Final Due Date: 11-18-11
Topics (Please choose one to write about and circle it. If you choose other it must be approved by you teacher) :
1. Should elementary schools hold dances for students?
2. Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
3. Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
4. Should everyone under the age of 17 have a 9:00 PM curfew?
5. Other:
Format Requirements:
· Rough Draft with editing marks by you and at least two other classmates (one boy and one girl).
o Due: 11-15-11
· Final Draft typed on the computer.
o Arial Font
o 12 point font
o Double spaced
o No pictures
o 1 inch margins
o At least 1 page typed.
Rubric for the Final Draft | |||||
CATEGORY | 4 Above Standards | 3 Meets Standards | 2 Approaching Standards | 1 Below Standards | 0 Not Present |
Focus or Thesis Statement | The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and outlines the main points to be discussed. | The thesis statement names the topic of the essay. | The thesis statement outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does not name the topic. | The thesis statement does not name the topic AND does not preview what will be discussed. | No thesis statement |
Grammar & Spelling | Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. | Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. | Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. | Author makes at least 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. | Author makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. |
Capitalization & Punctuation | Author makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the essay is exceptionally easy to read. | Author makes 1-2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the essay is still easy to read. | Author makes 3 - 4 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the essay is still easy to read. | Author makes at least 4 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the essay is still easy to read. | Author makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader\'s attention and interrupt the flow. |
Evidence and Examples | All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\'s position. | Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\'s position. | At least two of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author\'s position. | At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author\'s position. | Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained. |
Sentence Structure | All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. | Most sentences are well-constructed and there is some varied sentence structure in the essay. | Most sentences are well constructed, but there is no variation is structure. | Most sentences are not well-constructed or varied. | Shows a lack of understanding on proper sentence structure. |
Closing paragraph | The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer\'s position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph. | The conclusion is recognizable. The author\'s position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing paragraph. | The author\'s position is restated within the closing paragraph, but not near the beginning. | The author\'s position is restated within the closing paragraph, but is not clear. | There is no conclusion - the paper just ends |