Untitled Document

Instructions and Criteria for Grading

This is a take home exam. It is due in class, at the beginning of the class on Oct. 24. Late papers are not an option and no emailed papers will be accepted.

The length of your essay is to be 4 double spaced, typed pages and it will count as two thought pieces.

Your essay must be supported with evidence. Your essay must directly utilize our class readings, handouts, notes, and video's. The more of these sources you effectively use, the stronger your main points will be. Additionally, your essay should utilize your own experience in the same manner.

You are also encouraged to directly utilize websites from the class webpage, videos that we have utilized in class, and your class notes. Meaningful illustrations, maps, graphs etc. don’t count as pages (and are not required), but are a nice way to demonstrate your points visually (and show extra effort), which will help your grade.

Your essays will be graded in accordance with the following rubric.

Content (Approximately 50%)

Addressed question
Strong thesis
Thoughtful introduction
Creative and strong conclusion
Topic sentences linked to thesis
Balance of descriptive content (what happened) and analytical content (why it is important)
Sufficient evidence to prove points
Adequate amount of evidence from:
- No Logo
- Internet Readings
- Class Handout

Class Videos
Class Notes
Your own experiences

Use of terminology introduced in class
Demonstrate a command of the material covered in class

Writing (Approximately 40%)

Use of topic sentences
Sentences flow together smoothly
Transitions effectively connect sentences and paragraphs
Fragments and run-ons do not mar work
Paragraphs used appropriately
Limited misspellings.

Miscellaneous (Approximately 10%)

How to Write A Basic Five Paragraph Essay

I. Introduction

Thoughtful and creative (Encourages reader to read more)
Strong thesis statement
Overview of argument to follow

II. Main Point #1

Topic sentence that connects main point #1 to the thesis statement

A. Primary/Secondary Evidence #1
- To support Main Point #1, and thus your thesis statement
- Explain how your main point in this paragraph is supported by the evidence
- Present Primary/Secondary Evidence #1
- Analysis of Primary/Secondary Evidence #1
- Sentence that reminds reader of your thesis, and how this piece of evidence strengthens your argument
Transition sentence that concludes Main Point #1 and leads into Main Point #2.

III. Main Point #2

Topic sentence that connects main point #2 to the thesis statement

A. Primary/Secondary Evidence #2
- To support Main Point #2, and thus your thesis statement
- Explain how your Main Point of this paragraph is supported by the evidence
- Present Primary/Secondary Evidence #2
- Analysis of Primary/Secondary Evidence #2
- Sentence that reminds reader of your thesis, and how this piece of evidence strengthens your argument.
Transition sentence that concludes Main Point #2 and leads into Main Point #3.

IV. Main Point #3

Topic sentence that connects main point #3 to the thesis statement

A. Primary/Secondary Evidence #3
- To support Main Point #3, and thus your thesis statement
- Explain how your Main Point of this paragraph is supported by the evidence
- Present Primary/Secondary Evidence #3
- Analysis of Primary/Secondary Evidence #3
- Sentence that reminds reader of your thesis, and how this piece of evidence strengthens your argument.
Transition sentence that concludes Main Point #3 and leads into the conclusion.

V. Conclusion

Should be thoughtful and creative
Restate the thesis statement
Overview of argument above.