Writing Prompt Outline

Overview:

This will be the final essay after reading The Great Gatsby and studying The American
Dream in class in relation to this novel and other smaller readings.

Prompt: Does The Great Gatsby represent The American Dream or a lack of The
American Dream? How does this add to a greater message of the story? Construct an
essay answering both questions. Explain how either representation adds to an overall
message the book portrays.

**Note** Neither answer is the ‘correct’ answer but make sure to explain yourself!

Requirements:

 MLA format with in-text citations and works cited page

 One outside source that gives background information on “The American Dream”
 3 ½ - 4 ½ pages in length
 Clearly states whether the writer believes the book portrays “The American
Dream” being played out or a lack of that dream
 Clearly discusses how this choice affects the rest of the novel and adds to a
bigger idea in the book

Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using
valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.C
Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of
the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons,
between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.B
Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts,
extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples
appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.
Topic: The American Dream in The Great Gatsby

Process and Procedures:

 Discuss The American Dream separately and what that means – before starting
the novel
 Throughout the novel we will have looked at aspects of the characters lives and
whether the students think they represent The American Dream
 We will have looked at this topic in relation to other smaller texts throughout our
unit as well

 Monday – Introduce Prompt and teach MLA citation in-text style and references
page
 Tuesday – Discuss choosing evidence to support your point of view and go over
how to find sources and how to know if they are reliable
 Wednesday – Students will have time in class to begin an outline, creating the
following:
o A tentative thesis statement that answers both questions
o At least four quotes and/or pieces of evidence from the book that support
their point of view
o The outside source they will use
o At least two pieces of evidence from an outside source on The American
Dream to support their point of view
 Thursday – Outline will be due, I will answer any lingering questions on The
American Dream, the novel, MLA, the prompt, and students will have time to
begin working on their draft in class while I am available for in-person feedback
and questions
 Friday – Students will continue working on their drafts and this will be due by the
end of the class period (does not have to be complete but they must have been
working on it during the class period)
 Paper will be due the following Monday

Assessment:

Final Paper
 Completed on time - 2 points off for each additional day late (4 points)
 MLA format including works cited page and in-text citations (4 points)
 Clearly defines the stance taken on both questions (10 points)
 Explains the stance taken on both questions (20 points)
 Includes an outside source (5 points)
  Uses at least 4 pieces of evidence from the novel and 2 from the outside source (12
points)
 3 ½ - 4 ½ pages in length (5 points)
55 points total
Process Along the Way
 Completion of outline 2 days prior to the paper due date including all listed parts (5
points)
 Use of class time to work on paper (5 points)
10 points total