Effective
paraphrasing. Doesn’t summarize quotation (i.e.
concrete detail is part of argument).
Vocabulary/Diction. Syntactical variety. Concession with
rebuttal. Succinct. Effective concluding sentence.
Weaknesses
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World Studies I: Response to Literature Writing Samples
Prompt 1: Write an essay in which you describe three literary elements and their purpose in a particular story.
Response to Literature: College Prep (Medium)
Doodle, who was born with disabilities, had a rough life. All his family, except Aunt Nicey, believed that Doodle had
no chance to live. Doodles brother gained almost too much pride in Doodle that it kills the little boy. In the short
story “The Skarlet Ibis”, James Hurst uses symbolism, imagery, and 1st person to demonstrate that death can make
a person regret how they treated someone.
The author uses symbolism to show how the narrator feels about losing Doodle. For instance the name “Doodle”
was a symbol because “no one expects much from a boy names Doodle.” The narrator names his brother Doodle
so that when he does something special it surprises people that someone with such a lame name could do
something for his advantage. Instead of using William Armstrong, using Doodle doesn’t make it seem like he’s
expected to go to the moon. When the Author then tells about Doodle and his brother’s stories, Doodle talks
about a peacock. “When peter was ready to go to sleep the peacock spread his magnificent tail enfolding the boy
gentle.” The peacock was meant to protect the narrator while he sleeps because Doodle, being so weak, couldn’t.
The peacock was what Doodle wished he could do but never had the strength to. The symbols in the story have a
big impact on the tone that the author is trying to get through.
In the story, James uses mood to show the cruelty that the narrator had towards Doodle and the love he had.
“Doodle studied the mahogany box and said ‘that’s not mine’ (Hurst, 172). Showing Doodle the box showed that
the narrator felt the crude part of the brotherhood. This part of brotherhood took over the narrator making him
tease his brother showing him the little hope the family had for him. In the story the narrator said “Doodle only
walked because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother” (Hurst, 175), Doodle knew that his brother was
ashamed of a crippled brother and wanted more from him. As time went on doodle tried and tried to please his
brother just so the narrator had felt like he had a brother. The author uses mood to get the reader to feel how he
did, or at least know how he felt to get more of an understanding of the story.
In the story the older brother is the narrator so that the reader can get involved with how he felt about his brother
Doodle. “They did not know that I did it for myself, that pride whos slave I was spoke to me louder than all their
voices and that Doodle only walked because I was ashamed of having a cripple bother.” (hurst, 175). This
statement gets the reader into the narrators head to know why he was doing this to him brother and what he
thought about Doodle. Knowing this as a reader it helps you comprehend what the story is about and why he was
so depressed when Doodle deceased. “I lay there crying, sheltering my fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain”
st
(hurst,183). Using 1 person in the statement showed his pride and love toward Doodle. How the narrator still
wanted to protect his brother even after his death because of what Doodle had done for him all the years he had
lived. The author used the 1st person to get the reader more involved with the story and to understand just what
the author was trying to prove.
st
James Hurst used symbol, imagery, and 1 person to demonstrate that death can make a person regret how they
treated someone. Using symbol to give points, imagery to explain how things went for the brothers, and 1st
person to truly get in the older brothers head. The story shows that you don’t understand what you have until you
lose it.
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RUBRIC SCORE & COMMENTS
Overall Score: 2/3
Prompt: (4/2) Thesis presents a focused but formulaic argument. Addresses the prompt in general but leaves out
essential aspects of the topic.
Complexity: (2) Argument on the issue is vague or seriously limited and demonstrates flawed thinking with poorly
chosen evidence.
Organization: (3) Weak organization with inconsistent use of topic sentences and transitions.
Diction/Syntax/Conventions/Voice: (3-5)
Strengths
Clear thesis. Blending of quotes (once). Acknowledges
how devices extend an attitude (but doesn’t define it).
Recognizes important plot points & characterization.
Weaknesses
Intro is plot summary. Summarizes concrete detail
rather than analyzing it. Generalizations. Doesn’t fulfill
intention of paragraph. Goes off topic.
