1) Instructions:
a) Select two authors you have read in this course in American Literature from colonial
times through the Civil War. Compare and contrast these two authors. Include in your
comparison/contrast essay both of the following elements
b) Discuss biographical information: education, early life, career etc.
c) Discuss the two authors’ style of writing, topics, or themes they wrote about, and
influences or legacy on American culture.
Requirements:
d) Your paper should be three pages long.
e) Use MLA Format including intext or parenthetical citation
i) Refer to this website: http://webpages.pvbears.org/hslibrary/mla.htm
2) Steps to follow
a) Complete the research
b) Design a one page outline
c) Complete the Works Cited page
d) Type the first draft-don’t forget to include intext or parenthetical citation
e) Complete peer critique form (see attached information)
f) Make corrections and type the final draft
g) Submit draft one, peer critique form, outline, and the final paper (including Works
Cited) electronically as Microsoft Word Attachments to kath9213@yahoo.com
1
Content: o Clearly Focused,
o Thesis o Consistently Interesting,
o Main Ideas o Exceptionally Clear,
o Supports o Strong Support & Rich 15
Detail/Examples Detail
Organization o Coherent
o Effective Sequencing 10
o Enhances Central Idea
Voice o Deeply committed to
topic, 10
o Strong Sense of Audience,
o Engaging to the Reader
Word Choice o Interesting
o Precise 10
o Natural
o Broad Range of Words
o Imagery
Sentence Fluency o Expressive oral reading
easy and enjoyable. 10
o Easy flow, strong varied
structure
Conventions o Sentence Structure.
o Grammar/Punctuation 10
o Spelling
o MLA Format
Total Points 65
Grading Guidelines:
2
Peer Critique Form
The purpose of a peer critique is to help the writer improve his or her writing before turning in
the final draft. This is also called peer editing. The student needs to complete part one of the
critique form, then email it, along with the first draft of the paper, to a peer. The peer reads the
draft and then completes part two of the critique form. When completed, the critique form is
emailed back to the student. This form is then electronically submitted along with the paper to
the teacher.
Title of Essay:
Type of Essay:
Date:
Directions: Please type responses in the textboxes provided. Where there is a choice of
Title of Essay:
Topic:
3
Mechanical structure that needs improvement (highlight or bold your choices):
a. Spelling
b. Punctuation
c. Complete sentences
e. Third person throughout (should not include: I, we, us, me, yours…) This does not apply
to personal narratives.
List two improvements that the writer should make before submitting the final draft:
1.
2.