Eng04 Keystone High school Problems with 21st century America Essay Your assignment is to pretend you are a modern Sir Thomas More in the United States of

Eng04 Keystone High school Problems with 21st century America Essay Your assignment is to pretend you are a modern Sir Thomas More in the United States of America. Just as Sir Thomas More highlighted problems with European societies in Book I of Utopia, you are to discuss current problems with American society today. Remember that More discussed unfair punishment for crime, a corrupt socio-economic system, the greediness of kings, and distrust in technology. He also closely analyzed the corruption of advisors to the king. These were all significant problems in 16th century England. What are the significant problems in 21st century America?

Your essay should be one lengthy paragraph of about 500 words. Do not merely list several problems with American society. Pick two or three problems as a focus and then add details that fully explain why these things are problems. Talk about who has created the problems and who is affected by them. Discuss how people are affected by these significant problems. Also be aware that your teacher will be looking for you to communicate your ideas effectively, so this will involve your using prepositional phrases to vary sentence openings.

Once you have completed a rough draft, if possible, submit your writing along with a rubric to a peer in this course for feedback. If peer review by a classmate in this course is not possible, please ask a parent, guardian or friend to review your draft. Your classmate (parent, guardian or peer outside the course) should fill in the appropriate box on the rubric with feedback. Use this feedback to make changes to your draft.

When you submit your essay for a grade, you should include the following:

• Evidence of prewriting (generating and organizing ideas)
• Evidence of a draft (should contain evidence of revision and editing)
• A completed rubric (Student Statement) with evidence of peer comments
• A final draft

Your assignment will not be graded unless all of these items are submitted.

The rubric will be used to evaluate your writing. Your classmate (or parent, guardian or peer outside the course) will include feedback about your essay on this rubric as well. You should carefully review the rubric before you submit your paper for a final grade.

