Pre-AP: IWA #5

Choose one of the following prompts:

Compare and contrast the traitors Iago and Brutus. Pay attention not only to what they say about themselves and others, but to the trustworthiness of what others say about them, as well. Ultimately conclude whether Iago or Brutus (or both) were justified in their actions against the title character of their respective plays. Focus
on the literary devices (simile, metaphor, etc.) Shakespeare uses, not just plot summary—diction may be addressed, but it must be discussed in terms of tone/mood rather than simple vocabulary; no more than a third of your IWA may focus on diction.

(Alternatively, you may enter the Ayn Rand/Anthem essay contest. Deadline March 20 (the day you return from Spring Break.)

Tips to success:

Extensive plot summary will result in a REDO grade (no points), not a REVISE (85 points). Look at diction, metaphor, imagery, etc., and how the author’s use of these techniques contributes to meaning.

Remember that only REVISE and ACCEPTED essays will be taken for a grade, so submit your IWA early, rather than at the last minute to ensure that your essay will count!

*** More than 5 careless spelling mistakes and 10 careless punctuation errors will result in a REDO grade***

All essays must be typed and adhere to the MLA formatting requirements (see below). All essays must be submitted with the draft in the LEFT pocket (inside front cover) of a 2-pocket portfolio folder. Failure to meet these minimum requirements will result in the draft being returned to the student unevaluated and with no score recorded.

• Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.


• Double-space the text of your paper (paragraph settings). Use Times New Roman (Garamond if you're “fancy”); the font size should be 12 pt. (font settings).


• Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks.


• Set the margins of your document to 1" on all sides.


• Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin. MLA recommends that you use the Tab key as opposed to pushing the Space Bar five times, or set your paragraphs to indent the first line 0.5". Do not skip a line (i.e., leave a blank line) between paragraphs.

Drop-Dead Deadline: Friday, April 8, 2011.
(If no work is received by 3/25, a "Missing" grade (counts as a 0) will be entered into the grade book; some work may receive a temporary "Incomplete" grade (no effect on grade), but that will be replaced with a "Missing" on 4/1.)