8th Grade Writing-Expository Assessment

This includes two Articles "The History of Narcissistic

Personality Disorder" and "Selfies, Facebook, and Narcissism: What's the Link? Exploring the link between Facebook and Narcissism" plus a graph titled "College Students' Narcissistic Personality Inventory Scores 1982-2006" . After reading these two articles students are given a prompt for an expository essay on narcissism. There is also an outline sheet included for students to use in order to help them organize their essay. Plus a rubric for easy grading of final essay. This product works great in any digital classroom. This is editable in Google Docs. You must have Google Drive to use this product! You may sign up for Google drive for free Visit here for help with Google Drive

Looking for a final writing assignment on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? This resource features everything you'll need to lead students through the process of writing an analytical essay about Romeo and Juliet. The resource features 5 writing prompts which will motivate students to think with nuance about important themes in the play. The resource also includes scaffolding to help students select evidence, generate an outline, and begin writing. For teachers, the resource features an assessment rubric which can be used to grade and provide feedback on students' analytical writing.

Here's what you'll find in this editable 8-page resource:

• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Let students choose from one of 5 thought-provoking sample topics — or invite them to develop a topic of their own. Includes a handout introducing students to the elements in an analytical essay as well as a scaffolded writing schedule with each step in the essay writing process. (4 pages)
• Outline Template: Scaffold the writing process by having students fill out an outline before they write their papers. The outline template has boxes where students can write out their hook, thesis, topic sentences, textual evidence, and so on. (3 pages)
• Assessment Rubric: A detailed assessment rubric enables teachers to grade student papers in a fast and efficient manner. (1 page)

The entire unit will come to you in two separate formats: Word Docs *and* PDFs. Because the Word docs are fully editable, you'll be able to customize them to match the skill levels of your students year after year. If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access PDF versions which are easy to navigate and quick to print.

Rigorous Resources is your one-stop shop for top-quality resources on William Shakespeare. Wishing you an amazing experience with teaching the Romeo and Juliet. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I love hearing from fellow teachers who share a passion for great literature! 

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Remember to “follow” my store to receive email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Feel free to check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing

INTRO TO SHAKESPEARE: Biography, Globe Theater, Language, & Meter

This product has students analyze 5 images from the Middle Passage to answer the prompt, "What was life like for a slave on the Middle Passage?" They will use the "I see, I feel, I wonder" method for each image and then answer the prompt separately in a formal paragraph. This lesson ALWAYS encourages rich conversations among the students. There is a slide presentation that can be used digitally and shared with students on google drive and also a PDF version if teachers want to have students complete the lesson on paper.

Suggestions for use: I usually project the images and work through the slides with the students as a class so that we can discuss together. Students always have many thoughts and feelings about these images, and I want to make sure we flush these out in class. I then have them complete the writing prompt independently or for homework. Another option is to print the photos and have students do a gallery walk or stations.

Please let me know if you have any questions about how to use this resource.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

Introduce your students to the complexities of Constitutional Law with this engaging and interactive worksheet! Students will step into the shoes of Supreme Court Justices to analyze a fictional First Amendment case.

This a fun activity when teaching about the First Amendment and/or the Supreme Court. This resource has students analyze a "fake" law that has been challenged all the way to the Supreme Court as violating the First Amendment. Students need to decide, based on the facts given and the language of the First Amendment, whether the law is Constitutional.

They also need to write an "opinion" of the Court and present to the class or submit for a grade. I usually have them do this in groups, but could also be done individually as a short assessment.

Features:

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy-to-follow guidelines help students navigate the case analysis process.
• Opinion Writing: A structured template assists students in organizing their thoughts and presenting a clear argument.
• Critical Thinking: Encourages students to consider multiple perspectives and develop sound critical thinking and reasoning skills.
• Classroom Ready: Printable PDF format for easy distribution and use in any classroom setting.

