First Freshman Essay and Reflective Writing - Assessment of Adolescence
Ms. Kamrass
English 9 

Purpose: This is for me to evaluate your writing, and discover your writing methods to help you learn to be a better writer. 

Opening Description: This summer, I read a book where the author, Stephen Marche, describes a conversation he had one night while he was out with a friend. He wondered aloud how people “survive adolescence.” In reply his friend said, “They’re all so beautiful and they think they’re so ugly.” 
To this Marche said, “They’re all so ignorant and they think they know everything.”

Marche, Stephen. How Shakespeare Changed Everything. HarperCollins; New York, 2011. Print. 59.

Your essay will address either one, or all of, the ideas expressed above. Explain how you agree, disagree, or see both sides. Yes, you are allowed to use the first person (“I”).

As with any essay, it is essential that you not only express opinion, but base your conclusions and arguments on specific details (CDs). Give details from your life, or describe the people that you know. Finally, tell me how your details support your assertions (CM). 

In addition to writing an essay, you will write a companion piece. This second piece of writing is a reflection that lets me know more about how you write, and how you feel about it. Reflect on both your process and thoughts as you approach and execute the essay. 

1. For the essay you need to: 
●	Create an essay based on any of the ideas shown in bold (in the quote above)
●	use language appropriate for an English class essay (you may use the first person)
●	organize paragraphs in a logical manner (have at least four)
●	develop paragraphs carefully so that there are enough details and explanation/analysis so that your experiences and opinions are clear.  
●	You may handwrite (in dark blue or black ink), or type your first draft
●	Second draft will be typed with MLA style (Googledocs has a template you can use to format)
2. For the reflective writing piece you need to: 
●	tell me how you went about writing the essay, as well as your thoughts and feelings 
●	continue to write in an organized manner 
●	use proper English (words and mechanics)
●	you may type or hand-write it, but it should still look presentable 
○	use a printer, or a pen

Grading: 
You will earn 10 points for submitting the first draft on time. Your second draft will receive another “responsibility” grade (10/10 for walking into the classroom with a completed pack: first draft, rubric, final copy). Your final copy will receive a writing grade out of 100 points. 

Due: Check your weekly sheets.