Noire Meyers

Ms. Wilson
English II
2/1/2019

Instructions:
1. Choose ​ONE​ of the stories you read for the Intro to English II assignment:
a. "A Dozen Keychains" by Firoozeh Dumas
b. "By Any Other Name" by Samantha Rama Rau

2. Write a well-constructed SPEPES paragraph in response to the prompt below. You must
CITE EVIDENCE​ from the text to support your response. Be sure to include the title(s)
and author(s) in your answer. You may use your annotations.

Prompt: ​The the people we are surrounded by and the things we go through in life ​change how
we see ourselves.​ In the text, how do social influences and experiences shape the protagonist's
attitude towards herself? (Type your response in the space below).

In ​“A Dozen Keychains”​, we can see how her being from a different culture, growing up with
different customs and peer pressure from her [Firoozeh’s] american peers mentally affects her
in a negative way. This can be seen through this quote from the text​ “...​your nose points
downward, so I figured that’s because you’re always looking at the ground” and everyone
laughs.”​ When the person speaking to the speaker says this in a mocking way, it makes our
speaker feel self conscious about her looks, which can lower her self esteem and mentally
affect her negatively as said before in the previous statement. Another example of this can be
seen in this quote ​“She also decides not to bathe, since doing so involves getting naked in front
of others, which she’s never done before. Instead of participating in the activities, such as
archery, cooking, or horseback riding, she sits alone making key chains every day.” ​This also
has to do with her feeling like she can’t get along with the other kids with her being a bit
reserved and being seen as “different” from the others. There being a cultural difference which
leads to her deciding not to bathe for the whole time also adds to some of her insecurity while
she’s there, which can have a negative impact on her wellbeing.

Proficie Earned Points

Requirements Based on Standards nt? (X) Points Possible
Produce an answer based on the proof you
X
Statement - Student collect.
makes a clear,
Restate the question stem. Mention the name of
straightforward, X 3 3
the book, story, article.
relevant claim
(Standard Wa.9.1.a) Write a specific and detailed claim that reflects the
X
proof you have collected.
 Proof - Student Use direct textual proof when possible (direct
X
uses observable quotes, or paraphrase from the text)
evidence and
Choose the proofs that actually prove your
specific details to X 2 3
statement is true. The more specific, the better.
support opinion.
(Standards W.9.1.b, Cite proofs using appropriate formatting (includes
W.9.1.d) punctuation)
Explain ​how​ your evidence proves your
Explanation - X
statement, not just ​that​ it proves your statement.
Student uses
critical thinking to Use key words from the statement to connect the 12
X
support evidence proof(s) to the statement. 12 (3 points
and connect it to Anticipate questions your reader might have and each)
the claim. X
answer them. Leave no doubt.
(Standard W.9.1.b)
Use sound reasoning in explanation X
Synthesis - Student Restate your main point(s) using different words
X
summarizes with the same meaning.
argument and, if
Remind your reader of your strongest proofs X 3 3
necessary, offers
extension. Why is your argument important to understanding
X
(Standard W.9.1.e) the text?
Utilize transition words/phrases to aid organization X

Transitions/Organiz Vary sentence structure (simple, compound,

ation/ complex)
Formatting/Style/To Use formal language to convey clear ideas (no 1 2
ne slang) Uses strong verbs and adjectives that make
(Standards W.9.1.a, your argument clearer.
W.9.1.c, W.9.1.d)
Present an objective argument (keep your
X
emotions/ feelings out of it)
Conventions: Avoid run-ons, comma splices, and fragments
Grammar, Spelling,
Capitalization, and 1 2
Punctuation X
(Standard L.9.2) Avoid capitalization and spelling errors

Total: 22 25