Utopia, by Sir Thomas More = Sparknotes version: http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/utopia/ English 4, Unit 2: Utopia and Dystopia
Sir Thomas More’s Utopia Study Guide
Directions: As you read, complete each question below. Type your answers in the appropriate spaces provided.
1. In Book I, who is the narrator? What point of view is this?
The narrator is Thomas More. This is a narration in the first person point of view.
2. More and Giles strike up a conversation with someone. Who is this? What does he do? Why are they interested in him?
The person More and Giles stroke up a conversation with is Raphael Hythloday. Hythloday is a traveler and
philosopher. They are interested in Hythloday because he is educated and also has spectacular ideas about
the government and society. Additionally, having travelled to different places, Hythloday appeals to More
and Giles as a person who has seen a lot.
3. More and Giles believe Hythloday would make a great advisor to a king. Does Hythloday agree with this? Why or why
not?
Hythloday does not agree with More and Giles belief that he would make a great advisor to a king. The
reason for his belief is that he may end up becoming just like a slave to the king rather than an advisor
4. Hythloday’s concern about kings and advisors points out a problem with European society. What is this problem?
The problem in the European society that is pointed out by Hythloday’s concern about kings and advisors is
that those in power care more about their own wellbeing instead of serving the people.
5. The author Sir Thomas More has created the fictional character Sir Thomas More within the first narrative frame. Do
you think it is wise to see both the real person and the character as one? Why or why not?
It is wise for more to be the author as well as a fictional character within the first narrative frame, because
the roles authenticates his ideas in the narrative. The reader can easily relate to the message More is putting
across in the narrative as a fictional character.
6. According to Hythloday, what are some other problems with European society?
Other problems within the European society include; failure to adhere to Christian beliefs that originally
were the foundation of European societies, and being led by kings whose priority is on expanding their
territory instead of safeguarding the territory they have.
7. In Book II, who is the narrator? What point of view is this? Why does the author use this narrative frame?
In book II the narrator is Raphael Hythloday. The narration is in the first person point of view. The author,
Thomas More uses this narrative frame to distance himself from the controversial viewpoints discussed in
Utopia. The main reason for wanting to distance himself from the Utopian controversy is because More does
not agree with Hythloday’s radical ideas.
8. Describe the cities in Utopia.
The cities in Utopia are surrounded by a farmland. Every single member in the city spends two years in the
country doing agricultural work. Everyone single person is satisfied with what they have and there is no
attempt to expand their frontier
9. How does the Utopian method of farming promote harmony in their society?
Harmony is promoted by the Utopian method of farming simply by ensuring a city that has a surplus of
agricultural output ends up exporting with no charge to its neighboring cities. The neighbors will also do the
same if they had agricultural surplus. Additionally, during harvesting, neighboring cities sent men to the city
where agricultural produce are being harvested.
10. In general, what form of government does Utopia have?
In general Utopia has a democratic government since its people are represented by elected public officials
11. How do Utopians get jobs and how is this different from Europe in the 16 th century?
Utopians have the freedom to decide which job they want. This is unlike Europe in the 16th century where
family status mattered most in determining a job one will get. For instance, those born in a peasant level
family that does farming had to maintain their status throughout their life.
12. How do Utopians treat education and how is this different from Europe in the 16 th century?
Utopians treated education as a right for all children. However, in Europe during the 16th century, Children
who ended up being educated were those from wealthy families that could afford to pay for an education.
13. Do you find it odd that Utopia allows slavery? Why or why not?
No, I do find it odd that Utopia allowed slavery, because slavery in Utopia was a form of punishment for
people who had committed a horrible crime within Utopia, or people who have committed crimes in other
countries and been condemned to death, and only ended up being saved from their fates by utopians.
14. Do Utopians believe in war? Why or why not?
Utopians do not believe in war since they would only resort to war as the last option when forced to do so in
order to protect themselves. Utopians would always strive to avoid war at all costs.
15. Sir Thomas More played a large role in persecuting the Protestants. Why, then, is the Utopian view of religion a bit
unexpected?
Utopian view of religion is supported by Thomas because it is tolerant and inclusive to different religions.
16. Do you believe that Utopia is the most perfect of societies?
I do believe that Utopia is the most perfect of societies since it is a society where justice and equality
prevails. People are rewarded for their hard work and have equal opportunities to realize their dreams.
17. In questions 4 and 6, you highlighted problems with 16th century Europe. Specifically, how does Utopia act as a
solution to those problems?
Utopia acts as a solution to the problems Europe faced in the 16th century since every single person in
Utopia has equal rights to the resources in the country. There are no few privileged individuals, such as those
in power. Additionally, resources are distributed equally among people in an effort to promote harmony.
18. Does the frame narrative effectively separate Sir Thomas More from the controversial ideas discussed in Utopia? Why
in Utopia people do not strive to get more because they are content with what they have
orLastly,
why not?
