World History Spring Semester Writing Assignment

You will write a five-paragraph essay about a soldier’s life on the Western Front during World War I. The essay must be typed (black, double-spaced and 12-point Times New Roman font). An additional copy may be handwritten or alternate font with “trench materials” on it (making it more authentic). The five-paragraph essay should be a minimum of 1 1/2 pages and maximum of 2 pages in length. The essay is due in class on ______. The project is due at the start of class, late work will be half credit.

Directions: You are to assume the role of a soldier fighting in the trenches of World War I. You will write a letter home to your family from the inside of a trench. In your letter you must include the following information after Dear______, and a date written at the top:

(a) Introduction – paragraph #1 – Your paper should open with what country you are fighting for (British Empire, France or Germany) and details of how you (the soldier) may feel about fighting this war (why you joined, etc). Next, you will briefly discuss what has happened since you joined the military and what it has been like (basically introduce the topics of your three body paragraphs). (b) Body paragraph #2 - Discuss one battle (Ypres-1914, Marne, Somme) you fought in while on the Western Front. Give plenty of details (Location, date, purpose, successful?) (c) Body paragraph #3 – Discuss weapons being used in and around the trench and what you have to carry with you. Be sure to also discuss the dangers of “no man’s land” and “going over the top.” (d) Body paragraph #4 – Discuss living conditions in the trenches - mud, lice, rats, smell, dead bodies, etc. Be sure to also discuss your daily diet. (e) Conclusion paragraph #5 - wrap up your points, restate all of your topics and sign & date your letter.

* Don’t forget to address the letter to a family member. Don’t forget to sign & date your letter. You may include an envelope and more authentic copy (mud, foreign language, poetry, drawings), but you must also have an official copy.

Criteria for evaluation: (50 points total)

 Introduces, topics & accurately describes soldier’s country or colonist’s role in the war. (10)  Thoroughly discusses one battle in with accurate facts. (10)  Accurately describes weapons used, what soldiers carried & no man’s land (10)  Trench life was explained accurately and in immense detail, including daily diet. (10)  Strong conclusion, restating topics (5)  Essay structure, writing, transitions, spelling, grammar & authenticity. (5)  Fantastic and innovative ideas. Very creative and interesting – overall look of the letter. (Original ideas can help makeup points you may have lost in other areas)

Use only the following sources (they do not need to be cited but you should use at least four):

Textbook pages 412-415 Film clips from War Horse, All Quiet on the Western Front, Trench Warfare (link is on-line) Class Notes and Textbook http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/index.htm http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/trenchlife.htm http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWtrench.htm http://ww1history.suite101.com/article.cfm/life_in_the_trenches_during_world_war_i