Section outline

  • Objective:

    Students will analyze the development of themes in a short story, identifying how themes evolve throughout the text.

    Task:

    Read a short story and track the development of its central theme. Afterward, write a 2-page essay explaining how the theme develops over the course of the story, citing specific examples.

    Outcome:

    A 2-page essay explaining how the central theme evolves in the short story, with clear and specific textual evidence to support your analysis.

    Materials List:
    1. A copy of the short story (assigned by the teacher or selected by the student)
    2. Pen or pencil
    3. Notebook or digital document for notes
    4. Highlighter (optional)
    5. Dictionary or thesaurus (optional)
    6. Access to a computer or writing tool (for the essay)
    7. Printed rubric (for self-assessment)
    8. Printed template for essay outline (optional)
     
    Evaluation Rubric

    Criteria

    4 (Excellent)

    3 (Good)

    2 (Needs Improvement)

    1 (Unsatisfactory)

    Theme Identification

    Clearly identifies the central theme with strong analysis.

    Identifies the theme, but some analysis is unclear.

    Theme is mentioned but lacks clear explanation.

    Does not identify the central theme.

    Use of Textual Evidence

    Provides 3+ strong pieces of evidence with detailed analysis.

    Provides 2-3 pieces of evidence, but analysis is brief.

    Provides 1-2 pieces of evidence with limited analysis.

    Provides little or no evidence to support claims.

    Organization and Structure

    Well-organized with clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

    Organized, but may lack clarity in structure.

    Lacks clear organization or is difficult to follow.

    Disorganized with no clear structure.

    Clarity and Coherence

    Ideas are clear, well-developed, and easy to follow.

    Ideas are generally clear but may be underdeveloped.

    Some ideas are unclear or confusing.

    Ideas are difficult to follow and lack clarity.

    Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

    No errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

    Few errors, but they do not affect readability.

    Multiple errors that affect readability.

    Numerous errors that make the essay hard to read.

    This unit will help you practice analyzing themes, using textual evidence, and organizing your thoughts in a clear and coherent essay. Good luck!