Argumentative Research Paper(First draft and final draft)

Grading Rubric – 1301 Research Paper

8 10 PTS – Introduction + Claim /Thesis

Introduction clearly explains the topic and the writer’s views; is clear and engaging; last sentence of the first paragraph (the thesis) makes a strong, specific, debatable, persuasive claim about an ethical issue – The introduction includes an important inaccuracy; you state that homosexual adoption is “illegal” in some states in the US, but the Supreme Court ruled years ago that it cannot be made illegal in any state, that same sex couples must be considered by the same standards as heterosexual couples. You also did not include a source citation for that, probably because there is not one; but information presented as factual must be documented. And arguing based on inaccurate facts is problematic. There are private adoption organizations that may or may not be bound by those laws; that would have been a more appropriate argument to focus on because the argument here has already been established as not-debatable and resolved (like same sex marriage).

13 15 PTS – Organization, Focus, + Rhetorical Strategies

Topic is explained and argued in a cohesive order with smooth transitions; essay is focused; information in paragraphs is relevant to the argument; examples and appeals are used effectively –

6 10 PTS – Counterargument

Counterargument is explained and refuted; opposition’s views are used to establish expertise and understanding but do not diminish the argumentative claim and position; consequences of choosing the positions are discussed – if there is a counterargument, it should be looked at in-depth and with consideration for those who oppose the main idea; if there is not a counterargument that is reasonable, then the argument is not debatable. Always refer to calling those who oppose your position “ignorant” since that is not an effective way to persuade readers who hold different values than what you or I may hold.

10 15 PTS – Overall Impact + Conclusion

Overall the essay is persuasive, shows knowledge of topic, examines the topic in-depth, and answers the “so what” question; concludes effectively and leaves readers a strong point of view to consider – the essay is somewhat vague and is based on some information that may not be accurate. In addition to the problem noted above, there are things like a mention on Page 2 of something “studies prove” that is not substantiated or cited, and there is a good bit of information about how homosexual parents are superior to heterosexual parents based on a logical fallacy and a “surface” examination of the issue rather than an in-depth exploration of the complexities of the situations. While I 100% agree with most of your comments in this essay, the argument should be built to persuade people who disagree with you.

4 10 PTS – Research

Source information is presented both as direct quotes and paraphrases; all direct quotes are integrated; good balance of research information and personal voice – Several of the direct quotations are not integrated (explained on the source summaries feedback among other places); the essay needs more source support

8 10 PTS – In-Text Citations

Source information is clearly credited to the correct source; essay has NO missing in-text citations; citations match the FIRST word of the Works Cited entry; information such as page numbers and multiple authors’ last names are included; sources cited by title are written correctly; correct punctuation is used with citations and direct quotes – In-text citations should have page numbers instead of paragraph numbers, but one source is cited by paragraph instead

10 15 PTS – Required Sources + Works Cited

Includes at least 3 credible sources (at least 1 in print and 1 from database); sources are documented in correct 8th edition MLA style with all required information for the source type; entries have correct punctuation, spelling, italics/quotation marks; etc.; sources listed in ABC order with hanging indents, correct font, and no lines skipped b/w entries – source entries are missing date of access (pointed out on the source summaries assignment)

12 15 PTS – Proofreading and Editing; Quality of prose

Language is clear and concise; correct grammar, punctuation, and word choice used throughout the essay (including no use of 2nd person “you”); no misspelled words, incomplete or run-on sentences; apostrophes are used correctly; pronouns and verbs agree with subjects; etc. – good job with punctuation and grammar, but there are several word choice errors and some of the writing should be edited to be more concise and avoid repetition

ADDITIONAL DEDUCTIONS APPLIED FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS, IF HIGHLIGHTED:

Does not meet min. length of 4 full pgs. Automatic zero for papers less than 3 full pages

Missing source credits for source facts or information Automatic zero for plagiarism

Does not follow all MLA format guidelines Works Cited page entries are not in 8the ed. MLA style

Use of 2nd person “you” or “your” Has excessive errors that show lack of proofreading

GRADE: 63 OF 100 = D

POINTS: 90 OF 150 POSSIBLE