Unit 2 Writing Task
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Performance Task: Writing Focus - Response to Literature
💡 This is the task students will complete after the Whole Class Learning structure. This should be an extended writing task, with the teacher modeling the writing process along the way.
You have just read two variations of an In this section of the unit, youstudied The Tragedy of Macbeth and analyzed related video and audio. Now, take some time to revisit what you have learned, and to share your learning by completing the following assignment.
Write a brief response to literature in which you address this question:
In what ways does Macbeth attempt to control the future and to bury the past?
In your essay, first state a position, or claim. Then, use specific evidence from the text to support your claim. Identify a possible counterclaim ans use evidence to dispute it. Finish with a conclusion that follows logically from your argument.
Possible Sentence Starters:
Macbeth attempts to control the future and bury the past by…
One piece of specific evidence from the text that supports my claim is…
Furthermore, a possible counterclaim could be that Macbeth's actions are driven by external forces, however, I dispute this by providing evidence that…
In conclusion, based on my argument and the evidence presented, it can be deduced that Macbeth's attempts to control the future and bury the past ultimately result in…
Exemplary Response:
In what ways does Macbeth attempt to control the future and to bury the past?
Macbeth, the tragic protagonist of Shakespeare's play, utilizes various strategies to seize control over his future and conceal his dark past. One prominent way Macbeth attempts to control the future is by manipulating the prophecies of the supernatural beings, the witches. Upon hearing their prophetic words that he will become the king, Macbeth feels compelled to ensure the realization of this fate. He initiates a series of ruthless actions, including the murder of King Duncan, to secure his position on the throne. By taking such extreme measures, Macbeth believes he can control his destiny and shape the events that unfold.
Additionally, Macbeth strives to bury the past through his efforts to suppress guilt and maintain a facade of innocence. After becoming the king, he becomes increasingly paranoid and resorts to further violence to eliminate any potential threats. He orders the assassination of Banquo and attempts to silence the suspicion surrounding him. Macbeth reveals his desire to bury the past through his poignant soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 2, where he states, "Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applaud the deed." Here, Macbeth urges his wife, Lady Macbeth, to remain ignorant of his malevolent deeds, highlighting his intent to hide the truth and keep his hands clean.
While some may argue that Macbeth is a victim of fate and has no control over his actions, the evidence suggests otherwise. Macbeth's actions are driven by his ambition and his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He actively seeks to control the future through his choices and actions, ultimately leading to his downfall.
In conclusion, Macbeth employs various methods to control the future and hide the past. By manipulating prophecies and resorting to acts of violence, he attempts to shape his own destiny. However, as the play unfolds, his desperate attempts to control the uncontrollable only intensify his tragic fate.
Non-Exemplary Response:
In ways does Macbeth try to control the future and hide the past? He does things to try to be king and he kills people so he can stay king. Some people say that Macbeth doesn't have a choice and that he's just a victim of destiny. But I think he can control what he does and he chooses to do bad things. Macbeth tries to hide what he's done by lying and trying to act innocent. But in the end, all his bad actions catch up to him and he dies.
Standards
Standards
🔍11-12.W.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of complex topics or texts, using logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence, and provide a conclusion that follows from and supports the argument presented.
a. Introduce claims, establish the significance of the claims, distinguish the claims from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
b. Develop claims and counterclaims by interpreting the most relevant evidence from accurate, credible sources for each; elaborate on the strengths and limitations that anticipate the audience.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claims and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claims and counterclaims.
d. Use appropriate conventions and style for the audience, purpose, and task.
🔍 11-12.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content, and provide a conclusion that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
a. Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; utilize formatting, graphics, and multimedia to illustrate complexities.
b. Develop the topic thoroughly with relevant and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, examples, and figurative language.
c. Use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas.
d. Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary to clarify the complexity of the ideas.
e. Use appropriate conventions and style for the audience, purpose, and task.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Academic Vocabulary
proficient
justify
diverse
catalyst
assertion
💡It is essential to have students use these words throughout the unit, particularly in their performance tasks/assessments.
Skill Vocabulary
argument
response to literature
precise claim
counterclaims
logical organization
valid reasoning
relevant evidence
sufficient evidence
concluding statement
formal language
objective tone
transitions
rhetorical devices
appeals to logic
analogies
case studies
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