The Road

Write a multi-paragraph essay in response to the following prompt on Cormac McCarthys

novel The Road:
Identify the most important theme in The Road and analyze how McCarthy
develops this theme through textual details and literary techniques (plot, conflict,
character, language, symbolism, etc.).
You should do/include the following:
An introduction containing a clear and relevant thesis.
A minimum of three body paragraphs, each including
o a clear main ideas.
o relevant supporting details.
o properly integrated quotes.
A brief but meaningful conclusion paragraph.
Proper English conventions (spelling, punctuation, etc.)
Smooth transitions between ideas.
Date Due

Task

1. __________

Complete essay outline.

2. __________

Write first draft of body paragraph one.

3. __________

Write introduction paragraph.

4. __________

Revise body paragraph one.

5. __________

Write body paragraphs two and three.

6. __________

Write conclusion.

7. __________

Turn in final draft (after revising and editing entire essay).

-1- I can use evidence to show how a text develops a central idea.
4

I can thoroughly show how explicit and

implicit details relate to one another and
work together to develop central ideas in a
text.

I can show how explicit

and implicit details
develop central ideas in a
text.

I can show how

general details are
related to a central idea
in a text.

I can identify
central ideas or
details in a text.

-2- Analyze an author's choice of language to determine its impact on meaning and tone.
4

I can provide a thorough and

insightful analysis of how
carefully considered language
choices impact meaning
and/or tone.

I can provide a clear and

accurate analysis of how
specific language choices
impact meaning and/or
tone.

I can provide a partial or

somewhat flawed analysis of
how general language
choices impact meaning
and/or tone.

I cannot yet provide an

analysis of how general
language choices
impact meaning and/or
tone.

-5- I can write arguments supported with relevant evidence

4

I can write arguments that are

persuasively supported with a
range of specific, relevant
evidence.

I can write arguments

that are clearly supported
with specific, relevant
evidence.

I can write arguments

that are partially
supported with general,
relevant evidence.

I cannot yet make clear

connections between an
argument and relevant
evidence.

-6- I can use transitions to connect ideas.

4

I can use a variety of

appropriate transition words
and structures to develop
clarity and coherence.

I can use several types of

appropriate transition
words and structures to
connect my ideas.

I can use generally

appropriate transition
words and structures to
connect my ideas.

I have difficulty choosing

the appropriate transition
words and structures to
connect ideas.

-10- I can use feedback from my teacher and peers to plan, revise, and edit my work.
4
I can produce writing that
shows significant,
thoughtful evidence of
planning, revising, and
editing based on feedback
from peers and/or teacher.

I can produce writing that

shows evidence of
meaningful planning,
revising, and editing based
on feedback from peers
and/or teacher.

I can produce writing that

shows some evidence of
meaningful planning,
revising, and editing based
on feedback from peers
and/or teacher.

I cannot yet produce

writing that shows
evidence of meaningful
planning, revising, and
editing based on feedback
from peers and/or teacher.

-12- I can make information from other sources flow smoothly with my own ideas.
4
I can use information from other
sources in a variety of ways so
that it flows smoothly with my
own words and maintains my
flow of ideas.

3
I can use information
from other sources so
that it flows smoothly
with my own words.

2
I can use information
from other sources so
that it connects with
my own words.

1
I can use information
from other sources but
have difficulty making it
connect with my own
words.