Assignment 6B (due Nov. 3)

Fifth and sixth graders:

Your assignment is to write an essay (more than one paragraph) to answer this question:

First paragraph: Do you think Kit (in The Witch of Blackbird Pond) learned a lot from her time with the Puritans in New England? After all, it was a strict environment that didn't encourage her to learn like her grandfather in Barbados had done. What do you think?

Middle paragraph(s): Look back at the book and pick examples (at least 3) to prove your point. (As we discussed, please give examples beyond just new skills she learned. Think about character lessons, for example.)

Plan what order you'll present these examples--in time order? Will you lead up to your most convincing point? Or present the most important one first?

[If you can present these examples simply enough to be short (1-2 sentences per example), they can probably all go in one long paragraph. If you want to go into more detail (3-4 sentences per example), make each one a paragraph. If you have one long example and two short examples, you could put the two short ones together in one paragraph.]

Last paragraph: Conclude by answering this question: Do you think Kit would agree with you?

You don't have to make this paragraph too long, but you do need to say more than just, "And I know Kit would agree with me." Why would she agree or disagree? You might base your opinion on Kit's character or personality, and it might help to include one more example (or a quote from Kit?) from the book.

Be sure your last sentence restates the main idea that you picked for your first paragraph and wraps up the whole essay.

Eighth graders:

Same assignment, basically, only your question is: Did Amos Fortune live a good life? Please read my notes for the 5-6th graders and apply them to Amos Fortune.

You'll also need to add one more paragraph. Your first paragraph should address the question: What is a good life? (See the end of the Sonlight Literature Guide to Amos Fortune for help with this question and the whole assignment.) On what will you base your definition of a good life? On your own opinion or feelings? On a philosophical definition? On the Bible? This is a big question--you may want to ask your parents for help thinking this one through.

Then your second paragraph will answer the question of whether you think Amos Fortune lived a good life, according to the definition or basis you've established in your first paragraph.

Your next paragraphs and final paragraph will follow the same instructions as for the 5-6th graders (only for Amos instead of Kit, of course).