Making Connections: Emmett Till and the Little Rock Nine

The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate comprehension of two significant events in history by discussing what happened in each event, how they connect to one another (especially thematically), and your overall reaction to learning about these events. Include what you have learned about prejudice, fear, courage, hope, unity (etc.), which are all important themes/ideas we will be studying in our next unit, To Kill a Mockingbird. This reflection should be multiple paragraphs, contain a hook and thesis statement, and utilize introductory and closure techniques, transitional phrasing, effective word choice, and correct usage and mechanics. *While you are to give your opinion and reflect on your thoughts and ideas, avoid overusing “I” and other personal pronouns. The overall goal is to use elevated language and respond in a way that provides insight and presents critical thinking and writing skills. Your response will be graded using the rubric shown below. Please turn this rubric in with your final typed response on Monday December 3, 2012.

Exemplary:

_____ There is a clear thesis statement that is exceptionally developed and well stated

_____ The introduction effectively interests the reader and introduces the topic

_____ The conclusion summarizes the main ideas in the paper, extends the reader’s understanding, and connects ideas to the “big picture”

_____ The body paragraph(s) includes pieces of evidence that demonstrate a high level of critical thought

_____ Transitions are used to create a logical and fluent connection of ideas

_____ Vocabulary and language demonstrate a high level of critical thought

_____ There are few usage and mechanical errors

Proficient

_____ There is a clear thesis statement

_____ The introduction introduces the topic

_____ There is a conclusion that summarizes the main ideas in your paper

_____ The body paragraph(s) attempt to include evidence and demonstrate understanding of the topic

_____ Ideas are logically connected in most areas

_____ There is varied sentence length and structure in most areas

_____ There are some usage and mechanical errors Progressing

_____ Meets four of the seven proficient criteria

Beginning

_____ Meets three or fewer of the proficient criteria