4-5 page essay about the transitions of high school students to college and their struggles.

1. Description of the research question /Problem 10

Provides background information and why the research topic is significant or interesting, employs rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos and pathos) to effectively appeal to the interests and values of the audience.

2. Statement of claim 10

Guiding thesis presents a specific, arguable claim. Shows the writer’s stance on the research question/solution to the problem.

3. Reasons and Justification for your claim 20

Appeals to your chosen audience. Offers logical reasons with sufficient support. Sound justification on the reasons. Shows knowledge of and effectively addresses counterarguments and opposing views by discussing alternatives, rationale and outcomes. Rebuttals of the counterarguments are logical and well supported. Skillful use of justification from principles, from consequences and/or from precedent/analogies.

4. Logical progression and organization of thoughts 15

The organization is clear and easy to follow, with use of strategies such as subtitles. Different sections are rhetorically sequenced to appeal to readers. The rationale of the paper’s organization is evident to the audience. Paragraphing and transitions are clear and appropriate.

5. Rhetorical awareness 10

Audience is appropriately chosen and addressed effectively. Deliberate selection of genre, formatting, and document design most appropriate for your chosen purpose and audience. Uses an appropriate combination of rhetorical appeals to the emotion/values (pathos) and logic and intellect (logos) of the audience, while writing in a voice that is fair-minded, knowledgeable, and appropriate in tone (ethos). Use a language style appropriate to the specified audience, purpose, and genre.

6. Effective use of research 25

Uses at least six credible and reliable sources (at least four from FIU databases), which are documented consistently to establish yourself as a trustworthy, knowledgeable writer who supports your points with good evidence. They can be online or print sources as long as they are credible, authoritative and effective for your target audience, purpose and genre. Uses the sources responsibly: no twisting of the original source meaning, correct formatting of the documentation.

7. Appropriate college-level spelling, grammar and mechanics 10

Employs grammar and mechanics in a way that is relatively error free and appropriate for the intended audience. The sentence structure is varied and the words are carefully chosen. Evidence of careful editing, few grammatical or mechanical errors.

Be careful! A few things can lead to automatic point deductions:

· Serious errors in Works Cited/References---2 points

· Missing Works Cited or Reference---4 points

· Under minimum source requirements---2 points for each source below 6

· Under word count---2 points for each 100 words below 1000.