Open Up - Grade 7 - ELA - Module 3 - End of Unit 2 Assessment - Formative Library | Library

Write an Essay

Directions: As a curator, you have decided to create a Harlem Renaissance exhibit focusing on the theme of the power of dreams to motivate people and bring a sense of purpose to life. Choose three works that most powerfully illustrate this theme, and plan and write an argument essay defending your claim about why these works are such a powerful illustration of this theme.

REMEMBER: A well-written literary argument:
• includes an introduction giving readers the context they need to understand the topic or text;
• fairly acknowledges the counter-argument;
• clearly states a claim and stays focused on supporting that claim throughout the piece;
• uses accurate and relevant evidence and reasoning to support the points;
• groups information logically, in a way that makes the points clear to the reader;
• uses words and phrases to connect the reasons to the claim;
• includes a conclusion supporting the argument and restates the claim;
• uses a formal style; and
• follows rules of writing (spelling, punctuation, and grammar).

Now, begin work on your essay. Manage your time carefully so that you can complete the steps below:
1. Spend a few minutes reviewing your note-catchers and texts from Units 1 and 2. You will use these resources to plan your essay before writing.
2. Plan the essay on your Argument Writing Plan graphic organizer or one you create yourself. The planner will not be scored; only your essay itself will be assessed.
3. Draft the essay.
4. Use the Argument Writing Checklist to revise and edit your essay.
5. Reread your essay checking for effective evidence and organization.
6. Check your essay for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.

Use the following documents to assist you in writing your essay:
• Note-catchers from Module 3, Units 1 and 2
• Texts and artwork from Module 3, Units 1 and 2: Shuffle Along, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Calling Dreams,” “Hope,” “I Shall Return,” Ethiopia Awakening, African Phantasy: Awakening, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” “His Motto,” and “The Boy and the Bayonet”
• Argument Writing checklist
• Argument Writing Plan graphic organizer
• Vocabulary log (from Unit 1, Lesson 2, Work Time A)
• Online or print dictionaries (including ELL and home language dictionaries)

…

Remember the following definitions:
Other Definitions:
phrase: a group of words that modifies or tells more about a noun, verb, or adverb in a sentence
independent clause: a group of words with a subject and verb that tells a complete thought
dependent clause: a group of words with a subject and verb that doesn’t tell a complete thought; modifies or tells more about the independent clause

Part I 
Directions: Imagine that you are writing an essay on themes of the Harlem Renaissance. Complete the sentence stems below using and, but, and however to create a variety of sentences for your essay.

Stem: The theme is presented differently in each piece

The theme is presented differently in each piece, and _____________________________________________

…

The theme is presented differently in each piece, but _____________________________________________

…

The theme is presented differently in each piece; however _____________________________________________

…

Part II 
Directions: Use the following independent and dependent clauses to create the different types of sentences (simple, compound, and compound-complex) about the Harlem Renaissance. Add punctuation, such as commas and periods, and change capitalization as necessary. Then below each new sentence, explain the purpose of the sentence.

Clauses 
which gave their works and lives meaning and purpose dreams helped the artists of the Harlem Renaissance remember their past and dreams made it possible for them to become who they wanted to be

simple sentence: _

purpose: _

…

compound sentence: _
purpose: _

…

complex sentence: _
purpose: _

…

compound-complex sentence: _
purpose: _

…

Source: Open Up Resouces (Download for free at openupresources.org.)

Open Up - Grade 7 - ELA - Module 3 - End of Unit 2 Assessment

The theme is presented differently in each piece, and _____________________________________________

The theme is presented differently in each piece, but _____________________________________________

The theme is presented differently in each piece; however _____________________________________________

simple sentence: _____________________________________________purpose: _____________________________________________

compound sentence: _____________________________________________purpose: _____________________________________________

complex sentence: _____________________________________________purpose: _____________________________________________

compound-complex sentence: _____________________________________________purpose: _____________________________________________

simple sentence: _

purpose: _

compound sentence: _
purpose: _

complex sentence: _
purpose: _

compound-complex sentence: _
purpose: _