750 words 8 hrs MLA format

A range (Excellent)

Argument

Introductory paragraph includes a clear thesis that states a nuanced argument.

Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that clearly relates to the thesis and furthers the argument.

Thesis is developed and supported throughout the paper and within each body paragraph.

Concluding paragraph returns to the thesis and revisits the most salient points of the essay.

Evidence

Argument is convincingly supported by direct quotations from both of the assigned sources (Advertisement, New York Observer and Chronicle and “Another Swindling Game”).

Every paragraph contains multiple quotations from both sources.

Quotations are grammatically integrated into the sentence structure, properly cited, and thoroughly explained in the subsequent sentences.

Essay uses concrete details from the textbook or lecture to fully contextualize 19th-century accident insurance and the conceptualization of risk.

Prose

Prose is clear, direct, engaging, and free of grammatical and typographical errors.

Sentences are written in active voice, not passive voice (see writing guide in the Paper #1 assignment description).

B range (Good)

Argument

Introductory paragraph includes a thesis statement with a clear argument.

Every body paragraph has a topic sentence that reinforces the argument, but in at least one paragraph the argument could be more nuanced, precise, and/or developed.

Body paragraphs generally relate to the thesis statement, but in some places the connection to the thesis is unclear.

Ideas are developed but could use more analysis or explanation in one or more paragraphs.

Evidence

Argument is supported by direct quotations from both sources.

Every body paragraph contains at least one quotation from both sources.

Quotations are integrated into the sentence structure, but some lack proper citation and/or adequate explanation.

Essay uses some concrete detail from the textbook or lecture to describe the historical context for 19th-century accident insurance and the conceptualization of risk.

Prose

Prose is generally clear and direct but has a few grammatical errors.

Prose lapses into passive voice in places.

C range (Acceptable)

Argument

Essay attempts to make an argument in a thesis statement in the introductory paragraph, but the argument is vague and/or illogical.

Body paragraphs have topic sentences that revisit the thesis, but they do not substantially further the argument and/or do not appear in a logical sequence.

Ideas are expressed but need further clarification and development.

Evidence

Argument is supported by direct quotations from both assigned sources.

Use of quotations limited to zero or one per paragraph.

“Dangling quotations” are dropped into the body paragraphs without adequate explanation, grammatical integration, or proper citation.

Essay lacks concrete historical detail.

Prose

Prose contains a significant number of grammatical and typographical errors.

Essay contains incomplete sentences, ungrammatical syntax, and/or passive voice (see writing guide in the Paper #1 assignment description)

D range (Needs significant improvement)

Argument

Essay partially addresses the assigned question but lacks a main idea or argument.

Body paragraphs do not develop or explain ideas clearly.

Evidence

Essay does not engage substantively with both assigned sources.

One or more body paragraphs have no quotations at all.

Prose

Prose is unclear and ungrammatical throughout, to the extent that its meaning is obscured.

F (Failing)

Argument

The paper is off-topic and does not address the assigned questions.

The paper consists of personal opinion or commentary (e.g., whether you enjoyed reading one source more than the other, whether or not you like studying history at Rutgers).

Evidence

The paper incorporates no quotations and does not engage in any meaningful way with the assigned sources.