(This activity is not necessarily looking for a correct answer, but is looking to assess how well students understand and can analyze the language of the First Amendment based on a given set of facts).

This can usually be done in one 50 minute class period.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of products, please check out my store at Nemo's Nook.

Transform your classroom into a hub of creativity and history with this "Redesign the $20 Bill" project! Engage your students in an immersive activity where they research significant historical figures and redesign the $20 bill to honor their chosen individual. This project is perfect for history, social studies, art and combining research, creativity, and presentation skills. It can be an individual or group project.

This resource is 100% Editable!

What's included:

• Detailed Lesson Plan: Step-by-step guide for teachers to implement the project.
• Worksheets: Structured templates to guide students in their research.
• Assessment Rubric: Clear criteria to assess students' research, design, and presentation.

Why Choose This Project?

• Encourages critical thinking and creativity
• Integrates history and art
• Develops research and presentation skills
• Fun and engaging for students

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

Please provide your feedback and receive TeachShare credits towards you next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

This resource has students examine 3 primary sources about slavery from varying perspectives. The primary sources are from Frederick Douglass, George McDuffie and Fanny Kemble and describe their views on slavery. Students then have to answer the guiding question in a complete well-structured paragraph using evidence from the primary sources. This resource includes a google slides AND PDF version of the primary sources for projecting or sharing to students as well as a worksheet/graphic organizer as both a PDF and google doc.

The worksheet/graphic organizer is 5 pages in total and includes copies of the primary sources with spaces for annotations.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

This product includes a chart for students to track platitudes as they read the novel. Afterwards, they will choose one of the platitudes to be the subject of a writing assignment. The essay prompt requires them to support the platitude with two examples from the novel and one from their life.

Are you looking for an engaging activity to review the novel with your students? Check out my Question trail for Nothing But the Truth!

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Avis-Nothing-But-The-Truth-Question-Trail-Text-Analysis-Activity-4307951

If you need a way to assess your students' understanding of the novel, please check out my Socratic Circle packet! https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Nothing-But-The-Truth-by-Avi-Socratic-Seminar-packets-and-rubric-4070811

This product features 20 beautifully-made task cards with generic essay prompts that will work for any novel. These prompts are differentiated so that they appeal to all learners and give all students a chance to shine in their essay writing! After years of tweaking my essay prompts, I have created questions that are thoughtful and concise so that in turn, they reap excellent student responses. Example: How reliable is the narrator of your novel? Is the reader able to fully trust him/her? Why or why not? Support your answer with three specific and relevant details from the text. Essay prompts focus on literary analysis and are recommended for middle and high school students. _________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out these great resources that can be adapted for any novel by Language Arts Excellence: Differentiated Essay Prompts for use with ANY Novel Novel Soundtrack Assignment Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials Adaptable for ANY Topic Differentiated End of Term Reflection Activities Book Recommendation Form Differentiated End of Year Reflection Activities

This 3-page form asks students to specifically rate their performance on the 6 components of effective effort on a given essay: TIME, FOCUS, RESOURCEFULNESS, USE OF STRATEGIES, USE OF FEEDBACK, and COMMITMENT. This product is modeled after teachings from The Skillful Teacher by Jon Saphier, Mary Ann Haley-Speca, and Robert Gower and encourages a growth mindset in students. I provide this form to my students every single time I assign a paper and am always pleasantly surprised at how honest they are in their responses, especially as the incentive for guessing their grade is 2 bonus points! ____________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out this great lesson plan for teaching Effective Effort by Language Arts Excellence: ⭐Effective Effort Lesson Plan ____________________________________________________________________________ ⭐Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

This 3-page form asks students to specifically rate their performance on the 6 components of effective effort on a given essay: TIME, FOCUS, RESOURCEFULNESS, USE OF STRATEGIES, USE OF FEEDBACK, and COMMITMENT. This product is modeled after teachings from The Skillful Teacher by Jon Saphier, Mary Ann Haley-Speca, and Robert Gower and encourages a growth mindset in students. I provide this form to my students every single time I assign a paper and am always pleasantly surprised at how honest they are in their responses, especially as the incentive for guessing their grade is 2 bonus points! ____________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out this great lesson plan for teaching Effective Effort by Language Arts Excellence: ⭐Effective Effort Lesson Plan ____________________________________________________________________________ ⭐Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

