AMERICAN POLITICS paper 3-4 page

Grading Rubric for First Writing Assignment.

“A” Papers:

Structure, Organization, & Clarity of Argument:

➢ The paper is structured clearly and logically. It contains a strong and coherent introduction,

development of ideas, and conclusion. The introduction of the paper presents a clearly stated

argument that is supported throughout the paper. Each paragraph within the body of the paper

supports the main argument of the paper. While other perspectives are acknowledged, the primary

point of view (or argument) is maintained throughout the paper. Each sentence is well-structured.

Ideas are clearly expressed.

Grammar & Spelling:

➢ The writing is grammatically correct, and there are no spelling errors.

Content:

➢ The student uses concepts and ideas from the readings and lecture extensively. The concepts are

clearly and fully explained and connected to the ideas expressed in the paper.

➢ The paper contains appropriate supporting examples to illustrate concepts.

➢ The paper clearly responds to each aspect of the prompt or assignment.

➢ The paper clearly and thoroughly describes the potential presidential candidate including party

identification, issue platform, demographic and interest groups making up the candidate’s “base”,

and other background information.

➢ A connection is made between the candidate’s background and campaign strategies.

➢ A campaign strategy is clearly described including discussion on issue priorities, mobilization, and

media coverage.

➢ The paper discusses potential challenges the candidate may face and suggestions for how to

respond to the challenges.

➢ The student clearly uses the sources required by the assignment (as listed in the prompt) and

includes proper citation.

“B” Papers:

Structure, Organization, & Clarity of Argument:

➢ There is some logic but parts are not fully developed. The argument is stated but not clearly or not

maintained throughout the paper. Paper contains a clear expression of ideas and good organization

and coherence.

Grammar & Spelling:

➢ The paper contains very few (if any) grammatical and spelling errors.

Content:

➢ The student uses concepts and ideas from the readings and lecture. The concepts are explained and

connected to the ideas expressed in the paper.

➢ The paper contains some supporting examples to illustrate concepts.

➢ The paper responds to most aspects of the prompt or assignment.

➢ The paper clearly describes the potential presidential candidate including party identification, issue

platform, demographic and interest groups making up the candidate’s “base”, and other

background information.

➢ A connection is made between the candidate’s background and campaign strategies.

➢ A campaign strategy is clearly described including discussion on issue priorities, mobilization, and

media coverage.

➢ The paper discusses potential challenges the candidate may face and suggestions for how to

respond to the challenges.

➢ The student uses the sources required by the assignment (as listed in the prompt) and includes

proper citation.

“C” Papers:

Structure, Organization, & Clarity of Argument:

➢ The paper is extremely simple or disorganized. The main idea is implicit in the writing but never

made explicit.

Grammar & Spelling:

➢ The paper contains some grammatical and spelling errors.

Content:

➢ The student uses concepts and ideas from the readings and lecture. The concepts are explained,

although not clearly.

➢ The paper contains some supporting examples to illustrate concepts.

➢ The paper responds to some aspects of the prompt or assignment, but significant parts of the

prompt are ignored.

➢ The paper offers some description of the potential presidential candidate including party

identification, issue platform, demographic and interest groups making up the candidate’s “base”,

and other background information.

➢ A connection is made between the candidate’s background and campaign strategies.

➢ A campaign strategy is described including discussion on issue priorities, mobilization, and media

coverage though not thoroughly or clearly.

➢ The student uses some of the sources required by the assignment (as listed in the prompt) and

includes proper citation.

“D” Papers:

Structure, Organization, & Clarity of Argument:

➢ The paper is disjointed or rambling.

➢ Ideas are not clear and coherence is lacking throughout the paper. The main idea is not clear.

Grammar & Spelling:

➢ The paper contains several grammatical and spelling errors.

Content:

➢ The student mentions few concepts and ideas from the readings and lecture, and these concepts are

not explained.

➢ The paper responds to some aspects of the prompt or assignment, but many parts of the prompt are

ignored.

➢ The paper offers some description of the potential presidential candidate including party

identification, issue platform, demographic and interest groups making up the candidate’s “base”,

and other background information.

➢ No connection is made between the candidate’s background and campaign strategies.

➢ A campaign strategy is described though not thoroughly or clearly.

➢ It is not clear that the student used the sources required by the assignment (as listed in the prompt).

“F” Papers:

Structure, Organization, & Clarity of Argument:

➢ The paper is extremely unclear, disjointed, and rambling. The paper does not present a main idea

or argument to guide the reader. Ideas are extremely unclear and coherence is lacking throughout

the paper.

Grammar & Spelling:

➢ The paper contains several grammatical and spelling errors.

Content:

➢ The student does not mention concepts and ideas from the readings and lecture.

➢ The paper responds to some aspects of the prompt or assignment, but many parts of the prompt are

ignored.

➢ The paper offers very little description of the potential presidential candidate.

➢ No connection is made between the candidate’s background and campaign strategies.

➢ A campaign strategy is described though not thoroughly or clearly.

➢ It is not clear that the student used the sources required by the assignment (as listed in the prompt).

Below are some additional advice and tips for writing assignments in general.

1. Read each question thoroughly. Be sure you understand exactly what the question asks. Once you

understand exactly what the question is asking, answer that question.

2. Attack questions directly, and stay focused. Do not waste time restating questions or on flowery

introductions. Use the first paragraph to introduce your major argument. Then, in the following

paragraphs, develop your logic more fully, and discuss specific facts and examples. Do not get

sidetracked explaining ideas that are unrelated to the original question.

3. Define key concepts clearly and accurately.

4. Always be as specific and precise as possible. Try to choose words that express exactly what you mean.

5. Explain fully. Never assume that certain points are obvious or that the grader can read your mind.

Assume the reader to be intelligent, but not especially knowledgeable about government. Use examples to

illustrate and clarify key points.

6. Explain why logically plausible alternatives to the correct answer must be rejected.

7. Organize. Outline each essay before you start to write. Use the outline to divide your paper into

paragraphs, with each paragraph addressing a different aspect of the question. The outline improves the

strength of your logic and clarity of your paper’s structure and organization. You need not write extensive

outlines, just include sufficient detail to ensure clear and logical organization as well as relevant

arguments, examples, etc.

8. Write several drafts. Give yourself enough time to write, edit, and rewrite before the assignment is due.