Essay Question on The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair

Upton Sinclair published The Jungle in 1906 with the purpose of exposing the social and
working conditions of workers being exploited by the capitalist economy system in the U.S.
during the early 20th century. The Food and Drug Administration was formed due to the graphic
details of meat handling described in The Jungle, I aimed at the public's heart and by accident I hit
it in the stomach. This quote, spoken by Upton Sinclair, demonstrates the author's disappointment that
the political point of his novel was overshadowed by the public's outcry over food production. Although
Sinclair did not achieve the socialist movement that he had planned with his book, his work is an example
of a secondary source which informs us of an experience and time period in the U.S.

For this assignment you will answer the following questions,

How did, The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair reflect the socio-economic state of the United States at the
beginning of the 20th century? How do these factors influence/reflect the political climate in the United
States during this time?

*Note that you are writing on both the social and economic conditions.
Which factors you use are up to YOU, but you should follow a format of 2:1 for a total of 3.
* You should conclude by explaining how these factors support the political climate of the United States
in the early 20th century.

Format
In this assignment you will answer the essay question in a
Three page paper (800- 1000 words minimum)
1 inch margins
Double-Spaced
12 point font Times New Romans
Focus on a total of 3 socio-economic factors (2:1, 1:2)
Have a strong conclusion that synthesises socio-economic factors to reflect influence in politics.
Quote the text and other sources used following MLA citation style

Grading Rubric
Traits 4(Exemplary/ proficient)
Focus & Detail There is a clear topic
focus.Main ideas are
clear and are well
supported with detailed
and accurate information
from text and other
source evidence.
Organization Introduction, body
paragraphs (3 factors),
conclusion( political
synthesis) are clear and in
logical order. Information
is accurate and relevant.
Conclusion is strong.
Voice The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
writing is very clear, and
there is strong evidence
of attention to audience.
The authors extensive audience. The authors
knowledge and/or
experience with the topic
is/are evident
Word Choice The author uses vivid
words and phrases. The
choice and placement of
words seems accurate,
natural, and not forced.
The author uses text
evidence and quotes to
reflect ideas and support
claims and flow.
Reflection & Work reflects deep
understanding of the
Understanding complexities of the
content and assignment
Sentence All sentences are well
constructed and have
Structure, varied structure and
Grammar, length. The author makes
Mechanics, & no errors in grammar,
mechanics, and/or
Spelling spelling.
3(Sophisticated/compete 2(Intermediate/
nt) Not yet competent)
There is a clear topic There is a topic focus.
focus. Main ideas are Main ideas are somewhat
clear but are not well clear. Work shows some
supported by detailed attempt at using text to
information. Text is support.
somewhat used to support
claims.
Introduction, body Introduction, body
paragraphs and paragraphs and
conclusion are clear and conclusion are not all
in order. Information is clear or present.
accurate. Conclusion is Information is
clear. unsupported and unclear.
Conclusion is attempted
but not clear.
The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
writing is somewhat writing is somewhat
clear, and there is some clear, and there is
evidence of attention to evidence of attention to
audience. The authors
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or
experience with the topic experience with the topic
is/are evident is/are limited
The author uses vivid The author uses words
words and phrases. The that communicate clearly,
choice and placement of but the writing lacks
words is inaccurate at variety. Text evidence
times and/or seems and quotes are used
overdone. Text evidence incorrectly.
and quotes support claims
and flow.
Students shows self Work shows some
awareness. Work understanding of content.
demonstrates Work does not reflect
understanding of content. complexities of content
and assignment
Most sentences are well Most sentences are well
constructed and have constructed, but they
varied structure and have a similar structure
length. The author makes and/or length. The author
a few errors in grammar, makes several errors in
mechanics, and/or grammar, mechanics,
spelling, but they do not and/or spelling that
interfere with interfere with
understanding. understanding
1(Developing)
Work is not focused and
does not seem to follow
topic. Ideas are not clear
or supported.
Essay does not include all
components. Little to no
attempt at organizing
information in a clear or
logical order. Conclusion
is missing or not in line
with the rest of the essay.
writing is unclear.
The writer uses a limited
vocabulary. Jargon or
clichs may be present
and detract from the
meaning. The author does
not attempt to use text
evidence or quotes to
support claims.
Students shows little to
no understanding of
content
Sentences sound
awkward, are
distractingly repetitive, or
are difficult to
understand. The author
makes numerous errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling that
interfere with
understanding.