Empower your students to master the art of persuasive writing with our comprehensive Argumentative Essay Writing Unit Activity Pack. Tailored specifically for Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 homeschoolers, and ESL/EFL learners, this pack provides everything needed to guide students through the process of crafting compelling argumentative essays.

Contents Include:

1. 3 Outline Organizers – Help students structure their essays with clear and organized outlines.

2. 3 Argument and Evidence Organizers – Encourage students to build strong arguments supported by evidence.

3. 3 Counterargument/Rebuttal Organizers – Equip learners with tools to present and refute opposing viewpoints (Pros/Cons, Counterargument/Rebuttal, Arguments/Counterarguments).

4.3 Persuasive Appeal Organizers – Focus on ethos, pathos, and logos to strengthen persuasive techniques.

5. 3 Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Organizers (CER) – Guide students in making claims, supporting them with evidence, and providing logical reasoning.

6. Steps for Writing Argumentative Essays – A step-by-step guide that breaks down the essay-writing process into manageable tasks.

7. Advice for Argumentative Essay Writing – 10 fun and easy-to-understand tips to enhance students' argumentative writing skills.

8. 2 Argumentative Essay Topic Sets – Two sets of engaging topics designed to spark students' interest and creativity.

9. 100 Words, Phrases, and Sentence Starters for Argumentative Writing – A handy list of vocabulary to boost students’ confidence and fluency.

10. Argumentative Essay Writing Scoring Rubric – A clear and detailed rubric for fair and consistent grading.

11. Argumentative Essay First Draft With Checklist – Support students in refining their essays with a structured first draft and checklist.

12. Argumentative Essay Second Draft – Further polish and perfect essays with a second draft template.

13. Argumentative Essay Writing Sheet – A clean and organized sheet for final essay submission.

14. How to Write References – Teach students the importance of citing sources with easy-to-follow instructions.

15. Argumentative Essay Reference List – Provide a simple format for listing references.

This activity pack is perfect for classroom use, independent learning, or supplementary support in homeschooling environments. Whether your students are native speakers or ESL/EFL learners, they will benefit from the structured approach and engaging content designed to make argumentative essay writing accessible, enjoyable, and effective.

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Unlock your students’ storytelling potential with this Narrative Writing Unit Activity Pack—a complete toolkit for guiding Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, homeschoolers, and ESL/EFL learners through the art of narrative writing. This engaging unit is designed to support students in crafting meaningful and structured stories and personal essays, emphasizing creativity, character development, and clear organization.

Contents Include:

1. 4 Story Map Organizers – Guide students in mapping out engaging storylines.

2. 6 Character Development Organizers – Help students create relatable, well-rounded characters.

3. 3 Plot Diagram Organizers – Structure stories with clear beginnings, climaxes, and resolutions.

4. 2 Personal Narrative Organizers – Focus on writing from personal experience with purpose and depth.

5. Steps for Writing Narrative Texts or Essays – A step-by-step guide to planning, drafting, and refining.

6. Standards-Based Narrative Writing Topics for Grades 6-10 – Ensures alignment with curriculum goals.

7. Suggested Topics for Narrative Writing – Inspires creativity and broadens writing possibilities.

8. Advice for Writing Narrative Texts or Essays – Tips for bringing stories to life.

9. Narrative Writing Checklist – A handy tool for self-review and improvement.

10. 100 Words, Phrases, and Sentence Starters – Categorized to jumpstart narrative ideas.

11. 10 Fun Ways to Write an Effective Hook – Techniques for capturing readers’ attention from the first line.