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Response to Literature: College Prep (High)
In The Sniper the author uses foreshadow, conflict, and irony to build suspense, personification to set the mood
and to exemplify the tragedies of war, and to show how life can have unexpected twists and turns.
The first literary element used in The Sniper is foreshadow. For example, on page 111, it states, “Then he returned
the flask to his pocket. He paused for a moment, considering whether he should risk a smoke.” The Sniper’s pause
in actions foreshadow that his decision was risky and could put him in a dangerous situation. Liam O’Flaherty used
foreshadow in this quote to teach the reader about the affects of using poor judgement. Incidentally, the author
uses foreshadow again on page 114. The story quotes, “When the sniper reached the laneway on the street level,
he felt a sudden curiosity as to the identity of the enemy sniper whom he had killed. He decided that he was a
good shot, whoever he was. He wondered did he know him.” The Sniper sudden interest in his enemy
foreshadows that the enemy sniper must have been someone the sniper knew. In this case, the author uses
foreshadow to add drama and suspense to the plot. In conclusion, the author successfully used foreshadow to
emphasize the results of the snipers decisions.
The second literary element used in the story is conflict. On page 110, as the setting of the story is being
assembled, the narrator noted, “Republicans and free staters were waging a civil war.” The conflict of war in The
Sniper is the most prominent struggle for the sniper but really supports the author’s theme that states that no
good will come war. The purpose of using war as a conflict is to help the reader realize the many problems that go
along with being involved in a war. Another example of conflict is the internal conflict within the sniper. On page
114, the narrator stated, “The sniper looked at his enemy falling and shuddered. The lust of battle died in him. He
became bitten by remorse.” The feeling of guilt and pain from killing a man created an internal conflict within the
sniper and a regret for participating in war. As a result, the author’s main reason for using conflict is to prove that
war only causes destruction, internal and external pain, and regret.
The final literary element used in the short story, The Sniper, is irony. For instance, on page 114, it states,” Then
the sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brother’s face.” The sniper did not expect his brother to
be the enemy he killed on the opposite roof. The author uses this example of situational irony to show that life can
be unexpected. This example also was used to show that war can tear families a part.
To conclude, The Sniper’s many examples of foreshadow, conflict, and irony are all used to build drama, explain
the tragic affects of war, and to show how unexpected life can be.
RUBRIC SCORE & COMMENTS
Overall Score: 4+/5Prompt: (5-/4+) Addresses the prompt adequately. Thesis presents a focused but formulaic argument.
Complexity: (5) Adequately develops an argument on the issue. Demonstrates competent critical thinking with
accurate evidence.
Organization: (4) Adequate organization with formulaic use of topic sentences and transitions.
Diction/Syntax/Conventions/Voice: (3-5)
Strengths
Clear thesis. Dissects what was revealed in the
quotation. Transitions between concrete details.
Identifies purpose of the device. Connects device to
theme. Inferences in commentary yield analysis.
Weaknesses
Lacking full introduction (only has thesis). Conclusion
rd
and 3 body paragraph need to be better developed.
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Response to Literature: Honors, Beginning of Year (High)
In Lord of the Flies, Golding uses foreshadowing to create suspense, personification to set the mood, and
symbolism to reveal the theme.
The use of foreshadowing holds the reader in suspense throughout the book. Jack’s obsession with hunting pigs
hints at Piggy’s death at the end of the book (though Jack is not the one to kill). Golding continuously has Jack go
on pig hunts with his hunters, and the fact that it’s pigs is no coincidence. Piggy’s name is so similar that it
becomes obvious to the reader and Golding uses that feeling of anticipation to keep the story going. After Simon’s
revelation with the Lord of the Flies, he is “inside the mouth” (144) before he loses consciousness. The odd word
choice ties into Simon’s death later on telling the reader that Simon will be surrounded by something mouth-like.
When he does die, “the mouth of the new circle crunched” (152) – trapping himself inside where he loses
consciousness for the last time. The fearful suspense that captivates the reader was placed by Golding so as to
create the opportune time for an accidental death. Foreshadowing makes up the suspense that Golding used to
keep the reader interested.
