After reading a novel, it is important to reflect on the experience and ask yourself how you related to the book. What personal connections did it bring up and how did you feel while you read it? Was your experience reading The Barren Grounds like a mirror, a window, or a door?

Decide which of these approaches you experienced and write a well-structured paragraph that shares that experience. You should aim to write between five and eight sentences, using examples and details from the novel where it makes sense.

Before you start writing, review the rubric to see how you will be graded. You may also want to refer back to the “Paragraph Writing” video to make sure you have properly structured your paragraph after you have written the first draft. This means including a topic sentence, about three supporting details, and a concluding sentence.

If you would like to type your paragraph in a separate document, upload that file here as well.


Multi-Paragraph Composition Rubric

  Insufficient Evidence Emerging Developing Proficient Extending
0 1 2 3 4
Content There is too little content to adequately assess my proficiency. I need to resubmit this assignment. I am learning to share ideas about how I relate to a novel. I need help to use examples or details that add to my reflection. I can share basic ideas about how I relate to a novel. I use minimal examples or details that add to my reflection. I can share my ideas and insights about how I relate to a novel. I use meaningful examples or details that add to my reflection. I can successfully share my ideas and insights about how I relate to a novel. I use compelling examples or details that add to my reflection.
Paragraph format and conventions There is too little content to adequately assess my proficiency. I need to resubmit this assignment. I show a beginning understanding of proper paragraph format. My spelling, punctuation, and capitalization include many errors. I show a limited understanding of proper paragraph format. My spelling, punctuation, and capitalization, include several errors. I show a thorough understanding of proper paragraph format. My spelling, punctuation, and capitalization, include some minor errors. I show an excellent understanding of proper paragraph format. My spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are almost all correct.