How to Earn Maximum Points

How to Earn Maximum Points

Rough Draft (15 pts toward the writing process grade)

I will not be editing your papers. Have a friend look over your paper; a fresh set of eyes will always catch things you don’t. And the more you have looked at it (let’s face it, we’ve looked at our papers A LOT) the better the idea to have someone else help you.

I will check the drafts (including the works cited page) for general formatting (heading, name in header, citations, margins, spacing) and to see that sources are of the correct # and have been used at least once.

Final Draft (15 pts toward the writing process grade)

Things you need to turn in (in order from top to bottom)

Final Draft

Works Cited Page

Rough Draft (w/ works cited page)

Outline

Source Cards for all the sources you used

Note cards featuring all the information you extracted from your sources

*******Items will be submitted in a folder with pockets, a large envelope or Zip-Loc bag (5-point deduction if missing)

I will not be editing the papers for the writing process grade. Students are responsible for the final condition of their papers re: spelling, grammar, etc. (See rubric on p. 2)

Final Draft (2x Essay Grade)

See p. 2

*******Rubric must be presented with paper (5-point deduction if missing)

Research Presentation

See p. 3
*******Rubric must be presented with paper (5-point deduction if missing)

The Crucible Research Paper Rubric
(counts as 2x essay grade)

Research Presentation Requirements

Please adhere to the requirements in order to secure a successful grade!

Questions you should answer in your talk:

You just completed an epic journey: your research paper. In a 3-5 minute talk, take your audience (your classmates) along on your journey. Your talk should focus on the following areas:

• The Topic – Tell us what your topic was. Why did you choose it? What is your personal connection (if any) to the topic? Explain the main topics of your paper, giving a little supporting info about each one. Was there anything you found that surprised you about your topic? Anything that caused you to look at your topic in a new way?
• The Information - Where did you find the bulk of your information? What were some successful places (either in terms of online sources or actual buildings, libraries, etc.) you looked for information? Unsuccessful places you looked without finding anything?
• The Process – Looking back, what was your favorite part (or the part you hated least) of the writing process? Why? Tell us a “war story” (a true one, naturally), something notable that happened to you while working on the paper (did you lose the text of your paper while using Word or another word-processing software?)
• Lastly, what is one piece of information you would pass along to students in 11DC next year who will be working on this project? What one piece of information would you like your instructor to know? How could the project be improved?

Following are areas of consideration for your instructor when grading your presentation:

Organization – Is the presentation organized logically? States the purpose, Organizes the content, Supports ideas, Incorporates stories and examples, Summarizes the main idea(s).

Articulation - Speak clearly and loudly enough for the class to hear with appropriate vocabulary.

Intonation - Uses tone, speed, and volume as tools.

Information - Make sure that you have enough information for a three to five minute presentation. Go into detail!

Eye Contact – Keep your audience engaged by continuing to make eye contact with them during your talk.

Seriousness of Purpose - Please no silliness! That includes your attire on presentation day. Please dress to impress!