Another tool in the Lord of the Flies is personification, effectively used to set the mood. The boys’ campaign on the
island is littered with the personification of nature, such as “the sun gazed down like an angry eye.”(58) The
menacing image sends the reader reeling back in shock –the reaction that Golding wants for the whole book.
Further personification of the environment makes the feeling gloomy as “the white and brown clouds
brooded”(45). The colorless and upset clouds continue the ongoing mood of indignant anger and the dark
undertones that accompany it. Golding intends for this to keep the reader somber until another shocking event
occurs to mix things up. Golding’s personification of the boys’ surroundings creates a dark and dreary mood with
defining moments of pure shock.
The author’s overall use of symbolism illustrates the theme he wishes to convey. The boys themselves symbolize
different aspects of humanity and their actions explain the idea of Lord of the Flies. Ralph is introduced as the “boy
with fair hair”, he represents the ‘light’ in the story. Jack, however, comes into the story wearing a dark black cloak
– he is the ‘dark’ character. The universal symbol of light and dark is what Golding uses for his main characters to
show the halves of humanity, as good and evil are present within each human being. This theme, that viciousness
as well as kindness coexist in humans, is symbolized in the two warring main characters. Piggy’s glasses and the
conch symbolized intelligence and order, both of which are to be present in civilized society. When they are
broken, the savagery becomes uncontrollable and chaos occurs. This idea of civilization against savagery is another
theme that Golding writes into Lord of The Flies. Ralph’s group works when the conch and the glasses are intact
and falls apart when they aren’t, whereas Jack’s tribe has neither and thrive on bridled boorishness. Golding’s
symbolism reveals the novels themes.
In Lord of The Flies, Golding uses foreshadowing to keep suspense going throughout the novel. The ever-present
personification keeps the reader feeling carefully crafted dark moods. Symbolism woven into characters and
objects displays the major themes of the story – civilization fighting back savage actions and the “darkness of
man’s heart” (202). The author maintains the use of literacy devices to magnify and enforce his purpose in Lord of
The Flies.
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RUBRIC SCORE & COMMENTS
Overall Score: 6
Prompt: (6/4) Addresses the prompt clearly and effectively. Thesis presents a focused but formulaic argument.
Complexity: (6) Effectively develops an argument on the issue. Demonstrates strong, sustained critical thinking
with clear appropriate evidence.
Organization: (6) Clear organization and effective structure.
Diction/Syntax/Conventions/Voice: (6-7)
Strengths
Clear thesis (formulaic). Identifies author’s purpose in
using literary devices (i.e. “Golding continuously has
Jack…”). Succinct quotes imbedded in analysis.
Transitions. Vocabulary/Diction (i.e. menacing, littered).
Organization of devices (ends with theme). Depth of
analysis (beyond surface level to make sophisticated
inferences).
Weaknesses
Needs more developed introduction & thoughtful
conclusion. Make a connection that goes beyond the
text (or summarizing the essay).
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Response to Literature: Honors, End of Year (High)
In William Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet and in “ A Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns, the authors use hyperboles,
symbols, and oxymorons to reveal the dualities of love yet how both can overcome obstacles.
Both authors use hyperboles to express two sides of love: a sweet romance and a deadly love. William
Shakespear’s famous character Romeo speaks of his misplaced love in Rosaline as horrible yet wonderful when he
says, “…beauty, starved with her severity, cuts beauty off from all posterity. She is too fair, too wise, wisely too
fair, To merit bliss by making me despair. She hath forsworn love, and in that vow do I live dead that live to tell it
now.” Romeo has fallen in a sweet love with Rosaline, yet because she becomes a nun, Romeo feels the cruel side
of love. He feels dead and believes that he can no longer continue his life from his misfortune in love. Robert Burns
poem “A Red, Red Rose” uses many hyperboles one such being, “Till a’ the seas gang dry...” Burns speaks of a
sweet love compared to music, being wonderful and gracious. As the mode changes with his saying “Till a’ the seas
gang dry” an apocalyptic attitude takes place. He speaks off the world ending yet how he will continue to love her
to the end of time. Within both literature works the author express the dualities and how it overcomes obstacles.
