Purpose & Thesis
The paper has a clear purpose and an explicit thesis. The paper makes an argumentative statement about the topic, then continually refers to and supports that idea.
• The paper may use historical information as a substantial focus, but avoids historical coverage that summarizes past events; instead, the paper focuses on analysis of the material that is pertinent to the argument and shows the relevance of such history to the paper’s argument.
• If necessary, the paper deals carefully with an opposing audience, making concessions if appropriate and attempting to persuade in the most reasonable way possible given the subject, audience, and purpose.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSupport, Sources & Development
Each paragraph has a topic sentence connected to the thesis.
Good supportive details are provided as evidence for each point; these details are well-thought out, and quite concrete and specific. The paper avoids unsubstantiated generalizations. Ideas are explored fully, in depth, considering consequences and conclusions. The implications of the ideas under discussion are considered.
• Quotations and paraphrases are analyzed sufficiently. (The writer does not merely add details from the research without explaining the relevance or incorporating them into the discussion.)
• Paragraphs generally don’t end with an unexplained quote.
• Quotations and paraphrases and other supportive details fit naturally into the paper’s writing style
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
Paragraphs are logically and creatively ordered, with clear transitions between sections. Each paragraph is unified and discusses only one idea per paragraph; each paragraph has a clear and argumentative topic sentence which comes early enough in the paragraph to give readers a clear sense of the paragraph’s purpose as they read supportive evidence.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle
Sentences are clearly written, economical, varied, and sophisticated in structure. Sentences avoid wordiness or repetition, weak verbs (“be” verbs or passive voice), choppy sentences, and an inconsistent tone.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar & Mechanics
Mechanical errors are avoided, including spelling or typographical errors, verb errors, sentence boundary problems, etc.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting
The paper is in proper MLA format.
Proper MLA first page heading.
Proper page numbering.
1” margins on the top, bottom, and both sides.
12 pt. font.
Times-New Roman Numeral font
¬Double spaced between each line.
Indented each paragraph.
Followed the guidelines of the assignment for length, topic, and number of sources.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources
Sources are used to support the paper’s thesis, not as the focus of the paper, and are used to document the appropriate information. Overall, the paper uses a wide variety of sources, scholarly and popular, library and Internet; research was conducted creatively to yield interesting information pertinent to the subject, and appears representative for the subject matter At least five sources are cited. The sources are credible
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuotations/Paraphrases
Quotations and paraphrases are correctly and smoothly integrated into the paper, and are documented properly within the paper. The author provides the reader with the appropriate context for understanding why the source has been used.
• Information from citations is documented within the phrase or sentence, close to the source, but not disruptively so.
• The form of parenthetical citations is correct.
• Quotations are well chosen.
• The format of quotations is correct.
• Paraphrases are properly reworded to avoid unintentional plagiarism.
Cc Cite all outside sources, unless they are common knowledge.
• Both quotations and paraphrases are documented.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWorks Cited
Works cited entries are alphabetized and formatted in proper MLA format (8TH edition). The works cited includes any and all sources cited in the paper; sources not used in the paper are not cited.