18. Does the frame narrative effectively separate Sir Thomas More from the controversial ideas discussed in Utopia? Why
or why not?
More has separated himself from the controversial ideas discussed in Utopia because he has created layers of
perspective, which protect him from being scrutinized. The real More’s conservative viewpoints are evident
in the fictional More, while the controversial viewpoints have been presented by Hythloday.
English 4, Unit 2: Utopia and Dystopia
Sir Thomas More’s Utopia Study Guide Key
Directions: As you read, complete each question below. Type your answers in the appropriate spaces provided.
1. In Book I, who is the narrator? What point of view is this?
The fictional Sir Thomas More is the narrator. Book I is told in first person point of view. You can tell from the usage of
the pronoun “I” outside of the quotation marks.
2. More and Giles strike up a conversation with someone. Who is this? What does he do? Why are they interested in him?
More and Peter strike up a conversation with Raphael Hythloday, a philosopher and world traveler. More and Giles are
interested in Hythloday because he seems very educated and thoughtful. Because he has traveled to many places, he
has many ideas about government and society. In particular, More and Giles are interested in his experiences on the
island of Utopia.
3. More and Giles believe Hythloday would make a great advisor to a king. Does Hythloday agree with this? Why or why
not?
Hythloday does not seem interested in being an advisor to a king. He believes that kings are interested in gaining
more territory and wealth rather than governing their own land correctly. He also believes that advisors fall into the trap
of telling the king what he wants to hear to win favor.
4. Hythloday’s concern about kings and advisors points out a problem with European society. What is this problem?
Kings and advisors are driven by greed rather than serving the common people.
5. The author Sir Thomas More has created the fictional character Sir Thomas More within the first narrative frame. Do
you think it is wise to see both the real person and the character as one? Why or why not?
It is probably not wise to see the author and the character as the same Sir Thomas More. The whole kings and
advisors discussion is a good example of why. The character Sir Thomas More tries to convince Hythloday that he’d
make a good advisor, yet it is Hythloday who points out numerous problems with kings and advisors. The reader can
easily assume that Hythloday is pointing out many of the problems that the real Sir Thomas More has in serving as
advisor to the real King Henry VIII. In making Hythloday the critic, the real Sir Thomas More has used this narrative
frame to distance himself from the wrath of the real King Henry VIII.
6. According to Hythloday, what are some other problems with European society?
Capital punishment for the crime of theft, a system that produces thieves, kings expanding territory rather than
properly governing their own territory, private property, and distrust in new technology are all problems that Hythloday
points out. In summary, Hythloday does not believe that European society reflects the Christian doctrine upon which it
is founded.
7. In Book II, who is the narrator? What point of view is this? Why does the author use this narrative frame?
The narrator in Book II is Raphael Hythloday, and it is first person point of view. Again, the author is further distancing
himself from the controversial viewpoints discussed in Utopia. More, the character and narrator of Book I, already does
not agree with many of Hythloday’s more radical ideas. With Hythloday now telling the story in the second narrative
frame, Sir Thomas More the author has distanced himself greatly from the controversy.
8. Describe the cities in Utopia.
The cities are all basically the same. Sameness promotes equality in Utopia.
9. How does the Utopian method of farming promote harmony in their society?
Everyone farms and the job is not left to the lowly members of society. Also, produce is evenly distributed amongst all
citizens, so everyone has food.
10. In general, what form of government does Utopia have?
Utopia has a democracy, and all citizens are bound to the same laws.
11. How do Utopians get jobs and how is this different from Europe in the 16 th century?
Utopians can choose their jobs. This is different from Europe in the 16 th century because there was less mobility
between jobs and classes. Someone born a farming peasant remained a farming peasant for life.
12. How do Utopians treat education and how is this different from Europe in the 16 th century?
All Utopian children receive an education. In 16th century Europe, only the wealthy had the time and money to afford a
private education.
13. Do you find it odd that Utopia allows slavery? Why or why not?
It seems strange that a perfect place would allow something like slavery. However, the author and the text are a
product of the time period. Because slavery was tolerated in the 16th century, evidence of its acceptance can be found
in the fictional Utopia. It is interesting to note, however, that immoral behavior resulted in slavery rather than exploited
populations of people.
14. Do Utopians believe in war? Why or why not?
Utopians hate war except in cases of protecting themselves, friends, or oppressed people.
15. Sir Thomas More played a large role in persecuting the Protestants. Why, then, is the Utopian view of religion a bit
unexpected?
The Utopians are very tolerant of different religions. This seems to contradict how More behaved during the Protestant
Reformation.
16. Do you believe that Utopia is the most perfect of societies?
While Utopia seems to address many of the problems with 16th century Europe, it also seems to have many problems
of its own. For instance, slavery and exploitation of women still exist in Utopia.
17. In questions 4 and 6, you highlighted problems with 16th century Europe. Specifically, how does Utopia act as a
solution to those problems?
The problem with advisors would not exist in Utopia, because most citizens have equal say in how they are governed.
Essentially all citizens act as advisors. Plus, there is no reward in Utopia for winning the favor of someone in high
political power. Utopians do not own private property. Theft would be less likely in Utopia because everyone’s needs
