English IV September 21, 2009 Warm Up: SAT Practice #10

Reminders  Don’t forget to bring in school supplies  Bring in your permission slips and consent forms Field Trip on Thursday Friday is a ½ day

2 nd Writing Assignment  Due Date: September 29 th, 2009  The Epic of Sundiata is one of the most well known recorded instances of a hero. If we look closely, Sundiata is far from perfect. Although he embodies much of the good qualities of the Mali (i.e. he is brave, fearless, strong, a leader, a friend), he also has some flaws.

2 nd Writing Assignment  For your second writing assignment, you may examine Sundiata from a few different perspectives:  1. Do you feel that Sundiata is a hero? Did Sundiata possess many of the characteristics and qualities that you would normally associate with a hero? Do you feel that his actions and deeds warrant notoriety and the fame that he has received as recorded hero? OR do you feel that Sundiata is selfish and his many arrogant and conceited deeds outweigh his strengths as a leader and a well known her/king? Make an argument for either case. Make sure that you provide specific examples to support your reasoning. ..

2 nd Writing Assignment  2. What is a hero? The idea of a hero in Old Mali is much different from our ideas of a hero today, or is it? Sundiata embodies many of the qualities and characteristics that his society would value. Other heroes that you may be familiar with embody similar qualities or characteristics (think of Superman, Spiderman, etc.). What is a hero like today? What makes a person or character heroic? Is it similar to or different from Sundiata? Compare and contrast your notion or idea of a hero with that of the people of Old Mali.  3. For the Kingdom of Mali, Sundiata was their ideal of a hero. Is there someone who you feel is your personal hero? Is there a person, either whom you know or someone who has indirectly influenced your life, that you feel warrants the title of a hero? Explain who your hero is and why that person is a hero to you. You may want to describe or explain that person’s

2 nd Writing Assignment  Your essay should include an introduction with a clear thesis or purpose, specific examples that are clearly explained, and a conclusion. Each of your paragraphs should contain roughly 7 sentences each. Your introduction may want to define what a hero is or provide some examples of familiar or famous heroes. Remember that this will be a rough draft. Your peers will aid you in describing your hero more effectively or providing other examples that help to clarify your point.

Outline for Hero Writing Assignment  I. Introduction Consider a hook or strategy to begin What are some of the strategies we have discussed? Ask a question: What makes a hero? How does one become heroic? Why do we have heroes? Provide your own definition of a hero: Everyone has someone he or she looks up to. For me, a hero is… (use adjectives and characteristics)

Introduction: Hook

Outline for 2 nd Writing Assignment  I. Introduction (continued) Provide a quote or famous saying: Earnest Hemmingway once said: “As you get older, it’s harder to have heroes, but it’s kind of necessary.” Make sure you explain what it means. Describe the qualities or characteristics of a hero: Brave, strong, valiant, willing, courageous, honest

2 nd Writing Assignment  I. Introduction Describe the scene of the hero: January 2 nd seemed like any other day. Wesley Autrey was on his way to work, taking the subway from uptown like he had done every other day for the past 2 years. Little did he know that a quick act where he risked his life would soon change everything for him.

2 nd Writing Assignment  I. Introduction Any other strategies? Make sure that you provide some type of purpose or thesis statement: Sundiata was a hero to his people because he …. Although he put himself in danger, Wesley Autrey became a hero to America because of his self-less bravery in helping to save someone else’s life.

2 nd Writing Assignment  II. Body Paragraph This is where you provide your reasons and examples why your hero should be considered a hero (or Sundiata is or is not a hero). Remember to BE SPECIFIC– tell what that person did (or continues to do) Remember to describe and analyze your examples Remember to use transitions to link your ideas (first, second; Next; Furthermore, Although, Nevertheless, Even though…)

2 nd Writing Assignment  II. Body paragraphs You should have AT LEAST 3 different examples of why your person is a hero Think of actions, characteristics, personality, personal connections, your own ideals and values, and how society may see this hero Make sure you analyze and explain your examples– Always connect it back to what you say in your thesis

2 nd Writing Assignment  III. Conclusion Your conclusion should be your check point Did you prove or discuss what you initially set out to prove? Does your essay make sense and connect your ideas? Sum up your points by explaining again how your hero has changed the world (or your world)– what impact has his or her actions had on society (or you)?