Task Title Analytical Essay: Major Themes in Holes
Task
Clarification
Summative Assessment Tasks
1. Analytical Essay: Major Themes in Holes
Task Description:
Students will write an analytical essay focusing on a major theme of the novel, such as justice, friendship, or
redemption. They will be required to use specific examples from the text to support their analysis and discuss
how these themes are developed through the characters and plot.
Assignment Instructions:
Introduction:
Introduce the theme you will be analyzing.
Provide a brief overview of Holes by Louis Sachar.
State your thesis, indicating how the theme is developed in the novel.
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph 1: Textual Evidence
Present examples from the text that highlight the theme.
Analyze how these examples develop the theme.
Paragraph 2: Character Development
Discuss how characters embody the theme.
Provide specific instances of character actions or changes that relate to the theme.
Paragraph 3: Plot Development
Explain how the plot advances the theme.
Discuss key events that illustrate the theme’s significance.
Conclusion:
Summarize your main points.
Restate your thesis in light of the analysis.
Offer final insights or connections to the real world or other literature.
Language and Presentation:
Ensure your writing is clear, coherent, and free from grammatical errors.
Use appropriate vocabulary and literary terminology.
Proofread your essay for clarity and correctness.
Submission Method: You can choose to print the assignment and submit it in person or email it to
<PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_EMAIL_ADDRESS>
OR
Upload your work in the Managebac under the assigned summative task and upload it there.
Please ensure that the subject of the email is "Year 3 English Assignment - [Student's Name]."
Details of the Assessment criteria and task-specific clarifications (Strand wise):
Criteria A
Achievem
ent Level
Criteria A level Descriptors
(Analyzing)
Task Specific Clarification
7-8 - The student demonstrates a deep understanding of themes.
- They thoroughly examine examples from the text.
- Their analysis provides insightful understanding of theme
development through characters and plot.
- They perceptively discuss the significance of key events.
5-6 - The student clearly identifies and explains themes.
- They effectively use specific examples from the text.
- Their analysis demonstrates a good understanding of theme
development through characters and plot.
- They recognize the significance of key events to the theme.
3-4 - The student adequately identifies and explains themes.
- They use some examples from the text.
- Their analysis shows a basic understanding of theme development
through characters and plot.
- They understand some key events but may lack depth in discussion.
1-2 - The student identifies themes but provides limited explanation.
- They use a few examples from the text.
- Their analysis lacks depth and may overlook key points.
- Little discussion on how characters and plot contribute to theme
development.
0 The essay lacks analysis of the theme, failing to discuss its
development effectively.
Textual evidence is not addressed.
Criteria B
Achieve
ment
Level
Criteria B level Descriptors Task Specific Clarification
7-8 - The student employs sophisticated organizational structures.
- Opinions and ideas are presented coherently and logically.
- They demonstrate excellent use of referencing and formatting
tools.
5-6 - The student competently uses organizational structures.
- Opinions and ideas are presented coherently and logically.
- They effectively use referencing and formatting tools.
3-4 - The student adequately uses organizational structures.
- Opinions and ideas are somewhat coherent.
- They have a basic understanding of referencing and formatting
tools.
1-2 - The student minimally uses organizational structures.
- Opinions and ideas lack coherence and logic.
- They make little use of referencing and formatting tools.
0 The essay lacks structure and organization, making it difficult to follow
Criteria C
Achieve
ment
Level
Criteria C level Descriptors Task Specific Clarification
7-8 Sentences are well-structured, coherent, and convey ideas with
precision and clarity.
The essay is engaging and expressive, with no grammatical or spelling
errors.
The analysis is deep and insightful.
5-6 Sentences are well-structured and the essay effectively communicates
ideas.
There are few, if any, grammatical or spelling errors.
The analysis is solid and meaningful.
3-4 Sentences are generally complete and mostly well-structured.
There may be a few grammatical or spelling errors that do not
significantly detract from the overall quality.
The analysis provides reasonable insights.
1-2 Sentences are often incomplete or awkwardly phrased, with several
grammatical and spelling errors.
The analysis offers limited insights and is difficult to follow.
0 Sentences are unclear and lack coherence. Numerous grammatical and
spelling errors detract from the overall quality. The analysis is
insufficient and offers minimal insights.
Criteria D
Achieve
ment
Level
Criteria D level Descriptors Task Specific Clarification
7-8 The language used in the essay is sophisticated, varied, and
appropriate for a literary analysis.
The vocabulary is precise, and the sentence structures are varied and
effective.
The essay is free from grammatical and spelling errors.
5-6 The language used in the essay is appropriate and varied.
The vocabulary is appropriate for a literary analysis, and the
sentence structures are effective.
There are few grammatical and spelling errors.
3-4 The language used in the essay is appropriate but may be limited in
variety.
The vocabulary is basic, and the sentence structures are simple but
correct.
There are some grammatical and spelling errors.
1-2 The language used in the essay is very basic and limited.
The vocabulary is very simple, and the sentence structures are
often incorrect.
There are many grammatical and spelling errors.
0 The language used in the essay is unclear and inappropriate.
The vocabulary is very limited, and the sentence structures are often
incorrect.
There are numerous grammatical and spelling errors.
Command Terms
Analyze- Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Explain Give a detailed account, including reasons or causes
Language and Literature Glossary
Essay: a short literary composition that reflects the author’s outlook or point. A short literary
composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic,
speculative or interpretative.
Stylistic choices- Creators make choices about what they are going to describe and how to
describe it in order to create effect. This umbrella term encompasses literary and non-literary
features: linguistic devices (rhetorical, syntax, repetition); literary devices (symbolism, metaphor,
simile); and visual devices (color, texture, symbolism, foregrounding).