Eighth Grade English           Mrs. McDee

Composition #1                      One paragraph essay

Due Date:                               FINAL DRAFT DUE BY ALL ON WEDNESDAY, 9/7 BY BREAK IN THE CORRECT BASKET IN ROOM 214.

Topic:                                     In “Happy Women”, Louisa May Alcott writes about women in the nineteenth century who choose an alternative                                                      

                                                lifestyle to what is expected from women at that time. However, according to Alcott and the women she                                                                

                                                interviews, happiness and a sense of achievement can be accomplished outside of the marriage bond.

Assignment:                           In a one paragraph essay, explain why Alcott’s women are good examples of independent thinkers who believe and                                                          

                                                prove through their actions and decisions that happiness and fulfillment can be achieved successfully outside of the                                                 

                                                bonds of marriage.

Requirements:           1.Original title. DO NOT USE the title used by Alcott. Use your    own creativity and impel the reader to want to read what you  

                                    have written by gaining her attention through the use of a title that is catchy without being trite. This might be an easier task if you        

                                    kept it until after you have written the essay. Do not underline or quote the title. Center the title and capitalize only the main       

                                    words in your title. Keep the title 3-5 words. Do not use a sentence or a question as your title.

                                    2. Correct heading format.

                                    3. Use third person point of view.

                                    4. Do not use contractions.

                                    5. Use vivid verbs and adjectives.

                                    6. Word process or type your essay.

Format:   1.Topic Sentence. This sentence should be similar to a map. It gives direction to your entire paragraph. The sentence should include

                        a. the name of the article, b. the author of the article and c. a simple statement of what you will be writing about in your paragraph.

                        SEE SAMPLE.

                 2.Body Sentences. Use one example or reason taken from the information in the article which supports specifically what you stated

                        in your topic sentence. Make sure the example or reason is a direct reference from the article; however, do not use direct quotes from                                

                        the article. Paraphrase the support in your own words. SEE SAMPLE

                  3.Conclusive Sentence. This is a restatement of your topic sentence which should also include a summary of the support you gave in the body              

                        sentences. Be sure no new information is included in this sentence. This is simply a summary of what you supported in your body.

                        SEE SAMPLE