Paper Length
: 4-6 pages, plus a Works Cited page; your Works Cited page does NOT count toward your paper’s length (12 point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, double spaced)

Source Requirement:
You must use at least 2 credible sources in your essay.  These must be cited both in-text and on the Works Cited page in MLA format.

Topic:

 Write an essay that explores a popular trend, such as the rise in popularity of a particular kind of music or growing interest in a particular area of study.  Address your essay to your instructor.  In your essay, describe the trend and provide evidence that shows how it has developed over time.  To support your analysis, draw on written sources, and/or conduct field research using interviews, observations, or surveys.

 
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Goals

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Include a strong thesis that clearly states your intentions for the paper at the end of your introduction.

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Fully describe the event or trend you are analyzing, as well as its implications on society today.

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Use traditional paragraph structure (topic sentence followed by supporting points and a concluding or transitional sentence).

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Demonstrate your understanding of standard essay structure by including an introduction that leads to a thesis, narrative, and reflection in the body of the paper with strong transitions between paragraphs, and a thematic conclusion.

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Fully integrate your sources into your essay, rather than drawing on a random quote or two just to meet the source requirement.

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Demonstrate your understanding of standard grammar usage, sentence structure, and punctuation.  Use your textbook if you need help, or contact me or the Writing Center on campus.

ENGL 101 Paper #2 Evaluation Sheet

90-100 points (A):

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author’s analysis is sophisticated, carefully detailed, and well organized

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thorough thesis carefully reflects the assignment

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inclusive topic sentences and cohesive body paragraphs

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minimal sentence, grammatical, or syntax errors

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sources are incorporated in a sophisticated way to strengthen the author’s argument

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sources are cited correctly within the paper

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Works Cited page is done correctly

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80-89 points (B):

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author’s analysis is clear and detailed

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adequate thesis reflects the assignment

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generally sound body paragraphs and focused topic sentences

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some sentence, grammatical, or syntax errors

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sources are incorporated correctly for the most part and are used to strengthen the author’s argument

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sources are cited with a few errors

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Works Cited page has a few errors but is overall in the correct format

70-79 points (C):

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author’s analysis is sometimes unclear

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thesis is misplaced or only minimally reflects the assignment

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topic sentences are too general and support is sometimes nearly off topic

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sources are not incorporated in a way that strengthens the author’s argument

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repetitive sentence, grammatical, or syntax errors

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sources are cited in the paper but incorrectly

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Works Cited page has many errors and the writer needs to spend some time with MLA

Not Passing:

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essay is not the minimum page length

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author’s analysis is unclear or there is not analysis

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thesis is not evident or does not reflect the assignment<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.