How to Format Discussion Essays
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Essay
- The thesis must be underlined and make an argument that can be refuted (meaning, don’t point out obvious things; a reasonable person ought to be able to disagree with the argument given the same evidence).
- Thesis must be specific and say what you claim, how it works, and why it’s important.
- It may be up to 2 sentences long, but not more.
- Claims and Evidence: to prove your argument you must make claims that are then supported by evidence from the readings, viewings, or podcasts.
- We need direct quotes from the articles (with page #s when available)
- You may paraphrase closely from a video or podcast but give us a time-stamp (ex: 7:06-7:45)
| table explaining requirements for each of the grade ranges as far as number of claims and type of evidence used |
| Specs Grade | # of Claims & Evidence |
| A | 3 claims supported by 3 pieces of evidence (with pg#s when available, or time-stamps) |
| B | 2 claims supported by 2 pieces of evidence (with pg#s when available, or time-stamps) |
| C | 1 claim supported by 1 piece of evidence (with pg# when available, or time-stamp) |
| F | no distinct claims, no direct quote or paraphrase, |
SU19 A100 Discussion Rubric
| SU19 A100 Discussion Rubric |
| Criteria | Ratings |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUnderlined thesis/argument | | For an A range grade The underlined thesis answers the question clearly with respect to the assigned materials by explaining the significance of the analysis of these sources | For a B range grade The underlined thesis answers the question only at a surface level, by summarizing the content of assigned material without adding anything new or explaining significance. | For a C range grade The underlined thesis answers the question in general terms about his/her own beliefs or opinion; | For an F Does not answer the question directly. |
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| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMakes Distinct Claims to support thesis/argument | | For an A range grade Makes 3 distinct claims that further the argument and demonstrate the ability to synthesize the assigned texts into a complex understanding. | For a B range grade Makes 2 clear claims that engage with assigned texts but at a surface level. | For a C range grade Makes 1 identifiable claim but does not refer to specifics about the assigned materials. | For an F range grade Essay is either off-topic or there are no distinct claims made. Only statements of belief or opinion with no connection to any of the assigned content. |
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| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTextual Evidence in Support of Claims | | For an A range grade Provides 3 in-depth specific examples and explains how they prove his/her claims. DIRECT QUOTES only from written materials (cite page #s when available). May use close paraphrase for video or podcast with time-stamps) | For a B range grade Provides 2 brief and specific examples as evidence. DIRECT QUOTES only from written materials (cite page #s when available). May use close paraphrase for video or podcast with time-stamps) | For a C range grade Cites 1 example as evidence. DIRECT QUOTES only from written materials (cite page #s when available). May use close paraphrase for video or podcast with time-stamps) | For an F range grade Gives no concrete examples |
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| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePeer comments | | For an A range grade Substantive comments on 2 peers’ posts that include 3Cs + Q: Compliment, Comment, Connect, Question. Only get full points if essay is 400-420 words. Shorter essays with 2 peer comments will not receive extra points | For a B range grade Substantive comments on 1 peer’s post that include 3Cs + Q: Compliment, Comment, Connect, Question. Essay must be B length to earn this. A longer essay with only 1 peer post will only earn up to a B range grade. Shorter essays will not earn a B even if there’s one peer post. | For a C range grade For a C grade No comments required if essay is 250-270 words. An essay that is A or B range length but has no peer comments may only earn up to a C range grade | For an F grade Essays shorter than the length of a C range essay and also include no comments will earn this. |
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| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWord limits | | For an A range 390-410 words. We are strict about word limits | For a B range grade 290-310 words | For a C range grade 240-260 words | For an F Fewer than 240 words |
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Last Updated on May 17, 2019
