Covenant Christian School
ABN: 80 161 716 452
CRICOS No. 02943C
Year 8 Boys English Essay: The Cay
Term 1 2016
Due: Monday 4 April (Week 10)
Apart from its many other messages, “The Cay” tell us much about the way
people learn by their experiences. Your task is to answer the two following
questions based on the novel:
Character Development – Phillip’s Maturing
1. In “The Cay”, we see Phillip mature from the naïve, self-centered little boy
in Chapter One to a mature young man of very sound character at the end
of the novel. Timothy is a great influence on Phillip’s development and
maturing.
In what way does Timothy teach Phillip about character and help him
mature? Give at least four examples from the novel to support your
answer. (approx 250 – 300 words)
Themes
1. In approximately one to two pages, briefly write about three of the
following themes or messages of the novel, and how they are
developed or brought out in the novel (remember to include quotes
to support your statements):
THEMES
-RACISM/PREJUDICE
-BLINDNESS (REAL AND SYMBOLIC)
-FRIENDSHIP/LOYALTY/TRUST
-DEPENDENCE/INDEPENDENCE
-COOPERATION
Presentation: 1. Your assignment may be written or typed
2. Please double-space your writing
Important things to remember:

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You should try to have at least one supporting quotation from the novel in each
body paragraph.
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A draft is not compulsory, but strongly encouraged. Drafts will be accepted on
or before Wednesday 30 March (Week 9).
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A signed Assignment Cover Page and copy of the rubric must be attached to
your essay.
If you are unsure about any part of this assignment, please contact Mrs Lyons.
English Discussion Essay
Marking Rubric
Category
Focus &
Organisation
Development
Comprehension
& Analysis
Communication
Criteria
Mark
Essay has a clear and logical structure
0
1
2
3
4
5
Essay is focused on thesis throughout; main points strongly support thesis
0
1
2
3
4
5
Points are thoroughly developed with relevant, detailed explanations
0
1
2
3
4
5
Evidence is highly persuasive and effective in supporting each main point
0
1
2
3
4
5
Sufficient quotations are chosen, integrated smoothly and referenced correctly
0
1
2
3
4
5
Demonstrates understanding of plot, characters and other elements of the novel
0
1
2
3
4
5
Insightful analysis rather than summary
0
1
2
3
4
5
Concise and fluent expression
0
1
2
3
4
5
Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
0
1
2
3
4
5
Meets word quota
0
1
2
3
4
5
Breakdown of Marks:
Focus and Organisation
20%
Development
40%
Comprehension and Analysis
20%
Communication
20%
Lateness: 10% lost per day late (weekend = 1 day)
Final mark:
Comments:
Marking key
0 = no evidence
1 = evidence but nowhere
near enough
2 = nearly enough evidence
3 = adequate evidence
4 = more than enough
quality evidence
5 = couldn’t ask for more