LORD OF THE FLIES: THE FINAL PROJECT
Context: We’ve been studying William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” over the last couple weeks
looking at the ideas, themes, and symbols behind the novel. We have also been learning how to
write a five paragraph essay, so you probably already know where this is going.
Assignment: A Five Paragraph Essay (this just means that you need to have at least 3 body
paragraphs) analyzing either a symbol or theme from Lord of the Flies.
We have talked about why it is important to understand how to analyze literature and respond
to it in different formats, including the five paragraph essay. I want you guys to succeed in
school, college, work, life, etc. and sometimes that includes institutional writing.
What is expected:
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Level 3 Writing
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A Thesis (highlighted).
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Evidence from the novel supporting your thesis
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At least 3 body paragraphs
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An opening paragraph
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A closing paragraph
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Proper MLA format
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A Voice! (This can include but is not limited to the use of first person (‘I’) and personal
ties to the novel to back up your evidence).
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This is an ANALYSIS (backing up your ideas with evidence from the novel)—NOT a
Summary. I repeat: NOT A SUMMARY.
Grading: You will be expected to include the things above as well as the criteria outlined in the
rubric which will include the product (the paper) and process (the work we have done in class,
drafts, and a reflection). And of course, if there are those papers that can make me sit up and
think or are just so incredibly written I can’t help but give them a better grade…that always
helps.
Think about the strategies we have discussed and practiced in class—these have all been to help
you analyze the novel and allow you to interact with it from multiple approaches. Look at all
the work you have already done because it has all been to help you write this essay.
GRADING RUBRIC
Assignment: The Five Paragraph Essay
1) Ideas (Points Possible: 20) Actual Points:
a. Clearly shows understanding of literature read, specifically a theme or a symbol
from the text.
b. Has ties to the novel’s background, current events, and/or personal significance.
2) Organization (Points Possible: 30) Actual Points:
a. Has an interesting opening paragraph with topic sentence that draws reader in.
b. Thesis (Highlighted) which tells the objective of the paper.
c. At least 3 Body Paragraphs which include transitions, proper use and application
of quotes backed up by supporting evidence.
d. Quotes and evidence support thesis and show thorough analysis of the novel.
e. Closing paragraph that takes reader to a new thought or idea (leaves them
wanting more).
3) Voice (Points Possible: 20) Actual Points:
a. Voice engages readers and aids in the flow of the writing.
b. Whether or not there is use of personal pronouns, still maintains evidence of a
passion for the ideas behind the writing.
4) Sentence Fluency (Points Possible: 15) Actual Points:
a. Essay is easy to follow and ideas flow throughout the paper from sentence to
sentence (i.e. ideas don’t jump around).
b. Quotes are properly “nested” with opening, quote presented, and evidence
following allowing the reader to understand with ease.
5) Conventions (Points Possible: 15) Actual Points:
a. Proper MLA format
b. Thesis is Highlighted
c. No gross errors in spelling or grammar
d. Paragraphs are properly indented, page is double spaced.
6) Process (Points Possible: 50) Actual Points:
a. Index (or equivalent) of gathered evidence while reading novel
b. Stamped Thesis
c. Outline of 5P Essay
d. Stamped Drafts (with evidence of Peer Evaluations)
e. Reflection (Done in Class)
Total Points: 150 Actual Points:
RATIONALE for FINAL ASSIGNMENT
Assignment: Five Paragraph Essay for William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies.”
Context: This assignment will be given probably early February: I want it later in the year so that they
have had more experience and development in writing and so that they can focus on the acquisition or reestablishment of the genre. It’s just long enough to get back in the groove after Christmas Break but
before “Finals Season” begins. The unit timeline is designed for a block class system with 90 minute
periods every other day.
Grade Level: I expect this unit should be taught in a 10th grade Honors English Class. I have also
designed it with enough scaffolding that it could be taught to a regular 10th grade class with little to no
modifications except perhaps with amount of time spent on concepts and lessons. It would be helpful
and potentially essential that students already have experience analyzing literature, the use of voice, and
other basics to writing analytically. It will also be very important that they already know literary devices
so that they can identify and use them in their analysis.
State Objectives:
Standard 1 (Reading): Students will use vocabulary development and an understanding of text elements
and structures to comprehend literary and informational grade level text.
Objective 3 (Comprehension of Literary Text): Comprehend literature by recognizing the use of literary
elements across genres and cultures.
Differences in Teaching: Since this unit is heavily focused on analytical thinking as well as a very tight
format there might be need for extra special attention to those students who might not think this way.
For students who are ‘special needs’ you may want to assign them an alternate format or creative project
that could be done instead of a five paragraph essay.
Rationale: The “Lord of the Flies” is an incredible book that is often referred to as a “college level”
course book due to its didactic implications. The novel is a perfect vehicle to teach analytical writing—
specifically the Five Paragraph Essay, a format that is often required for state core tests and objectives.
Symbolism is also a major literary technique throughout the novel and I want my students to
understand the richness in reading a text that is so full of this technique. The Five Paragraph essay is
simply a format that makes it easy to put an idea (thesis) out for thought and support it with evidence
from the novel. It can also be used to segue into “freer” formats but still retain the basic elements of
analytical writing. Developing the skill of thinking conceptually and symbolically is also something I
want my students to develop so that this richness can be applied to their lives.
Throughout the unit students will be learning different strategies that will help them in the five
paragraph essay or other analytical and research writing projects. Some of the strategies include: Note
taking skills, Discussion, Outlining, Peer Review, and Reflection and we will apply them to the
development of the five paragraph essay.