English 8 Character Analysis of Atticus  Name____________________________________Period____

 

Write an essay of 400 to 500 words in which you analyze the character and personality of Atticus.

 

A.   Begin with an introductory paragraph which concludes with a thesis statement (your opinion of the character).

 

B.   Write topic sentences which focus on the characteristics suggested by your thesis.

 

C.   Collect evidence–specific details and examples, especially quotations–which will help prove each topic sentence.

 

D.   Write each paragraph so that the focus of every independent clause is the same as the focus of the topic sentence.  Be sure to analyze the character and characteristic rather than just to summarize plot or to tell information about the character.  Be sure to explain how the evidence you present proves your topic sentence.

 

E.   Revise the essay in accordance with the principles of good writing found in OEH, Chapter 11.

 

In revising, consider

 

  1. Is the thesis clear and suitable for the assignment?

 

  2. Are topic sentences directly and logically related to the thesis?  Does each topic sentence state an opinion about the character?

 

  3. Is adequate and pertinent evidence presented for each topic sentence?  Do explanations show clearly how the evidence supports the topic sentence?

 

  4. Is the focus of every independent clause in each paragraph related to the focus of the topic sentence?

 

  5. Are sentence beginnings varied?

 

  6. Are sentence types varied?

 

  7. Are sentence lengths varied?

 

  8. Are most sentences complex with the appropriate focus in the independent clause and background information in dependent elements?  Have related ideas been combined by subordination?

 

  9. Has all wordiness been eliminated?

 

10.  Are all quotations accurately copied?   Is the speaker clearly identified?  Have you made each quotation a part of one of your sentences?

 

11.  Are all words spelled correctly?

 

12.  Have serious errors been eliminated: subject-verb disagreements, run-on sentences, fragments, tense shifts, unclear pronoun references?

  

DUE  5 May (period 2), 6 May (periods 4, 5)