CONTENT
For this essay, students will build on their first paper, using the exact same topic while instead implementing a precise rhetorical argument which takes a strong stance on their chosen issue or topic. Note that this new argument can take a pro or con stance, or, it can even address gray areas. Any previous content from your Assignment #3: Research Paper submission may be used as a part of your drafting process for the Assignment #4: Rhetorical Essay. As a creative exercise, students are invited to consider experimenting with taking on the opposing stance to their own beliefs. Note that your core argument does not necessarily have to lean completely in one direction or another; however, it should present a primary argument grounded in a completely new thesis statement.
When writing this essay, students will pursue the following prompts in 5-7 pages, not including a Works Cited page:
Introduction. What history will be relevant for an uninformed reader to understand the topic at hand? Assume that any reader of your paper knows nothing about the debate. This paragraph will require a clear thesis statement that not only summarizes your core argument but also its main points in the order in which they appear as body paragraphs.
Citations. Strong body paragraphs will include at least two to three references to outside research to prove each point of its central argument. Papers with fewer body paragraphs will proportionally require more quotes, references, and citations.
Works Cited. You will need a properly formatted Works Cited page with at least six citations. We will continue to discuss MLA formatting and Works Cited pages as a part of this unit.
Ultimately, this essay will provide a robust opportunity to prove one’s writing, research, and rhetorical skills. Students will still want to organize strong paragraphs, provide the reader with clear points centralized by a thesis statement in an introduction paragraph, and utilize a voice that suits their audience and purpose.
ORGANIZATION
The introduction should be at least 5-6 sentences in length and establish your paper’s core argument.
Your paper should include several paragraphs of discussion following the introduction that explore and illustrate the thesis.
Each paragraph should be at least 6-7 sentences in length and include at least two citations of evidence to support its central point.
Each paragraph should cover one topic, and provide strong, specific details that involve visual analysis. The central topic should be expressed by a clear and direct topic sentence.
There should be a minimum of five paragraphs including the introduction, any following body paragraphs, and your conclusion.
Your paper should include a purposeful conclusion of at least 5-6 sentences in length.
Paragraphs should be connected to one another through purposeful transitions.
Counterargument should be present in at least one paragraph of this essay. Review the #Counterargument guide on Canvas as a part of this unit’s materials.
PRESENTATION
The essay demonstrates clear attention to the proofreading process to avoid typographical errors.
The student avoids wordiness, utilizes active verbs, maintains consistent tense, and employs clearly written sentences.
The student utilizes correct subject-verb agreement, avoids pronoun confusion and misuse, avoids sentence fragments and run-on sentences, and avoids overuse of adverbs.
The student avoids problems in punctuation, including the use of commas, semicolons, colons, quotation marks, and apostrophes.
The student avoids errors in capitalization, abbreviations, numbers, italics, spelling, and hyphenation.
The student follows the conventions of MLA formatting.
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Rubric
Assignment #4 – Rhetorical Essay
Assignment #4 – Rhetorical Essay
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
These points reflect the depth of the student’s ideas and how well the submitted paper reaches the requested page length (4-5 pages).
30 pts
Excellent
The student’s responses to the prompt were full of genuine insight and depth. The student went above and beyond the prompt by supplying multiple well-rounded reflections and examples.
26 pts
Average
The student’s responses to the prompts were well-rounded. Overall, the reflections were satisfactory.
22 pts
Poor
The student’s responses to the prompt lacked depth or substantial reflection. Few examples were used in response to the prompts.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
These points reflect the overall quality of rhetorical strategy and structure employed throughout the essay.
16 pts
Excellent
The student employed a masterful structure with a clear thesis statement. Transitions between paragraphs were elegant and served the paper’s larger argument.
13 pts
Good
The student employed a strategic structure throughout the essay, but several details could have been made more clear. A thesis statement may have been used, but individual paragraphs focused on multiple ideas.
10 pts
Poor
A thesis statement may have been outright missing. A meaningful structure was not employed; paragraphs may have focused on multiple ideas, or their specific points were completely unclear.
16 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAccuracy
These points reflect the overall cleanliness of the paper in regards to typos, grammar, and the accuracy of word usage.
12 pts
Excellent
The paper was free of any typos or grammatical errors.
9 pts
Good
Some small typos were found.
7 pts
Poor
Multiple errors were found.
12 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA Formatting
These points reflect the overall accuracy and implementation of MLA formatting.
12 pts
Excellent
Perfect MLA formatting was applied.
10 pts
Good
A few minor issues with MLA formatting were found.
8 pts
Poor
Multiple issues with MLA formatting were found.
12 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch
These points reflect the depth, authority, and quality of research implemented throughout the essay.
12 pts
Excellent
Four or more sources of quality were skillfully implemented. All sources were documented masterfully with a clear Works Cited page.
10 pts
Average
Four or more sources of quality were implemented.
8 pts
Poor
Fewer than four sources were provided. Sources were either poorly utilized, or deeper research could have been provided.
12 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRhetoric
These points reflect the quality of argumentative tactics employed throughout the essay.
10 pts
Excellent
A strong, eloquent, and detailed thesis was stated clearly in the introduction. All major points of argument were supported powerfully throughout. Rhetorical techniques from the readings as well as lecture content were demonstrated throughout the paper.
8 pts
Average
A thesis was stated clearly in the introduction. Most points of argument were supported throughout. Some stray ideas may have been supplied. Some rhetorical techniques from the readings as well as lectures were implemented.
6 pts
Poor
The thesis may have been weakly stated in the introduction. Some points of argument were supported throughout, but the overall argument remains questionable. Few to no rhetorical techniques from the readings as well as lectures were implemented.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSentence
These points reflect the overall quality of writing, which differs from any grammatical or spelling errors.
8 pts
Excellent
Overall, the student went above and beyond with their sentence writing when presenting their reflections and insights; ideas flowed naturally, and transitions were used effectively.
6 pts
Average
The student uses well-rounded language when developing their reflections.
4 pts
Poor
Multiple concerns with vocabulary, word flow, or a lack of variety in sentence structure were found.
8 pts
Total Points: 100