Romeo’s speech about Rosaline shows that even though his love was rejected he continued to love Rosaline.
Burns’ idea of continueing to love his girl, even to the point where the Earth is coming to an end, shows the
importance of the idea: that love overcomes any obstacles. Love conquers over obstacles even with its two sides is
shown through hyperboles in Romeo and Juliet and “A Red, Red Rose.”
The sun from Romeo and Juliet and the red rose from “A Red, Red Rose” are both symbols that express the
dualities of love and how love can overcome obstacles. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespear compared Juliet to the
sun. In the sweet love context, Juliets love and beauty shines brighter than anything else, she is glorious and
magnificent in the eyes of Romeo, yet the sun’s heat was also terrible and violent, causing the fight between
Mercutio and Tybalt. The two young lovers affair can be seen as a precious romance or a destructive, chaotic love.
Burn’s connotation of a red red rose can be seen as an exquisite flower like none other, holding such purity and
beauty. Yet a rose has the color of blood and sharp thorns causing pain to the beholder. Much like the red rose,
the poem contained the ideas of peaceful and painful love. In both Shakespears and Burns’ literature they show
the dualities of love and yet how the overcome obstacles. Juliet (being the sun) captivates Romeo starting the love,
but because of the unknown love hate kills the love. Love, however, is restored by Juliet killing herself so that she
may have eternal rest with her sweet lover. Much like the endlessness of Romeo and Juliets love, “A Red, Red
Rose” also has the connotation of defeating all the chaos and continuing the love for his “dear.” Many obstacles
come into the path of love and yet can be overcome, even with dualities of love seen in Shakespears Romeo and
Juliet and Burns “A Red, Red Rose” symbolism.
Oxymorons were used within Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet and in “A Red, Red Rose” to depict the theme of the
dualities of love and yet how it can overcome obstacles. In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet talks about Romeo using many
oxymorons to express her confusion in her emotions. She calls Romeo a, “….serpent heart, hid with a flow’ring
face! Did ever dragon keep so fair a cave? Beautiful tyrant! Fiend angelica! Dove-feathered raven! Wolfishravening lamb!” Juliet speaks of the dualities of love when she continues on about how she will always love him
even after a cruel act has been put apon her. She describes how even though wrong has been done she can’t stop
loving him. This is a challenge for her, yet the grace of love saves her from leaving Romeo. In “A Red, Red Rose”
Burns’ writes “And the rocks melt wi’ the sun; I will luve thee still, my dear; while the sands o’ life shall run.” As he
describes the earth being melted by the sun, he speaks of the end of the world. It is the dreaded doom, complete
chaos that can be foreseen by humans, yet he speaks in the next line how even with such a violent end he will love
her all the same. That line expresses the deep sincerity and sereneness of his love, solidifying the fact that even as
all of life ends, their love will never die. Both works of literature share the idea of having problems that arise, yet
even so they continue their love as an everlasting light. They both share the fact that love can be seen as a
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wonderful feeling, or a dreaded chaos. The authors use oxymorons to bring out the theme that love can have
double meanings yet even so it can overcome obstacles.
The obstacles that interfere with love can be overcome, even with the two sides of love. This theme was revealed
by using hyperboles, symbols, and oxymorons in William Shakespears Romeo and Juliet and Robert Burns “A Red,
Red Rose.”
RUBRIC SCORE & COMMENTS
Overall Score: 6
Prompt: (6/4) Addresses the prompt clearly and effectively. Thesis presents a focused but formulaic argument.
Complexity: (6) Effectively develops an argument on the issue. Demonstrates strong, sustained critical thinking
with clear appropriate evidence.
Organization: (6) Clear organization and effective structure.
Diction/Syntax/Conventions/Voice: (6-7)
Strengths
Clear thesis, yet formulaic. Syntactical variety. Blended
quotations into analysis. Vocabulary/diction. Less
formulaic paragraph structure. Clear topic sentences.
Focus on analysis & not over-quoting. Succinct. Effective
comparisons in later paragraphs. Blending of ideas and
less chunking.
Weaknesses
Transitions between paragraphs. Lacking introduction
(only has thesis).
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