Unbroken Spirit Organizer
Grade 10 English • Common Assessment 3
Name: Date:
Unbroken Spirit
Prompt: Analyze how Maya Angelou and Elie Wiesel use literary techniques to communicate their messages about grit and perseverance in the face of suffering, and how both suggest the human spirit cannot be completely extinguished by injustice.
Step 1
The Thesis Statement (Claim)
Write a unified claim addressing how both texts use literary techniques to demonstrate that the human spirit survives oppression.
Step 2
Evidence Matrix: Focus on Quote 1
Text 1: "Still I Rise"
Maya Angelou • Defiance & Triumph
Text 2: Excerpt from Night
Elie Wiesel • Memory & Witness
Quote 1 (Evidence) Technique:
Analysis & Message on Grit
Quote 1 (Evidence) Technique:
Analysis & Message on Grit
Grade 10 Common Assessment 3 Graphic Organizer Page 1 of 3
Unbroken Spirit • Matrix Focus
Part 2: Evidence Matrix (Quote 2)
Step 3
Evidence Matrix: Focus on Quote 2
Text 1: "Still I Rise"
Maya Angelou • Defiance & Triumph
Text 2: Excerpt from Night
Elie Wiesel • Memory & Witness
Quote 2 (Evidence) Technique:
Analysis & Message on Grit
Quote 2 (Evidence) Technique:
Analysis & Message on Grit
Grade 10 Common Assessment 3 Graphic Organizer Page 2 of 3
Unbroken Spirit • Synthesis
Part 3: Comparative Analysis & Outlining
Synthesis A
Connecting the Human Spirit
Explain how the evidence from both texts supports your central claim. Specifically, in what ways do both authors suggest that the human spirit cannot be completely extinguished by injustice?
Synthesis B
Technique Contrast & Integration
Compare the chosen techniques. How does Angelou’s tone/imagery (often active/defiant) differ from or complement Wiesel's (often solemn/reflective)? How do these different artistic choices still build toward a shared message?
Essay Blueprint Quick Check
1. Introduction Introduce texts, define grit, state Thesis.
2. Body 1 Angelou's techniques (e.g. repetition) & defiance.
3. Body 2 Wiesel's techniques (e.g. imagery) & survival.
4. Conclusion Synthesize how both prove spirit survives.
Grade 10 Common Assessment 3 Graphic Organizer Page 3 of 3