Critically analyze your topic.  Since this paper is for an academic audience, pay special attention to your language, word choice, and sentence structure. Use the third person only, and do not use contractions in your composition.

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome INTRODUCTION, THESIS STATEMENT,
AND CONCLUSION: The introduction (when applicable) possesses a strong tone
setting. The first paragraph introduces the topic and what the reader hopes
to accomplish, though there is no announcement of intent. Readers can easily
identify the focus of the essay and purpose for writing. A well developed
thesis statement is present making a focused claim, assertion, or persuasive
argument. The conclusion does not introduce new ideas but recapitulates the
main ideas of the essay bringing the essay to a definitive close.

15 to
>13.0 ptsExceptional

13 to
>11.0 ptsEffective

11 to
>9.0 ptsEmerging

9 to
>0 ptsIneffective

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION: The body
of the essay contains transitional devices between paragraphs creating a
seamless, effective flow between ideas. The topic sentences for each
paragraph are well constructed and affirm the thesis statement. The essay is
well developed, coherent, and organized, containing a formal tone, syntactic
variety, and scholastic diction. 10-15 detailed sentences are present in each
paragraph.

20 to
>17.0 ptsExceptional

17 to
>14.0 ptsEffective

14 to
>10.0 ptsEmerging

10 to
>0 ptsIneffective

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome ANALYTICAL REASONING, EVIDENCE, DEVELOPMENT:
The writer remains on task. The content is relevant and displays critical
thinking exemplifying the writer’s understanding of the rhetorical mode:
analysis. The writer presents concrete details and examples, and in-text
citations, along with sufficient evidence used to support each idea in
logical progression. A focused claim is presented, evidence is incorporated
and interpreted along with analytical reasoning. The prompt is addressed in
its entirety.

30 to
>25.0 ptsExceptional

25 to >20.0 ptsEffective

20 to
>15.0 ptsEmerging

15 to
>0 ptsIneffective

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome CONVENTIONS: There are minimal
punctuation, spelling, grammar and mechanical errors present (Semicolon usage
errors, Omitted Commas, Comma splices, Subject-verb agreement, Run-on
sentences, Sentence fragments, Sentence structure errors, contractions, and
person).

15 to
>13.0 ptsExceptional

13 to
>11.0 ptsEffective

11 to
>9.0 ptsEmerging

9 to
>0 ptsIneffective

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome AUDIENCE AND VOICE: The writer
recognizes the interest level, expectations and informational needs of the
audience. The author has a clear and compelling voice.

10 to
>8.0 ptsExceptional

8 to
>6.0 ptsEffective

6 to >4.0 ptsEmerging

4 to
>0 ptsIneffective

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome FORMATTING AND REQUIREMENTS: The
essay demonstrates mastery of the MLA format including the appropriate
header, title, spacing, numbering, and proper formatting of in-text citations,
and Works Cited page. The documentation and length requirements are
satisfied.

10 to
>8.0 ptsExceptional

8 to
>6.0 ptsEffective

6 to >4.0 ptsEmerging

4 to
>0 ptsIneffective

10 pts