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.
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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.
|
|
| 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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