Philosophy
Field: Social Science
Here is the paper requirement for this assignment. It is worth 100 points and 15% of your final grade.
Use the following as your CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMITTING.
___1, Write a 1000 word argumentative paper
___2, in which you take a position on one of the topics below.
___3, Make sure your paper has a clear thesis on your position IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH,
___4, a logical argument that supports your position in the following two paragraphs,
___5, and is clearly linked to the Learning Resources
___6, and uses at least two citations and quotations.
___7, You must also include at least one paragraph of what the other side would say in this argument, identifying the source of the counter argument with proper in-text citation and reference at the end.
___8, and you should try to counter that argument.
___9, provide a summary statement at the end of the paper, AND
___10, don’t forget to properly cite in-text and provide the references at the end.
___11. Submit in the Assignment Folder as well as in Turnitin.com. Failure to submit in either one represents a loss of 50% of the grade. Go to the first announcement page for information on how to register with Turnitin.com.
The topics are:
1. Euthanasia: A right or a tragedy?
2. Death Penalty: Yes, No, Sometimes?
3. Abortion: Women’s rights or better alternatives?
4. Animal Rights: Should we care? How much?
The grading rubric for each paper is holistic:
A papers: (90-100) Are strong in grammar, organization, clarity and argumentation, have a clear thesis and an argument or analysis supporting that thesis and are clearly linked to the eResources with some use of at least two citations and quotations. Papers should include at least one paragraph that covers what the other side of the argument would say on this issue with proper citations and your rebuttal. Papers provide in-text citations and references.
B papers: (80-89) Lack some of the qualities of A papers but are still reasonably strong.
C papers: (70-79) Lack a good number of the qualities of A papers, and are solid but not strong.
D papers: (60-69) Lack enough of the qualities of this paper that they are below acceptable college standards.
F papers: (0-59) Missed the boat entirely or violate plagiarism rules.
Submit in the assignment folder AND in turnitin. Failure to submit in either side will result in a 50% penalty in the assignment’s grade.
Rubric Name: Paper Rubric
Criteria
A
B
C
D
F
Format & Presentation
5 points
Follows all directions well.
(5 points)
4 points
Follows directions fairly well.
(4-5 points)
3 points
Follows most directions.
(3-4 points)
3 points
Does not follow some directions.
(2-3 points)
2 points
Does not follow directions.
(0-2 points)
Thesis or Position Statement
10 points
Clear, well-stated thesis or position statement.
(9-10 points)
9 points
Clear thesis or position statement.
(8-9 points)
8 points
Includes thesis or position statement. Statement may not be clearly stated.
(7-8 points)
3 points
Lacks coherent thesis or position statement.
(2-3 points)
2 points
Lacks thesis or position statement.
(0-2 points)
Composition and Writing Mechanics
10 points
Excellent grammar, organization, and clarity.
(9-10 points)
9 points
Very good grammar, organization, and clarity.
(8-9 points)
8 points
Some issues with grammar, organization, and clarity.
(7-8 points)
7 points
Significant issues with grammar, organization and clarity.
(6-7 points)
6 points
Grammar, organization and/or clarity are insufficient.
(0-6 points)
Development of Argument & Support of Thesis
50 points
Excellent argument or analysis supporting that supports thesis and is clearly linked to the Learning Resources
(45-50 points)
44 points
Very good argument or analysis supporting that supports thesis and is clearly linked to the Learning Resources
(40-44 points)
39 points
Argument or analysis that supports thesis may lack structure and/or logic and may not be clearly linked to the Learning Resources
(35-39 points)
35 points
Lacks well-developed argument and/or support for thesis. Does not use eResources well.
(30-35 points)
30 points
Lacks argument and support of thesis. Does not use eResources at all, or use is irrelevant.
(0-30)
Objection Paragraph & Rebuttal
20 points
Includes thoughtful paragraph covering other side of issue and offers successful rebuttal.
(18-20 points)
17 points
Includes paragraph covering other side of issue and offers rebuttal.
(16-17 points)
16 points
May not include relevant paragraph covering other side of issue and/or may not offer successful rebuttal.
(14-16 points)
14 points
Objection paragraph missing or not developed. Lacks rebuttal.
(12-14 points)
12 points
No objection paragraph or rebuttal.
(0-12 points)
Use of eResources, Quotes & Citations
5 points
Uses Learning Resources strategically. Cites sources properly. Proper use of quotes when appropriate.
(5 points)
4 points
Uses Learning Resources. Cites most sources properly. Proper use of quotes when appropriate.
(4-5 points)
3 points
Lacks some use of Learning Resources. May not cite sources properly. May not use quotes properly when appropriate.
(3-4 points)
3 points
Does not use eResources properly or at all. Lacks proper formatting for quotes and citations.
(2-3 points)
2 points
Does not use eResources, proper citations or quotes or violates plagiarism rules.
(0-2 points)
Overall Score
Level 5
29 or more
Level 4
23 or more
Level 3
17 or more
Level 2
11 or more
Level 1
0 or more
