English 9 Final Exam: Please help or else I wont pass Directions: Please choose ONE of the two prompts below to write your essay.
Prompt #1: Who is responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet? Friar Laurence? The two lovers themselves? Their parents? Do several people share the blame? To what extent can these people be held responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet? Analyze the actions of the character(s) you think are responsible for the lovers’ deaths.
Prompt #2: Analyze the characters of the Nurse and Friar Laurence as mentors to the young people in the play. Do these two people do the “right thing” in their relationships with Romeo and Juliet?
I. Introduction
A. Hook -question, interesting fact, etc.
B. Background- 2-3 sentence summary of Romeo and Juliet
C. Assertion -select one of the above prompts, turn the topic into a question, and answer the question. Your response to the question will become your assertion statement.
II-III. Body paragraphs # 1 and 2
A. Topic Sentence – subject + opinion
B. Direct quote from the text + citation (make sure you use MLA format)
C. Commentary- Analysis/Explanation
D. Concluding Sentence/Transition
IV. Conclusion
A. Re-state Assertion statement
B. Re-state reasons why (body paragraphs)
C. Twist- final statement that helps the reader agree with your opinion
Skill Learning Target Requirements Grade Received
Introductory Paragraph
I can begin my paper with a clear and concise introductory paragraph that introduces readers to my chosen topic.
□ Provides relevant background information and context
□ Introduces the topic.
□ Includes reasons why (which will be covered in body paragraphs in more detail).


5

Thesis/Assertion Statement
I can craft a thesis/assertion statement that indicates the overall focus of my paper clearly and concisely.

□ Specific to the prompt
□ Makes a debatable claim


(Included in Intro grade)

Evidence

One quote per body paragraph. Two total.
I can develop my paragraphs’ arguments by incorporating direct quotations from the text. □ Min. of 2 quotations provided
□ Context provided
□ Properly introduced
□ Properly cited in MLA
□ Relevant to assertion


5

Commentary

Two sentences per evidence. I can analyze my provided quotations to explain their relevance and how they support my paragraphs’ assertions. □ At least 1 sentence of commentary per quotation
□ Explains relevance of quotations
□ Avoids plot summary
□ Proves the assertion


5

Conclusion Paragraph
I can bring my paper to a strong close that summarizes the development of my argument throughout the paper.
□ Does not introduce new evidence
□ Summarizes the development of the paper’s argument
□ Brings the paper to a strong close and provides takeaway


5

Mechanics I can write in a manner that is free of compositional, grammatical, and spelling errors. Correct…
□ Grammar
□ Capitalization
□ Punctuation
□ Spelling
□ Sentence structure
□ Paragraphing


5