Writing Prompt from ‘The Treadmill of Consumption’

Category

Possible

Points

Comments

Points Allocated

Title and Introduction

· Has a meaningful title that refers to the issue or problem.

· Uses a meaningful or interesting way -- a description of a condition, situation, or event -- to introduce the issue or problem. Provides a thesis statement that gives your reader a clear idea of what to expect in the paper. Thesis should also fully address the writing prompt.

10

Thesis is misplaced. It should be at the end of the introduction. Introduction needs a rewrite. It is more a body paragraph.

8

Developmental Paragraphs

· First paragraph (of the body) recognizes something of value in an opposing argument and/or refutes the opposition’s argument.

· Remaining body paragraphs must be well developed by meeting the minimum page count, and effectively supporting the thesis in a detailed fashion. They should paraphrase or directly quote class readings and/or researched sources.

· Remaining body paragraphs should also strike a balance between the writer’s ideas and other sources. Should be at least 60% writer’s ideas, 40% research/class readings by other authors.

50

. An opposing viewpoint to your position is missing. It should be the first body paragraph.

35

Conclusion

· Restates the thesis and summarizes the issue, wrapping it up with whatever else might be appropriate for your topic.

5

Underdeveloped conclusion.

2

Grammar and Mechanics

· Demonstrates effective use of standard edited American English (punctuation, sentence structure, spelling)

20

.

20

Format

· MLA Format – Correct use of in-text citations and correctly formatted works cited page.

· Required research sources present – library grade – Must meet research requirements.

· Uses proper heading, indention, margins, and spacing for the paper.

10

Work cited page is incorrectly formatted. The in text citations are incorrectly formatted.

5

Style

· Uses transitions when needed to move to the next paragraph or refer to something previously mentioned.

· Displays an formal academic tone (I will avoid deducting additional points for style problems that are the result of grammatical errors; however, points for style may be withheld if the essay has more than three major sentence structure errors and/or is swamped by minor -- proofreading -- errors).

5

Underdeveloped paragraphs. Please, no sub headings. I can keep up. This is an essay, not a business report.

2

Total Points and Letter Grade

100

72