Question
Write a fictional diary entry from the perspective of a soldier during one of the Civil War battles. This letter should be at least 3 paragraphs in length. Below is a rubric describing how you will be graded on this assignment.
8th Grade Civil War Soldier Diary Entry Writing Rubric
Criteria
5 - Excellent
4 - Proficient
3 - Satisfactory
2 - Developing
1 - Beginning
Content - Historical Accuracy & Perspective
Diary entry vividly captures the soldier’s perspective with accurate historical details about a Civil War battle; shows deep understanding of soldier’s experiences.
Diary entry shows good understanding of soldier’s perspective and includes mostly accurate historical details related to a Civil War battle.
Diary entry includes some relevant historical details and attempts to reflect soldier’s perspective but lacks depth or clarity.
Diary entry has limited or inaccurate historical details and weak representation of soldier’s perspective.
Diary entry lacks historical accuracy and does not reflect the soldier’s perspective.
Length & Structure
Entry is at least 3 well-developed paragraphs, each with clear focus and logical progression of ideas.
Entry is 3 paragraphs with adequate development and mostly clear organization.
Entry has 3 paragraphs but some may be underdeveloped or lack clear organization.
Entry has fewer than 3 paragraphs or paragraphs are very underdeveloped and poorly organized.
Entry is incomplete or has only one or two very brief paragraphs.
Voice & Tone
Consistently uses first-person voice appropriate to a soldier; tone reflects emotions and experiences of Civil War soldier effectively.
Uses first-person voice with mostly consistent tone reflecting soldier’s experiences.
Attempts first-person voice but tone is inconsistent or only somewhat reflects soldier’s emotions.
First-person voice is unclear or inconsistent; tone does not clearly reflect soldier’s perspective.
Does not use first-person voice or tone is inappropriate for soldier’s perspective.
Creativity & Engagement
Diary entry is highly engaging with vivid descriptions and creative details that bring the soldier’s experience to life.
Diary entry is interesting with some descriptive details that help engage the reader.
Diary entry is somewhat engaging but lacks vivid or creative details.
Diary entry shows minimal creativity and limited descriptive details.
Diary entry is dull or very basic with no creative details.
Grammar, Spelling & Mechanics
Writing is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, enhancing clarity and readability.
Few minor errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that do not distract from meaning.
Some errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that occasionally disrupt meaning.
Frequent errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that interfere with understanding.
Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation severely hinder readability.
write that for me make it look like a 7th grader wrote it
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Diary Entry: July 3, 1863**
Dear Diary,
Today has been a day like no other. I find myself sitting on the muddy ground, surrounded by the sounds of battle at Gettysburg. The air is thick with smoke, and the smell of gunpowder burns in my nostrils. I can still hear the loud cannon fire booming in the distance, followed by the cries of my fellow soldiers. It feels like time has slowed down, yet everything is happening so fast. We charged the hill, giving it our all, but it seemed like we were moving through a lively nightmare. I lost sight of some of my friends amidst the chaos. I pray they are safe, but the fear grips me tight.
As I write these words, I can hardly keep my hands steady. My heart is racing, and it feels like a wild animal trapped in a cage. Our regiment fought bravely against the Confederate troops, pushing up the slope, but then they struck back hard. I saw men fall all around me—brave men who only yesterday were sharing stories and laughs by the fire. Some were screaming in pain, while others lay silent, their eyes staring at the sky as if searching for something lost. I can't shake the feeling that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves, yet it feels so personal and heartbreaking at the same time.
When night fell, it was as if a heavy blanket had been thrown over the battlefield. I can still hear the distant moans of the wounded and the murmurs of those who wonder what tomorrow will bring. I think about home, my family, and the dreams we all had before this war began. I try to hold on to that hope, but the reality is harsh. We are all just men, thrust into this fight, trying to defend our country and our beliefs. I realize that this conflict has changed us all forever. I pray that with each sunrise, we find the strength to carry on, not just for ourselves, but for those who have already given their lives.
Goodnight, Diary. I hope to find peace in my dreams tonight, but I fear that the memories of today will haunt me.
Yours in courage,
Private James Parker
Dear Diary,
Today has been a day like no other. I find myself sitting on the muddy ground, surrounded by the sounds of battle at Gettysburg. The air is thick with smoke, and the smell of gunpowder burns in my nostrils. I can still hear the loud cannon fire booming in the distance, followed by the cries of my fellow soldiers. It feels like time has slowed down, yet everything is happening so fast. We charged the hill, giving it our all, but it seemed like we were moving through a lively nightmare. I lost sight of some of my friends amidst the chaos. I pray they are safe, but the fear grips me tight.
As I write these words, I can hardly keep my hands steady. My heart is racing, and it feels like a wild animal trapped in a cage. Our regiment fought bravely against the Confederate troops, pushing up the slope, but then they struck back hard. I saw men fall all around me—brave men who only yesterday were sharing stories and laughs by the fire. Some were screaming in pain, while others lay silent, their eyes staring at the sky as if searching for something lost. I can't shake the feeling that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves, yet it feels so personal and heartbreaking at the same time.
When night fell, it was as if a heavy blanket had been thrown over the battlefield. I can still hear the distant moans of the wounded and the murmurs of those who wonder what tomorrow will bring. I think about home, my family, and the dreams we all had before this war began. I try to hold on to that hope, but the reality is harsh. We are all just men, thrust into this fight, trying to defend our country and our beliefs. I realize that this conflict has changed us all forever. I pray that with each sunrise, we find the strength to carry on, not just for ourselves, but for those who have already given their lives.
Goodnight, Diary. I hope to find peace in my dreams tonight, but I fear that the memories of today will haunt me.
Yours in courage,
Private James Parker