Length: 600 words (any paper that falls below the length requirement will lose points. Any paper under 550 words will lose 15 pts. Any paper under 500 words will lose 25 pts.)
The paper must be in proper MLA format.
correct heading: student’s name, instructor’s name, course and date (if missing -10 points)
in Times New Roman font with type size of 12 (any paper not in the correct font will lose -10 points. Any paper not in correct type size will lose -10 points)
double-spaced (not double-spaced -25 pts.)
five paragraphs (four paragraphs -20 pts. Any paper that is three paragraphs or less will receive a ‘0’
SUBJECT and GUIDELINES:
For this assignment, each student will select an article related to his/her proposed research topic and critique the article. Remember: The topic must come from the list of approved research paper topics or the topic must be approved by the instructor. In the critique, the student will comment on and evaluate the article in the light of certain issues and theoretical concerns as related to the research topic. You must include a link to the article you are critiquing. You may include the link to the article at the end of your paper, or you may post it in the comment box of the submission link.
The critique should include the following: (The paper must be in proper essay format.)
I. Summary:
Provide the author’s name, the title of the article, the title of the publication, and the date of publication.
Provide a summary of the author’s main argument and the point(s) you intend to make about it.
II. Background Information:
Provide the background material to help your readers understand the importance of the article. This might include:
an explanation of why the subject is of current interest
a reference to possible controversy surrounding the subject or the article itself
biographical information about the author (include only information that explains the author’s credentials)
an account of the circumstances under which the article was written
reference to intended audience of the article (if the article appears in an educational journal the intended audience would probably be teachers)
III. Critique:
Provide a detailed appraisal of the author’s work. Go into depth about what you liked or didn’t like about the article. Explain if you would use the article for your research paper. Consider the following factors:
Significance of topic: e.g. national in scope, limited to local issues, etc.; important, trivial, etc.
Timeliness of topic: Is it a ‘hot’ topic? Has it been overdone? Why is it an important issue?
Organization of the article: well-reasoned, easy to follow and understand. Provide specific details to support this point.
Writing style: interesting vs. boring, cumbersome, etc. Provide specific details to support this point.
Analytical style: Are the conclusions the author makes too simplistic? Does the article rely too much on outside sources? Does the author avoid real analysis of the issue? Or, does the author provide insightful details? Provide examples to support your point.
Research: What type of research has the author done? Has the author provided any outside research? Provide examples.
IV. Response to Article:
Respond to the article and the author’s views.
With which views do you agree?
With which do you disagree?
Discuss the reasons for agreement and disagreement. When possible, tie these reasons to assumptions-both the author’s and your own.
V. Support for Research Paper:
This section should discuss how the article will help you in your defense of your research topic. Make clear to the reader your intended research topic and stance.
What will the article help prove?
How will you use the article in your research paper?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________To submit assignment:
After you have typed your paper, save your paper to your computer.
Click on ‘submit assignment.’
Click on ‘choose file.’
Find the paper and upload it.
Click ‘submit assignment’
You can go to ‘grades’ and click on the assignment name. You will go to a new page, and you should see the file.
Rubric
Paper Two: Article Critique
Paper Two: Article Critique
Criteria Ratings
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction: Summary of Article
Provides the author’s name, the title of the article, the title of the publication, and the date of publication in correct MLA format. Provides a clear summary of the article’s argument and points.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeParagraph 2: Background Information
Provides a very thorough and clear and concise look at background information to help the readers understand the importance of the article. This includes way the topic is of current interest, possible controversy, author’s credentials, intended audience.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeParagraph 3: Critique
Provides a very thorough and detailed appraisal of the author’s work. Goes into depth about what you liked or didn’t like about the organization of the article. The following factors are considered: organization, research, writing style, analytical style, and research. Specific examples are included to support points.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeParagraph 4: Response to Article
Provides a very thorough look at what you like and do not like about the article. Specific examples are included and detailed explanations are present. .
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion: Support for Research Paper
Provides a very detailed and thorough look at how the article will help you in your defense of your research topic. Makes clear to the reader your intended research topic and stance.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar/Mechanics
The essay is successfully edited. It contains no major errors and is almost entirely free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA Format/Length Requirement
The essay meets all the requirements for MLA formatting.
The essay meets the length requirement of 600 words.
