What Criteria Will Be Used in Grading the Paper?
I’m looking for a clear, well-organized, persuasive essay that demonstrates an accurate, thorough reading of the articles and shows a thoughtful critical response to them. I’m also looking for some real analysis demonstrated with close reading of the texts. In other words, you should be sure you’ve read and reread the articles you’re writing about and have understood their arguments in-depth. Clever, but facile arguments based on over-simplified readings will not impress me—though energy and wit always help a paper grab the reader’s attention. And, as stated above, you should be sure you refer back often to the specific claims made in the texts you’re using. This is a text-based paper, not a personal opinion paper. You’re demonstrating your reading abilities and your critical thinking abilities. So be sure you closely examine relevant parts of the texts you’re arguing about. And be careful to demonstrate a thoughtful, open-minded approach (though not so open-minded that you don’t have
