Question

Write a paragraph summary of the story of Esther containing 130 words +. Pay attention to the fact that the minimum word count will only get you a 3 in the Content and Development area of the rubric.

-Be sure to include the main ideas.
-Use your own words. Do not copy from the story.
-Indent your paragraphs and use black ink

Answer 1

The story of Esther is a captivating tale set in ancient Persia. It revolves around a Jewish girl named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia through a beauty contest orchestrated by King Ahasuerus. Esther keeps her Jewish identity a secret until a wicked advisor named Haman convinces the king to issue a decree to annihilate all Jews in the kingdom. Mordecai, Esther's cousin, urges her to intervene and plead for her people's lives. Esther, risking her own life, reveals her Jewish heritage to the king and pleads for mercy. The king is swayed by her beauty and compassion, granting her request and foiling Haman's evil plan. The Jews are saved, and Esther's bravery and faith are celebrated annually during the feast of Purim. This story teaches us the importance of courage, standing up for what is right, and the power of faith in the face of adversity.

Answer 2

In the biblical book named after her, Esther is a young Jewish woman living in the Persian diaspora who finds favor with the king, becomes queen, and risks her life to save the Jewish people from destruction when the court official Haman persuades the king to authorize a pogrom against all the Jews of the empire.