ENGLISH 101 course

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The Components of a Successful Essay Through writing this assignment, students should demonstrate the following outcomes or should show that

they can do the following:

Write effectively, using the conventions of standard English, a clear focus, appropriate

support/evidence and logical organization.

Collect and organize research data, using credible sources to write a convincing/persuasive

document.

Analyze, synthesize and evaluate information to assess the validity and usefulness of an argument.

Name: Due Date:

Criteria Unsatis-

factory

Needs

Work Adequate Good Excellent

Assignment Fulfillment Does the essay fulfill the required criteria? Does it have an appropriate original title? Did the writer bring two drafts to class? Is the essay in MLA format (including one-inch margins)? Is the essay made up of at least ______ words/pages?

INTRODUCTION/THESIS

Thesis Does the writer include a clear thesis statement (claim) that states the topic of the essay and the writer’s point of view on that topic?

Introduction Does the introductory paragraph include the title and author of the text? Does the writer introduce the essay with adequate background information in a full paragraph that leads the reader to the thesis statement? Does the writer use some version of one or more of the following techniques: Question Anecdote/Story/Experience Importance of the topic Opposite of thesis Arresting/shocking statement/statistic Quotation Philosophy An insight

SUPPORT/BODY PARAGRAPHS

Organization Does the writer use a clear, logical pattern of organization such as chronological, thematic, or Rogerian? Does the writer use topic sentences that relate back to and develop the thesis statement? Does the writer stay focused on proving the thesis statement with appropriate, relevant evidence? Does the writer use transitions when moving from idea to idea?

Development/Support Are the body paragraphs fully developed with SPECIFIC reasons, illustrations, examples, details, evidence, and/or explanations that support the thesis? Does the writer synthesize the text, outside research, and his/her knowledge and experience to prove his/her points? Does the writer identify unfamiliar persons, places, and things and define terms?

CONCLUSION

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Conclusion Does the writer wrap up his/her essay using an effective technique?

GENERAL/ FULL ESSAY

Critical Thinking Does the writer demonstrate an understanding of the text by explaining and analyzing its meaning? Does the writer clearly communicate well-thought- out reasons he/she is arguing his/her side of the issue based on evidence from research and knowledge? Does the writer acknowledge, grant merit to and/or refute sufficient opposing views in the essay?

Research Does the writer cite sources according to MLA format? Does the writer integrate and synthesize relevant quotations, paraphrases, and summaries from outside sources into his/her essay?

Sentence Craft Is the writing fluent, clear, and easy to understand? Does the writer use an appropriate tone and provide support for his/her points? Does the writer use declarative sentences and avoid asking questions? Does the writer use a variety of sentences?

Proofreading Does the writer use standard English throughout the essay and use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling?

More than 5 errors/pg

5 or fewer errors /pg

4 or fewer errors /pg

3 or fewer errors/pg

2 or fewer errors / pg

Comments/Grade: