Into the Wild - Final Synthesis Essay

Assignment Overview: For your final essay of the semester, you will synthesize information from Into the Wild and three
additional sources to respond to one of the essential questions for the unit. Your sources should be integrated
meaningfully and cohesively into your own unique opinion. The point is not just to repeat what the sources have said, but
to “have a conversation” with them, in which you are a participant, not a reporter.
As this essay is functioning as your final for the class, do your best to demonstrate strong command of the skills we have
focused on in this semester: employing and analyzing textual evidence, paraphrasing, embedding quotes, and making
connections between literary texts from diverse historical periods.

Essential Questions (select one)

1. What is the relationship between the individual and society? What responsibility (if any) does one
bear towards the other?

2. How do we construct our own identities? What is the relationship between nature and the identity of
Americans?

3. Heroes often embody the qualities of a culture. Examine McCandless as a possible hero. What
evidence is there that he’s a hero to Americans? What qualities does he have that represent our own
culture and what we value?

4. In what ways do the ideas of the transcendentalists resonate in the novel and in modern America?

5. Are families, friends, or community essential to our happiness in any way? Can a person be
completely content with solitude or without the acceptance of society? Which of these is most central
to our happiness?

Texts to Consider (in addition to Into the Wild):

 “To Build a Fire,” Jack London
 “Bartleby the Scrivener,” Herman Melville
 “Self-Reliance,” Ralph Waldo Emerson
 Walden, Henry David Thoreau
 Full List of Sources
Essay Requirements:
 MLA Format (1-inch margins, 12-point font, Times New Roman)
 Double spaced, 3-5 pages (not including your Works Cited page)
 Must include at least three outside sources (for a total of four) and a Works Cited page
Important Dates:
 ______ Select a topic and begin research
 ______ Annotated bibliography and thesis statements due
 ______ First two pages of draft due
 ______ Final draft
 Essay Rubric – 50 Points
Criteria: 6+1 Traits of Writing
Points Points
Criteria Available Earned
Presentation: Essay is typed and has the appropriate MLA format: 1” margins all
around, heading, double-spaced, and subsequent pages are numbered with last name 5
preceding. Citations are used correctly and effectively. Works Cited page is present and
correctly formatted.

Organization (Intro and Thesis)

 Introduction captures the reader’s attention but also introduces the author, 5
background, etc.
 Essay has a thesis statement that takes a clear, arguable position and previews the
main points.

Organization (Balance): Essay synthesizes information from all four required

works (novel + 3 outside sources). Body contains a balance of commentary and cited 10
information from the authors’ works.

Ideas and Content (Support): Each paragraph contains support and quotes from
research to back up ideas. Support is introduced and well-explained. 10

Ideas and Content (Focus): Each paragraph has a specific focus or purpose, and
all ideas relate back to thesis. Essay does not ramble. 5

Voice/Word Choice: Essay has a formal and academic voice and shows that the
writer is sophisticated and informed. The author’s voice comes through (not all research). 5

Sentence Fluency & Conventions:

 Transition words and phrases (between and within paragraphs) are prevalent to 5
show cohesion and fluency as well as organization in writing.
 If there are any errors in conventions (spelling, punctuation, and grammar), they are
but a few.

Organization/Ideas and Content (Conc.): Essay re-emphasizes (without

restating) the thesis in the conclusion. Student ends with profound perspectives on the 5
“why” or “so what” of the research and ideas.

Total 50