Name: __________________________________ Block: ______

African Literature Mastery Work #2: Theme Analysis Essay & Socratic Seminar for Things Fall Apart

The theme of a work of literature is the comment the author makes about his subject matter or a
revelation about the behavior of human beings or the conduct of society. In other words, it is what we learn
after thinking about what we have read.

Task: For your Mastery Work assignment you will determine one of the many thematic messages about a
specific topic for the novel Things Fall Apart. After deciding on your theme, you will write a six paragraph
essay that discusses the ways in which Achebe builds his message. Additionally, you will participate in a
Socratic seminar about your topic.

What must be included in your paper:

 An introductory paragraph that has a precise thesis statement that is derived from your reading.
 Evidence from the novel across four TE/EA paragraphs.
 A concluding paragraph (total six paragraphs).
 An MLA style works cited page.

Standards for the paper:

 Your essay must be written in academic language.
 You must explain your evidence with detail and context! Write as though your reader has no
background information about your topic.
 Follow formatting standards. If you have the improper format, you will lose points on the essay.

Format:
 Typed, Size 12, Times New Roman font, double spaced.
 Include a heading with your name, date, block, and teacher's name.

Guidelines for Socratic seminar:

 Come prepared. Bring notes and info that are relevant to the discussion.
 Participate, participate, participate!
 Back up your comments with evidence/ facts.
 Try to comment on someone else's previous statement before you give yours.
 Keep discussion alive by asking open-ended, thought-provoking questions.
 Disagree with comments, not individuals. NEVER put anyone down.
 Use your speaking time fairly (contribute but do not control).

DUE DATES:
 First Draft: ____________________________ Final Draft: ____________________________

DO NOT LOSE THIS SHEET!!!

You must also submit this handout with both your FIRST DRAFT and FINAL DRAFT.
The rubric must be facing FORWARD.
ESSAY RUBRIC
4 3
-Introduction paragraph has
a captivating hook, provides
Introduction
detailed and relevant
background information and
has a strong, unique thesis.
-Shows a strong
understanding of the theme.
-TE/EA format followed
Body Paragraphs
precisely. Two pieces of
relevant evidence per
paragraph and a detailed,
sophisticated analysis.
-Context clear throughout
Demonstrates proper &
consistent citation of sources
Command of Evidence
when dealing with direct
quotes and paraphrased
material.
Present ideas fully and
clearly, making effective use
of a wide range of specific
and relevant evidence
Conclusion recaps all of the
relevant points from the
Conclusion
essay without sounding
repetitive. Leaves reader
with a profound and
interesting question or idea.
Shows the value of reading
the essay.
0-3 errors in spelling
Conventions
(including capitalization) and
grammar (including subject-
verb agreement and
punctuation)
First Draft  RUBRIC SCORE: _________
Final Draft  RUBRIC SCORE: _________
*Rubrics for the Socratic seminar will be given out at a later date.
-Introduction paragraph has
an interesting hook, provides
relevant background
information and has a
strong, clear thesis.
-Shows a good
understanding of the theme.
-TE/EA format followed
precisely. Two pieces of
relevant evidence per
paragraph and a detailed
analysis.
- Context mostly clear
throughout
Demonstrates consistent
citation of sources when
dealing with direct quotes
and paraphrased material.
Presents ideas sufficiently
and accurately, making
adequate use of specific and
relevant evidence.
Conclusion recaps all of the
relevant points from the
essay. Leaves reader with a
relevant question or idea.
Shows the value of reading
the essay.
4-6 errors in spelling
(including capitalization) and
grammar (including subject-
verb agreement and
punctuation)
= ____________/100
= ____________/100
2 1
-Introduction paragraph has
a weak or confusing hook,
provides poor background
information and has an
unclear or weak thesis.
-Attempts to show an
understanding of the theme.
TE/EA format followed with
some errors (missing
evidence, unclear topic
sentence, etc). Analysis is
weak and/or confusing.
- Context unclear/missing
Demonstrates inconsistent
citation of sources when
dealing with direct quotes
and paraphrased material.
Presents ideas briefly,
making use of some
evidence.
Conclusion fails to recap all
of the relevant points from
the essay, is repetitive and
unoriginal. Value of essay is
unclear.
7-9 errors in spelling
(including capitalization) and
grammar (including subject-
verb agreement and
punctuation)
-Introduction paragraph is
missing a clear hook, lacks or
has poor background
information, thesis is
unclear, confusing or
missing entirely.
-No clear understanding of
the theme.
TE/EA format followed with
multiple errors (missing
evidence, unclear topic
sentence, etc). Analysis is
weak, confusing, or absent
entirely.
-Context unclear/missing
Does not make appropriate
use of citations when dealing
with direct quotes and
paraphrased material.
Presents little or no evidence
from the texts
Conclusion fails to recap all
of the relevant points from
the essay, is repetitive and
unoriginal and/or conclusion
is missing.
10 or more errors in
spelling (including
capitalization) and grammar
(including subject-verb
agreement and punctuation)
 African Literature Mastery Work #2: Theme Analysis Essay & Socratic Seminar for Things Fall Apart

The theme of a work of literature is the comment the author makes about his subject matter or a
revelation about the behavior of human beings or the conduct of society. In other words, it is what we learn
after thinking about what we have read. At times, the author’s theme may not confirm of agree with your own
beliefs, but even then, if it is skillfully written, the work will still have a theme that illuminates some aspects of
the human experience.

The theme of a work of literature is the comment the author makes about his subject matter or a revelation
about the behavior of human beings or the conduct of society. In other words, it is what we learn after
thinking about what we have read.

Task: For your first Mastery Work assignment you will determine one of the many thematic messages about a
specific topic for the novel Things Fall Apart. After deciding on your theme, you will write a six paragraph
essay that discusses the ways in which Achebe builds his message.

Additionally, you will participate in a Socratic seminar about your topic. In crafting your paper, include a
precise thesis statement that is supported by relevant and sufficient evidence and valid reasoning. Use the
rubric, graphic organizers and peer comments to guide the creation of your final draft.