WCC 101

Writing Project #3: Reporting Information

Topic Proposal Due:

Rough Draft Due:

Final Draft Due:

Assignment Description

Writing to inform is one of the most common purposes that we encounter in writing: newspapers, magazines, websites, and conversations all work to convey key information that will be useful for a variety of reasons. When we write to “report information,” we are communicating the meaning or implications surrounding a topic. We also uncover what is interesting or surprising about a topic by looking at it from a different research angle. Even though we “report information” everyday, an essay with the purpose to inform takes several academic skills. Brainstorming for a topic takes critical thinking and curiosity; going through the process of finding solid and reliable sources takes evaluative thinking; recognizing patterns of information that you find takes analysis; and adhering to MLA standards takes patience and careful decision making.

Taking this into consideration, this essay will stem from your interest in something, but will incorporate outside sources. Here are the requirements:

·  A tightly focused topic

o  We will brainstorm in class and come up with an appropriate research question

·  Accurate, well-researched information

o  This assignment requires at least three outside sources

o  One must be from a library database

·  Various writing strategies (might act as a focus)

o  You should select from: compare/contrast, crafting a definition (several levels), classifying and dividing, and explaining a process

·  An informative thesis that reflects the purpose of your essay

·  MLA (Modern Language Association) format, meaning a Works Cited page that corresponds with in-text citations

·  Specifics: 3-4 pages of writing + a Works Cited page with 3 entries listed

Appropriate Topics:

Topics may be academic or based on your personal interests. You will probably start with something broad, and then use a question to narrow down your research and focus. Use your interest inventory to help you develop some ideas.

Examples:

Possible broad topics: cheerleading, organic food, hybrid cars, rollercoasters, makeup, sonographer, the Beatles, vacation spots

More specific questions to focus on your topic:

·  Is cheerleading a sport?

·  What makes organic food healthier?

·  What kind of hybrid car is best for the environment?

·  How do rollercoasters work?

·  What is the difference in ingredients between expensive makeup brands like Chanel and drugstore brands like Maybelline?

·  What are the main duties of being a sonographer?

·  How did the Beatles influence rock and roll?

Writing Project #3 Reporting Information Rubric

Category / Exceeds Standards
Introduction / The beginning of the essay captures attention in an intriguing way and entices the reader to go on. The introduction organizes information from general information to more specific information and effectively gives the reader enough information to understand the essay. The thesis is at the end of the introduction. / /10
Focus and Purpose: Thesis Development / The thesis is thoughtful and informative. It explores an aspect of the topic at hand or exposes something insightful about it. The topic is presented in an interesting manner, and it reflects the purpose of reporting information to an audience. The thesis structures the rest of the essay, and it helps to limit the focus of the essay. / /15
Organization: Paragraph Development / The topic sentences all support the thesis and announce what the following paragraph will contain. Each paragraph includes an idea that is proved with examples and outside information. Each topic sentence is consistently clear and helps the reader understand more specifically why the overall idea is true. The structure is also consistent with the writing strategies used. / /15
Writing Strategies / The writer has used at least one writing strategy to help explain the topic (compare/contrasting, explaining a process, definition, classifying and dividing). It is used in a manner that deepens understanding of the topic. The strategy takes advantage of using key features outlined in the NFG. / /10
Using Sources / There are at least two quotes and two paraphrased pieces of information from outside sources. All outside pieces of information are followed by a citation in MLA style. The quotes are less than 40 words long. The writer understands when to use a citation and never uses information dishonestly or infringes on academic integrity. The writer introduces outside information and explains how it relates to the subject. / /15
MLA Format / The Works Cited page has at least two sources in MLA format. The sources of a suitable quality for an assignment such as this. The Works Cited page is in alphabetical order with MLA proper format and conventions / /15
Transitions / The essay includes a variety of thoughtful transitions. The writing makes it apparent to see how ideas fit together. The connections between the ideas are outlined largely in part because of these transitions. There are several levels of transitions—between sentences, between paragraphs, and between sections of the essay. / /10
Conclusion / The last paragraph amplifies the controlling idea of the essay in a way that is thought-provoking. The reader is left with a clear picture of why this topic matters and what information was covered in the essay. / /10
Using Language / All sentences are well constructed with varied structure and length. There are no fragment or run on issues. The writer has a diverse and rich vocabulary. There are no errors in grammar, mechanics or spelling that distract the reader. / /10
Project Total / /110