unit-3-editorial-essay-1200-words

Overview of Unit 3 Essay: Editorial (100 points)

_________________________________________________ min. 1200 words

Essay Description:

Write a claim-driven researched argument in which you present an issue, the reasons the issue is a problem for our society or culture, while addressing multiple perspectives including an opposing viewpoint.

Length: Your essay should be at least 1200 words, around 5 pages, double-spaced.

Style: Observe the conventions of MLA style for paper formatting, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page.

Sources: You must have at least 6 quoted or paraphrased sources from credible publications:

  • one for a compelling story or anecdote to create the real-life implications of your issue,
  • four to support your paragraph claims and at least one opposing viewpoint
  • Each claim must draw from at least two sources.
  • You may not use any quotes longer than 3 lines. You must introduce each source the first time you use it.

___________________________________________

Essay Organization

Introduction: Begin with a hook to grab your classmate’s attention. End with your main claim, one sentence stating the overall effectiveness of the article, plus your reasons. Use dependent and independent clauses.

Background of Issue: What is motivating this conversation? Why is this a pressing issue? How is it evolving? Do NOT go back to the beginning of time; instead, make it highly-relevant to your issue question and main claim.

Lines of Argument: Use the CREAC model of paragraph development. Introduce and cite your evidence. Use both paraphrase and direct quotations to support your main claim.

  1. Opposing View: Lay out a fair, balanced paragraph explaining they claim.
  2. Response: Respond to each claim with your own claim.
  3. Concession and Refutation: What arguments do you agree with? Which do you disagree with?
  4. New Claims + Reasons: Move on to your new claims that the opposing view have ignored, using CREAC to craft your argument.

Conclusion: What implications are there for this article? Is it convincing and how does it fit into the larger conversation on this topic in America? End with the So What? factor. Why should we care? What will happen in the future if this issue isn’t solved.

_________________________________________________________

Writing Process Steps

  1. Develop a thesis statement (main claim) that clearly states your position on the issue.
  2. Free write on your topic to discover all the many facets of this issue.
  3. Combine similar ideas into paragraphs.
  4. Use the sources from your annotated bibliography to support and contradict your main claim in your paragraphs.
  5. Cite each quote/paraphrase in MLA format. Include a works cited page.

Revision Questions:

  • Did I proofread out loud to find errors?
  • Did you visit the Pier Tutoring Center on the third floor of the Seefeldt building? (Visit at any time during your writing process.)

Rubric

Editorial

Editorial

CriteriaRatingsPts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction and Thesis

30.0 pts

Excellent

Excellent Wrote an engaging introduction and stated an argumentative thesis clearly and accurately.

25.0 pts

Proficient

Proficient Introduction lacks some creativity to hook the reader. Stated an argumentative thesis clearly and accurately.

20.0 pts

Competent

Introduction lacks a hook. Argumentative thesis is unclear, stated as a question, or does not address the rhetorical devices.

15.0 pts

Novice

Introduction lacks creativity to hook the reader and lacks a rhetorical analysis thesis.

30.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSummary

20.0 pts

Excellent

Excellent Summary is detailed but also concise.

18.0 pts

Proficient

Proficient Summary helps the reader understand the issue but is too general or too detailed.

16.0 pts

Competent

Summary is short, inadequate, and uses too many quotes instead of paraphrases.

10.0 pts

Novice

No summary

20.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEthos

30.0 pts

Excellent

Excellent Ethos demonstrates credibility.

25.0 pts

Proficient

Proficient Ethos relates somewhat to credibility but lacks some shared values.

20.0 pts

Competent

Ethos missing some credibility elements.

15.0 pts

Novice

No ethos

30.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePathos

30.0 pts

Excellent

Excellent Pathos accurately demonstrates emotion

25.0 pts

Proficient

Contains a good amount of emotional persuasion.

20.0 pts

Competent

Includes some emotional elements.

15.0 pts

Novice

No pathos

30.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLogos

30.0 pts

Excellent

Logos is precise and accurately demonstrates logic and facts

25.0 pts

Proficient

Proficient Logos relates somewhat to logic

20.0 pts

Competent

Logos relates very little to logic and facts.

15.0 pts

Excellent

No logos

30.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion

20.0 pts

Excellent

Ended with a strong, satisfying conclusion with a call to action when appropriate, a explanation of the bigger picture, or a vision of the future if the problem is solved/ not solved.

16.0 pts

Proficient

Ended with a passable conclusion but could use more strength or could relate more to the topic.

12.0 pts

Competent

Ended with a weak conclusion that is either too short, goes off on a different topic, or relies on research instead of your own commentary.

8.0 pts

Novice

Ends without a satisfying conclusion. The last paragraph feels like an additional body paragraph.

20.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDocumentation

20.0 pts

Excellent

Excellent Used correct MLA format for all in-text citations and for the list of Works Cited.

18.0 pts

Proficient

Errors in either the in-text citations on in the formatting of the Works Cited.

16.0 pts

Competent

Used incorrect MLA format for all in-text citations and for the list of Works Cited.

10.0 pts

Novice

Errors in both the in-text citations on in the formatting of the Works Cited.

20.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCorrectness

20.0 pts

Excellent

Few to no errors in the essay.

18.0 pts

Proficient

Several errors in the whole essay.

14.0 pts

Competent

Several errors on each page of the essay

10.0 pts

Proficient

Several errors in the whole essay.

20.0 pts

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