NEED researched argument draft in 5 hrs

Concerns

Areas that Need Work

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Criteria

Standards for This Performance

Advanced

Evidence of Exceeding Standards

Writing Process: _____ /10

Completed at least one draft and responded partially to comments on drafts, and minimized minor errors through careful proofreading. Written at least 3.5 pages.

After researching the topic, I realized that many of the articles I read all came to similar conclusions. I based my argument on those initial findings. I feel that although almost all of my sources were saying that genetically modified foods are safe, it was difficult to find a specific source from a singular study that came to this conclusion. I did manage to find sources that pointed to reports by top science organizations that have reviewed hundreds of studies, and then released their conclusions. This helped my argument. It might have been better to refer to sources where major science organizations reviewed hundreds of studies instead of trying to review studies myself and form a conclusion on the issue in only 5 pages. I didn’t find any evidence from any source that claimed genetically modified foods were unsafe. Although this did not help me to present a counter argument, I managed to find a way to use the inherent foundations of science to present a counterargument. I also think I did a fair job of asking questions which I felt genuinely needed to be addressed.

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Strength of Argument: _____ /30

Thesis presents an argument that is clear, nuanced, and can be found in the introduction or another clearly identifiable place.

The thesis is supported with concrete, substantial and relevant evidence throughout, using research materials and writer’s own ideas. The distinction between these two is clear.

Writer uses counterarguments to present a balanced view of the issue.

At least three sources are relevant to the writer’s argument.

I feel like I did a good job of distinguishing between my ideas and the evidence I used to support my thesis.

I think I could do a much better job of transitioning between paragraphs. I feel like if I go back through my essay with a more critical look that I will be able to create better transitions. I’m not a fan of how I abruptly ended my last paragraph, but I feel like I will find a much better way to do it before turning in the final draft.

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Organization: _____/20

Writing has a beginning, middle and end. Transitions are present.

I think I did a good job of distinguishing a beginning, background, middle, and end to my essay.

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Style & Mechanics: _____/20

Writer has well-constructed sentences. Writer generally uses correct mechanics, but may have a few major errors that could be easily fixed.

Word choice is striking, natural, varied and vivid

I feel that my essay was crafted with good mechanics and word choice, and although I feel like I read it a thousand times, there are probably a few minor mechanical errors.

I sometimes have a difficult time citing sources when information is missing, such as page numbers or authors, so I compensate for it by giving a lot of in-text information about the source in order to avoid plagiarism. I know there are much easier ways to cite these sources, but when I am unsure, I resort to giving as much information as possible.

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MLA Documentation/Format: _____/20

When a source is referenced, it is properly introduced, and interpreted through an explanation of a quote or paraphrase.

Synthesis of material is present: the sources support the writer’s argument, but do not make up the entirety of the writer’s claim. Writer has connected his/her own ideas with the sources’ ideas. Documentation is ethical.

In-text citations and works cited page have only minor errors.

Heading, font-size and spacing are also good.

I feel like I did a good job of using sources to support my claim and also making sure to connect my ideas with the ideas from my sources.

Total: _____/100