Lesson 2: Trash or Treasure?
Handout 2

“Reacting To Trevor’s Idea” Essay

Directions: Read over the following essay questions about Trevor and discuss the details in a five-paragraph essay.

Trevor McKinney believes he has a world-changing idea in the concept of "pay it forward." In your essay explain what Trevor’s idea is, the reaction of both his peers and the adults in his life, and describe how you would react if you were in Trevor’s class. Be sure to explain why people responded the way they did to his idea. Explain why you would have encouraged or discouraged Trevor’s idea.

Paragraph One: Introductory paragraph

  1. Hook: a statement used to catch the reader’s attention
  2. Thesis Statement: a statement explaining what the reader can expect to learn from your essay
  3. Transition Statement: connects paragraph one to paragraph two

Paragraph Two: Trevor’s idea of "pay it forward"

  1. Topic Sentence: a brief statement introducing a paragraph
  2. Supporting Detail One
  3. Supporting Detail Two
  4. Supporting Detail Three
  5. Concluding Sentence: a brief statement concluding the paragraph; connects to next paragraph

Paragraph Three: Reaction of others in the book

  1. Topic Sentence: a brief statement introducing the paragraph
  2. Supporting Detail One
  3. Supporting Detail Two
  4. Supporting Detail Three
  5. Concluding Sentence: a brief statement concluding the paragraph; connects to next paragraph

Paragraph Four: Your reaction to Trevor’s idea

  1. Topic Sentence: a brief statement introducing paragraph
  2. Supporting Detail One
  3. Supporting Detail Two
  4. Supporting Detail Three
  5. Concluding Sentence: a brief statement concluding the paragraph; connects to next paragraph

Paragraph Five: Conclusion

  1. Restate Thesis in a New Way
  2. Connect Back to Hook
  3. Final Thoughts

 

Scoring Rubric Values:

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Total Points Available 45 Points