8th Grade
What is a Four Square?
A "Four Square" is a graphic organizer used to help you write a strong analytical paragraph. It helps you to ensure that your ideas are clear by following these steps: First, you state the idea you will be writing about (inference). Then, you provide background information (context) for a piece of evidence (quote) that supports your idea. Lastly, you spend most of your space explaining WHY YOUR EVIDENCE SUPPORTS YOUR IDEA (commentary). This last part is often overlooked by young writers and requires some practice. As you work on a four square, you are paying focused attention to every sentence to ensure that everything you write supports your idea in some way. You are not using general (empty) ideas or repeating one or two ideas over and over. These techniques may give you a greater quantity of writing, but they detract from QUALITY. Quality is always our goal. As you become more comfortable with the technique, you will find yourself using it in all types of writing, as you should.
Directions
Follow these directions each time you complete a four-square. ALWAYS print a HARD copy of your four-square on a single side of paper with the paragraph on the back side. Have the assignment printed PRIOR to the beginning of class. You may NOT print assignments once class begins. If the assignment is not printed, it is considered late and is subject to late work penalties.
Rubric
Four Squares and their accompanying paragraph are always graded using this rubric. Review it frequently to make sure you are meeting your requirements.
Blending Quotations
Review this packet if you need a refresher for blending quotations.
Review Notes from 9/29/16
Notes from our review are attached here.
Quarter 1
First quarter four squares are due Friday, October 7th. Your topic is theme: be sure to write your theme as a statement (a universal theme) as opposed to a single word (thematic concept). Always review the directions and rubric above before finalizing your assignment to be sure you have met all requirements. Examples are below.
Four Square on Theme from Treasure Island
Four Square paragraph on theme from "Flowers for Algernon"
Four Square on Theme from Treasure Island
Four Square paragraph on theme from "Flowers for Algernon"
Quarter 2
Second quarter four squares are due Friday, December 23rd. You have a choice of 2 topics: juxtaposition or any type of irony (situational, verbal, dramatic). We will review these options in class. Examples are below.
Definitions for reference:
Juxtaposition: placing two contrasting images/scenes side by side for effect
Situational Irony: What happens is the OPPOSITE of what can reasonably be expected
Dramatic Irony: the reader knows something that the characters do not
Verbal Irony: What you say is the OPPOSITE of what you mean
Four Square Example Situational Irony
Definitions for reference:
Juxtaposition: placing two contrasting images/scenes side by side for effect
Situational Irony: What happens is the OPPOSITE of what can reasonably be expected
Dramatic Irony: the reader knows something that the characters do not
Verbal Irony: What you say is the OPPOSITE of what you mean
Four Square Example Situational Irony
Quarter 3
Your third quarter four square will analyze a symbol in your book. A symbol is a tangible object, person, place, etc. that represents an intangible concept.
The Four Square and accompanying paragraph are due PRINTED on Friday, March 10th.
Four Square Example Symbolism
The Four Square and accompanying paragraph are due PRINTED on Friday, March 10th.
Four Square Example Symbolism
Quarter 4
Your fourth quarter four square will be on a classic novel; you will write about what you think makes it a classic. We'll discuss details later, but for now choose a book and get reading. Final Four Squares are due Friday, May 19th.
Sample inferences for classic four square:
“Jane Austen’s characterization makes Pride and Prejudice an unforgettable depiction of life in rural England at the turn of the eighteenth century.”
“Alexander Dumas’s plot development in The Count of Monte Cristo has intrigued readers for more than a century.”
“Ernest Hemingway’s writing style in The Old Man and the Sea creates a lasting form of beauty.”
“The symbolism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein makes it a captivating representation of the complexities of human nature.”
Sample inferences for classic four square:
“Jane Austen’s characterization makes Pride and Prejudice an unforgettable depiction of life in rural England at the turn of the eighteenth century.”
“Alexander Dumas’s plot development in The Count of Monte Cristo has intrigued readers for more than a century.”
“Ernest Hemingway’s writing style in The Old Man and the Sea creates a lasting form of beauty.”
“The symbolism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein makes it a captivating representation of the complexities of human nature.”
