Name: ______

Class Period: ______

The Triumph of Love and the Tragedy of Heartbreak:

Famous Couples throughout History Research Essay

Your assignment is to research a famous, historical or literary couple and compose an essay that presents both a brief history of the couple’s relationship AND (most importantly) an analysis of why the relationship ultimately succeeded or failed. This is a summative writing assessment that will involve incorporating both your research skills and your writing skills into a final, polished product. You will prepare a carefully crafted essay that uses the information gleaned from each of your sources regarding your topic in support of your own assertions. Your paper should lay out your information in a logical, organized format with a thesis, topic sentences, evidence, and analysis. Your thesis (and, in turn, your entire essay) should seek to answer the following essential question: why did this couple succeed or fail in their relationship?

Due date: Friday, December 6

-  Turnitin.com and printed copy both due by 3:15 pm.

Content: 60 points

___ 5 Paragraph organization (introduction, multiple body paragraphs, conclusion)

___ 10 A clear topic sentence and concluding sentence for each paragraph

___ 10 A clear thesis statement that establishes the expository purpose of the essay

___ 15 Use of at least 3 properly quoted and blended sources with correct internal

documentation

___ 20 Clear, concise, and thorough commentary that serves the expository purpose of the essay

Total: _____ / 60

Mechanics: 40 points

____ 10 Correct MLA format (spacing, font, heading, last name and page number, etc)

____ 10 Academic Language (no slang, intelligent sentences, strong word choice, few

contractions, few grammatical/punctuation errors, no I or you)

(- 2 for each use of 1st or 2nd person)

____ 10 Use of at least 3 reliable sources that correspond to the works cited page

(-2 for any source beyond the required 3 that is not reliable)

____ 10 Works Cited Page with correct format

Total: _____ / 40

Final Grade: ______/ 100