5-Paragraph EssaySubmit AssignmentDuePointsSubmittingFile TypesAvailableAssignment Details

1)Jul 31 by 11:59pm 150 a file upload docs, docx, and doc until Aug 14 at 11:59pm

Be sure to double check the detailed grading rubric at the bottom of this page before you submit. Please spellcheck and review the assignment sheet (Links to an external site.)

for further instructions, sentence examples, and formatting before you submit.

2)First draft due July 31 at 11:59 p.m.

3)Final draft due August 7 at 11:59 p.m.

Is Grit the Key to Success?

Is Angela Duckworth right that grit is the greatest predictor of success? Or, in your experience, are there other factors that play a greater role?

Write an essay that responds to this question and includes the following five paragraphs:

Paragraph 1

1)An introduction that engages the reader in the topic of success and uses one of several introduction strategies we will go over.

2)Since you are writing in response to it, your introduction should also include Angela Duckworth's thesis about success from her TED Talk, "Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance." (You could use the formulaic first sentence of your summary of Duckworth.)

3)The last sentence of your introduction should be your thesis that states either that, based on your observations and experience, Duckworth is right or, conversely, that other factors play a greater role. Here's one example of a thesis: My observations andexperience support Duckworth's thesis that grit is the key to success. Here's another: Although I think Duckworth is partially right, I think other factors--external to a person's control--have a greater influence on a person's success.

Paragraph 2

1)The second paragraph should summarize for the reader what Duckworth means by grit.

2)What are its two characteristics, and why does she think grit is the greatest predictor of success? Be sure to include her definition of grit and one or two sentences that provide an example(s) Duckworth uses to support her claim that it is the greatest predictor of success.

Paragraph 3

1)Paragraph 3 should make a claim about a characteristic of a person you find successful that either confirms what Duckworth claims or disputes it.

Here is an example of a claim that confirms her claim: Similar to what Duckworth claims about successful people, my Uncle Joe was successful because he was persistent.
Here is an example of a claim that disputes Duckworth's claim: One factor Duckworth doesn't give enough weight to is talent. My Uncle Joe was successful, in large part, because he had a gift for music starting at a very young age.
This paragraph should then cite evidence in the form of specific examples about your successful person and explain how that evidence supports your claim.

Paragraph 4

Paragraph 4 should make a claim about you and your experience with success that either confirms what Duckworth claims or disputes it.
Here is a sample claim that confirms Duckworth's thesis: My own experience also confirms Duckworth's thesis.
Here is a sample claim that disputes Duckworth's thesis: My own experience suggests that a tumultuous home life influences a person's ability to be successful; it isn't all personal grit, as Duckworth claims.
This paragraph should then cite evidence in the form of specific examples about your experience with success and explain how that evidence supports your claim.

Paragraph 5

Paragraph 5 concludes by summarizing your thesis and adding a "So What?" So if what you claim in your thesis is what makes a person successful, what should we all do? Or what should parents and others who have the position to shape young people's expectations do?

Rubric

5 Paragraph Essay Rubric

5 Paragraph Essay Rubric

CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Introduction: All three components completed well.25.0 pts