are provided and territory expansion would not be an issue because it is not a reason for war in Utopia. New
technology is embraced in Utopia. Ultimately, Utopia is designed to support the common good of all people, and it is
very much in alignment with Christian doctrine.
18. Does the frame narrative effectively separate Sir Thomas More from the controversial ideas discussed in Utopia? Why
or why not?
Yes, because More has created layers of perspective that protect him from scrutiny. The real More’s conservative
viewpoints are evident in the fictional More, while the controversial viewpoints are evident in Hythloday. Because the
author often puts the fictional More in debate with Hythloday, the real Sir Thomas More appears to oppose some of the
more radical ideas in the text. However, Hythloday acts as a tool to expose these radical ideas for the time period to
the reading public.
Written Assignment Cover Sheet
Student Name:
Assignment Title: A Modern Day Sir Thomas More Essay
Course: English 4
General Instructions: The Primary Writing Rubric
The 6+1 Trait® Writing rubric is the basis for all writing rubrics in this course. Check it carefully to see
how writing will be scored. The key ideas for the best scores are summarized below as a reminder.
Ideas/Content: Top Scores (4-5, or the A-B range): This product is clear and focused. It holds the
reader’s attention and supports its ideas through ample and effective use of evidence.
Organization: Top Scores (4-5, or the A-B range): The organization enhances and showcases the
central idea or theme. The order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling.
Voice: Top Scores (4-5, or the A-B range): The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is
individual, compelling, and engaging. The writer shows an awareness and respect for the audience and
the purpose for writing.
Word Choice: Top Scores (4-5, or the A-B range): Words convey the intended message in a precise,
interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful and engaging.
Sentence Fluency: Top Scores (4-5, or the A-B range): The writing has an easy flow, rhythm, and
cadence. Sentences have a strong and varied structure.
Conventions: Top Scores (4-5, or the A-B range): The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard
writing conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) and
uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors are few and do not distract from
understanding.
Presentation: Top Scores (4-5, or the A-B range): The form and presentation of the text enhances the
ability for the reader to understand and connect with the message. It is pleasing to the eye.
Special Instructions and Rubric Changes for this Assignment
In this assignment, we will focus on the following for scoring. Your grade will depend upon which
description most closely matches your short essay. Please recognize that while not all traits are
discussed below, you will still be accountable for writing that closely demonstrates all traits. For
example, if you submit a piece of writing that does not demonstrate appropriate writing conventions,
you will not receive a good grade.
Excellent work (50 to 43 points)
Ideas/Content: The writer clearly identifies 2 to 3 problems with American society today. The writer
focuses the discussion on these 2 to 3 problems, and the writer explains the scope of these problems
fully (who created the problem, who is affected, how are people affected).
Organization: The paragraph flows logically from one problem to the next. The paragraph contains a
topic sentence, detail sentences, and a concluding sentence. Transitions lead the reader through the
writer’s ideas.
Sentence Fluency: The writing has an easy flow and rhythm that is enhanced by usage of
prepositional phrases. While several sentences begin with prepositional phrases, others begin with
subjects.
Conventions: The writing contains no fragments.
Work Contains Some Problems (42 to 35 points)
Ideas/Content: The writer clearly identifies problems with American society today. The writer
somewhat focuses the discussion on these problems, and the writer somewhat explains the scope of
these problems (who created the problem, who is affected, how are people affected). More detail could
be added.
Organization: The paragraph somewhat flows from one problem to the next. The paragraph contains
a topic sentence, detail sentences, and a concluding sentence. Transitions lead the reader through the
writer’s ideas. While the writing is somewhat organized, it could be organized better.
Sentence Fluency: The writing has a flow and rhythm that is somewhat enhanced by usage of
prepositional phrases. While several sentences begin with prepositional phrases, others begin with
subjects. More variety could be incorporated through using prepositional phrases in sentence
openings.
Conventions: The writing contains few fragments.
Work Contains Many Problems (34 to 0 points)
Ideas/Content: The writer vaguely identifies problems with American society today. The writer does
not focus the discussion effectively on these problems, and the writer doesn’t explain the scope of
these problems (who created the problem, who is affected, how are people affected). Much more
relevant detail could be added.
Organization: The paragraph does not flow from one problem to the next. The paragraph may be
missing a topic sentence, detail sentences, and/or a concluding sentence. Transitions do not effectively
lead the reader through the writer’s ideas. The writing is not well-organized.
Sentence Fluency: The writer does not effectively use prepositional phrases to vary sentence
openings.
Conventions: The writing contains fragments.
Special Instructions and Rubric Changes for this Assignment
If a peer review is required for this assignment, the peer should include his or her comments here. How
well does the draft match the rubric and instructions?
Student Statement
In the space below, write a statement in which you describe how well you think you did on this
assignment. How well did you fulfill the requirements of the rubric and the special instructions?
First Submission Comments, Grade, and Instructions for Revision
Comments and Grades for Revisions

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