Week 3 Assignment: Outline

Exemplary – 100%

Above Average – 85%

Satisfactory – 70%

Approaches Standard – 60%

Needs Improvement – 50%

Introduction – 20%

Introduction catches readers interest. Introduction has a clear thesis that outlines the paper’s argument. Introduction more of a section than a single paragraph.

Introduction has somewhat of a hook. Thesis is present but needs work.

Introduction does not have a specific style hook related to the Week 3 Discussion module. Thesis present but requires major work.

Introduction seems aimless and disorganized. Does not catch the readers interest. Thesis unclear.

No clear introduction to the topic. Source material being used in the introduction. Thesis not present.

Body – 30%

Three clear body paragraphs are developed beyond the minimum requirements. Clear how each body paragraph will become a larger section in itself. Strong transitions are being used, and source material being integrated.

Three body paragraphs are present and go above the requirements. Paragraphs connect to one another but leave room for more development. Transitions present. Outline indicates where source material will fit.

Three minimally developed paragraphs (5-6 sentences). Paragraphs do not leave room for more development. Not clear how paragraphs can become sections. Weak use of transitions and limited source material.

Body paragraphs lack detail. Overuse of source material. Argument not clear in paragraphs. Mostly a lack of of transitions and source material.

Assignment not meeting requirement perhaps because there are not three full paragraphs, or the essay will not meet the requirements of 2000+ words if left as is. No transitions or source material used.

Conclusion – 20%

Conclusion clearly recaps major points. Conclusion also answers “so what” by applying argument beyond the paper, offering deep insights, or showing what’s at stake in the issue. Conclusion avoids using source material. Conclusion does not begin with “In conclusion” or other clinched phrases.

Conclusion recaps major points and offers significance of the argument or offers insight. Conclusion may offer up other lines of inquiry and research necessary. Conclusion mostly avoids source material. Conclusion mostly avoids clichés. Conclusion mostly moves reader.

Conclusion recaps points and makes an insight or a statement as to why this topic matters. Reader is not convinced. Conclusion may have source material and clichés.

Conclusion does not recap points well but perhaps summarizes the argument. Conclusion offers no greater insights into the issue. Conclusion may use source material and clichés.

Conclusion does not recap points. Conclusion does not summarize major argument. No clear conclusion at all. Conclusion relies on source material and uses cliched phrases as “To sum up,” “Overall,” or “In conclusion.”

Source Support – 20%

Outline uses more than the required number of sources, indicating key quotes that will be used and where they fit. Quotes are properly cited and clearly integrated in accordance with the Week 3 Learning Module.

Outline uses 7+ sources, indicating where they will fit into the body paragraphs. Quotes contain citations and some integration in accordance with Week 3 Learning Module.

Outline has 5+ sources and notes where they will be used, but the quoting of source material and citing is lacking or undeveloped. Integration of quotes is weak.

Outline has limited source usage, not clearly indicating where sources will fit in the final paper. Quoting is limited or not present, and citations are limited, inaccurate, or not present.

No source usage in the outline or very limited in usage. Little to no quoting and citing present.

Grammar, Mechanics, and Collegiate Style – 10%

Demonstrates mastery of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage and with no errors. First and second person language not used, and vocabulary exhibits exemplary collegiate style.

Demonstrates proficiency of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage with fewer than three errors First and second person generally not used. Vocabulary exhibits some collegiate style. Use of Writing Studio and/or OWL is suggested.

Demonstrates understanding of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage with fewer than five errors. Some first and second person used in the outline. Vocabulary is basic and does not inspire confidence in student’s knowledge of the topic or the language associated with it. Use of Writing Studio and/or OWL is encouraged.

Grammar, mechanics, and style require improvement in some areas of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage; fewer than ten errors but retains clarity throughout most of post. First and second person used, and vocabulary needs improvement. Use of Writing Studio and/or OWL is strongly encouraged.

Major revisions needed in terms of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage; more than fifteen errors; errors affect clarity of post. Collegiate style lacking, particularly with regard to first and second person as well as vocabulary. Use of Writing Studio and/or OWL will be necessary to do well on final submission.