12. Hook Writing Practice Checklist – Reinforce skills for writing captivating beginnings.

13. Revision and Editing Guide for Narrative Writing – Structured tips for polishing drafts.

14. Peer Review Checklist for Narrative Writing – Encourage constructive feedback among classmates.

15. Narrative Writing/Essay Scoring Rubric – Provides clear expectations for assessment.

Perfect for the classroom, independent study, or homeschooling, this pack equips students—whether native speakers or English learners—with all the resources needed to confidently write, revise, and present their narratives. Engage and inspire your students to share their stories with clarity and style—get your copy of this Narrative Writing Unit Pack today!

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Want to earn some TeachShare credits for your next purchase? Go to My Purchase page, hit the Leave a Review button where you can write a quick review or note. For every feedback, 1 point will be credited to your account for every $1 you spend on your purchase. Credits earned can be checked on your Account Balance page.

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40 prompts to help students with on-demand writing. Each handout has a black and white image to color that is non-fiction, real life related. Factual, lined page, story starters for critical thinking, assessment-style, standardized writing practice. Topics include: In my future, I see... Some people say I'm a dreamer... The road of life has many obstacles... The root system of a tree is as complicated as... Home represents... If I could soar like a bird... To walk a mile in another's shoes... The world's future is.... One of the biggest exaggerations I've heard or told was... I have a place in my heart for... Gossip spreads like wildfire. An example of this is... My friends are as unique as leaves on a tree... plus so many more fact-based prompts... Full page lined writing handout for 2 sided copying Copy and handout to students for on-demand, non-fiction writing practice, diagnostic testing, assessment practice, peer workshopping practice, and more. Meets Common Core and State ELA Standards for writing.

20 Non-fiction writing prompts to help students with assessment writing. Comes with 20 handouts with graphics and writing space. Includes:

In my future I see...

People say I'm a dreamer...

My life is like a song...

Home represents...

Gossip spreads like wildfire...

plus 15 more non-fiction writing prompts that relate to students' lives!

Excellent for assessment prep, journal prompts, non-fiction connections to readings. Use the prompts as introduction into research then use the writing process and peer workshop essays for Common Core requirements.

Get students thinking about presidential elections and political campaign promises with 16 handouts that generate higher level learning.The journal-like prompts include historical facts that will have students wondering, "What if.I was president..?" Social issues to write about include:

family issues

government growth

importing goods

internet issues

laws and rules

leadership style

national debt

national security

social security

space exploration

succession

transportation problems

war

world peace

There are sixteen famous presidents, with their greatest accomplishments. Included are: Adams, Bush, Clinton, Cleveland, Coolidge, Eisenhower, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Nixon, Reagan, Roosevelt,Washington

Includes Extra Resources (videos, web-links) and Ideas for Use in the classroom.

Can be used with English, Government, History classes.

One-page quiz for introduction or assessment to working with citations. Whole group or individual activity that combines technology and how to properly cite research materials.

New standardized tests, such as ACT and SAT, ask students to define the problem, sort through solutions, find the best solution, and explain why they chose their answers. This free graphic organizer will help students with working through the process!

Common Core approach to Persuasive writing using step-by-step instructions for students. Includes 20 pages of: Definition Persuasive vs. Argumentative Whole/small group and individual activities Ethical Writers Examples of Thesis/Topic Sentences/Details/Facts... Using Figurative Language Outlines Peer Workshopping Persuasive Scoring Rubric (Revision friendly to master skills) Extra Resources: video presentations, handouts, and ESL links Easy to follow and use with students in grades 4 and up. Meets CCSS Opinion and Argument Writing requirements.

Teach analysis and audience through an interactive interpretation of Brutus' Speech from Julius Caesar. Students will bring the speech up-to-date using slang and time period words. Included are: student examples extra resources list scoring rubric directions with materials list Students will "get the meaning" with this easy-to-teach, fun analysis assignment. Meets standard state ELA guidelines and CCSS.