Position Paper - we should buy organic food

Category

A

B

C

D/F

Argument

The paper makes a sophisticated argument that takes into account many sides of a complex issue. It provides thorough background information and asserts a well-defined action or proposal. It successfully incorporates and engages counterarguments.

The paper makes a clear argument that takes into account more than one side of an issue. It provides adequate background information and asserts an action or proposal. It incorporates and engages some counterarguments.

The paper makes an argument about an issue, but it may be somewhat unclear at times. It provides adequate background information most of the time and attempts to assert an action or proposal. It attempts to incorporate and engages at least one counterargument.

The paper may not make an argument about an issue or may simply state information. It may not provide background information or may not even attempt to assert an action or proposal. It may not take into account any counterarguments.

Organization

(Parts of a Full Argument)

The paper opens by establishing strong exigence and clearly describing background information for the topic. It puts forth a very clear thesis and plan, and follows with a logically-sequenced set of claims. The paper considers and counters refutations very effectively, and the conclusion successfully addresses the bigger issues or questions presented by the topic.

The paper opens by establishing exigence and describing some background information for the topic. It puts forth a thesis and plan, and follows with a logical set of claims. The paper considers and counters refutations, and the conclusion begins to address the bigger issues or questions presented by the topic.

The paper may not establish exigence very well. It may only provide a small amount of (or far too much) background information. It attempts to put forth a thesis, plan, and claims, but those may not always be clear. The paper attempts to consider refutations, but may not always do so successfully. The conclusion may not add to the overall success of the paper.

The paper may not establish exigence at all. It may only provide a small amount of background information, or none at all. It may not put forth a thesis or plan, or its claims may not match its intended argment. The paper may not consider refutations or may not counter them. The conclusion may serve no useful purpose, or may detract from the paper.

Evidence/Research

All generalizations are effectively supported with specific evidence. The paper uses a mix of scholarly and popular resources to effectively present and defend a well-researched set of claims. All quotations, data, and paraphrases are introduced clearly and contextualized thoroughly. The sources used are all credible (or clearly explained).

Generalizations are supported with specific evidence. The paper uses a mix of scholarly and popular resources to present and defend a well-researched set of claims. Most quotations, data, and paraphrases are introduced clearly and contextualized. The sources used are credible (or clearly explained).

Generalizations are usually supported with specific evidence. The paper uses scholarly and/or popular resources to present a set of claims. Some quotations, data, and paraphrases may not be introduced clearly or contextualized. The sources used are mostly credible, though some may not be.

Generalizations may not be supported with evidence, or the evidence may not always be relevant. The paper may not use scholarly sources effectively or may not tie research to claims. Quotations, data, and paraphrases may not be introduced at all and/or may be hard to follow. The sources used may not be credible.

Style

Paragraphs link together seamlessly to form coherent sections. It’s clear how everything in a section is relevant to a main point. Sections begin with short introductory segments that help orient and sustain overall arguments.

Paragraphs mostly link together seamlessly to form coherent sections. Everything important in a section is relevant to a main point. Sections begin with short introductory segments that help orient and sustain overall arguments.

Paragraphs often link together to form coherent sections. Some sections begin with short introductory segments that help orient the argument, but the audience is sometimes left guessing the direction of the paper.

Little to no attention is paid to the links between paragraphs or sections. The audience is left uncertain as to where the paper is going. There is little to no global coherence in the paper.

Formatting & Conventions

There are no proofreading errors, or only minor errors. It correctly follows MLA formatting for citations. The style and tone are very appropriate to the audience.

There may be some proofreading errors but they do not interfere with the reader’s understanding. It follows MLA formatting for citations. The style and tone are mostly appropriate to the audience.

There may be some proofreading errors that begin to distract the reader. It may not adequately use MLA formatting for citations. The style and/or tone may not be appropriate for the audience.

There may be major proofreading errors that distract the reader. There may be little or no evidence of MLA citation. The style and tone may be very inappropriate for the audience.