Unit 1 - Response Paper 1- Minimum 3 double-spaced pages Reading: “The Social Networks”, by Neal Gabler Writing Prompt: Write an argumentative paper in which you agree or disagree with Gabler’s claim that, “instead of brining comfort, [television] seems

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

Introduction needs to be revised. It is body paragraph. Your thesis does not take a position on Gabler. You pose two sides which is not the assignment. You are to agree or disagree with him and the defend your position.

5

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

Because you have no clear position on Gabler’s quote, the rest of your paper is just a summary of his ideas in the essay. You are supposed to be crafting an argument for or against his statement. Go back and read your essay, you will see that you are summarizing the essay. You have not addressed the prompt.

38

Conclusion

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

5

Conclusion is still taking two sides when you should be arguing one side, one way in which television either alienates us or brings us together.

3

Grammar and Mechanics

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

20

Grammar and punctuation errors present.

12

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

Paragraphs are not indented. Please learn how to use Microsoft Word.

4

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

All body paragraphs are too short and underdeveloped.

2

Total Points and Letter Grade

100

64