The Namesake Essay

Writing Prompt

Write a two-page paper that discusses the causes and effects of one of the following topics in terms of a theme Jhumpa Lahiri develops in The Namesake. This essay is not a research paper, so you should not consult outside sources for ideas. The teacher wants to assess your thinking and your analysis of the novel.


• Isolation
• Dual identity
• secrets
• Successful Relationships
• Parental expectations


Grading Rubric

Organization:
 The introduction engages the reader, introduces the topic, and includes a thesis statement that will serve as a blueprint for the main ideas developed in the body paragraphs.
 Body paragraphs follow solid paragraph structure by beginning with a topic sentence, including two or three PIEs, and ending with a concluding sentence which refers clearly to thesis statement. PIE = Point, Illustration, Explanation
 Transitions from part to part and paragraph to paragraph are smooth and logical.
 Conclusion summarizes the ideas presented in the paper and leads the reader to an interesting idea—the So what? or the So why does this matter to life?

Ideas:
 Thesis is clearly stated, fully expanded, specifically states the main ideas of your paper
 Thesis says something specific about the topic being explored. Theme = topic + author’s lesson about topic
 Ideas are presented logically and clearly in body paragraphs that are relevant to the thesis
 Each paragraph includes at least two illustrations quoted from the text to support ideas.
 All ideas are explained and analyzed fully.

Conventions:
 Words are clear, precise and spelled correctly
 Sentence formation is clear and varied
 Proper punctuation is used

Due Dates
• The rough draft is due on Wednesday, September 30 for peer review points.
• The final draft due date window is from Thursday, October 1 to Monday, October 5 at 3:10 p.m.
• Papers turned in on Tuesday, October 6, will be graded, and then 25% will be deducted from the score earned. However, the lowest score earned will be 50% off.
• Papers turned in on Wednesday, October 7 or later will only receive half credit.