Name:__________________________________
To Kill a Mockingbird Character Analysis Essay
A literary analysis essay is an essay in which you analyze, or pick apart and explain, the details of a piece of literature. In a character analysis, you analyze an important character specifically. You don’t just write about basic, obvious information. You go deeper to reveal things that may be hidden or hard to see at first about the character.
You should look at all aspects of the character and make arguable points about the character you choose. For instance, saying that the character is young is too obvious. You could say that a character is selfish because this requires you to prove it.
Choices for character:
Jem
Atticus
Miss Maudie
Mrs. Dubose
Dolphus Raymond
Bob Ewell
Mayella Ewell
Calpurnia
Requirements
Five-paragraph essay, 500-600 words: introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
Thesis is an arguable statement that is unique and creative, not obvious
Cite evidence from the book to prove your points
Use present-tense verbs when describing the action of the book
Complete a rough draft with peer review, a 2nd rough draft with a teacher writing conference, and a final rough draft
/30
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Unity
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Thesis is in the right place (last sentence of intro)
Thesis has three previews
Thesis is concise, clearly worded, and 1 sentence long
Thesis clearly addresses the essay prompt
Essay contains quality ideas deeper than surface level
All thoughts are relevant
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/30
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Support
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Topic sentences reference thesis
Explanation leaves no question unanswered; is thorough
Evidence is present and specific
Evidence is explained and connected to the explanation
Evidence is significant and truly proves the point
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/20
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Organization
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Intro has good hook
Creative title
Intro has good format and clearly leads to the essay topic & thesis
Conclusion re-states the thesis & ends meaningfully
There are meaningful transitions between paragraphs
Paragraph divisions make sense
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/10
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Style
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Variety of sentence lengths and sentence starts
Uses at least 5 quality vocab words (marked)
No contractions or you/your/yours/etc.
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/10
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Mechanics
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No spelling mistakes
No formatting errors
No other silly mistakes
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Total:____________/100
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