history response: the book name, Forging the Modern World; introduction and chapter 1

POINTS RESPONSE PAPER GRADING RUBRIC

0

No single focus or clear thesis; often plot summary or a series of assertions without

engagement with specific passages in the ancient texts; may be confused concerning factual

details; may not address the major issues laid out in the assignment.

5

Has a single focus, but may not include a provable assertion (thesis); there may be multiple

observations, but are not explicitly tied together into a unified point; not enough specific

evidence cited to support the author’s claims; may contain sentences that leave the reader

confused or distracted.

10 Has a thesis and some specific examples to support it, yet the thesis may remain general or

simple; may leave out other examples important for exploring the thesis; may not explain or

interpret the evidence sufficiently.

15 Clear attempt to answer an important question; the thesis is supported by specific examples

from the readings, clearly explained; the closing paragraph ties together important claims

made throughout the paper and is thematically related to the opening.

20

Brings together multiple strands of evidence into a coherent whole; sets each piece of

evidence into a clear context and interprets the evidence clearly, connecting it to the thesis;

attempts to explain what effect the choices made in the text has upon the audience.

25

A thoughtful, complex, and nuanced analysis of the text(s); each section contributes to

overall argument, supported by appropriate evidence, clearly interpreted and explained;

includes all (or nearly all) the relevant evidence; the best papers may tie the evidence in the

text under discussion with other readings or themes of the course, may suggest new

implications for understanding the topic, or make connections with modern events or

themes.