To what degree is it fair to refer to the American West (1870-1900) as a “Geography of Hope”? Answer the question from the standpoint of two groups in the West. Be sure to include a counterargument.

Not Done or Poor

/

Below

Average

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Average

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Above

Average /

Excellent

1. Intro ¶ contains focused thesis which answers entire question / 0 1 2 3 4 5 / 6 / 7 8 / 8.5 9 / 9.5 10
2. Intro ¶ contains examples which will be used as main body ¶ topics / 0 1 2 / 3 / 3.5 4 / 4.25 4.5 / 4.75 5
3. Main body ¶s are on topic – they answer the entire question / 0 2 4 6 8 / 9 / 10.5 12 / 12.75 13.5 / 14 15
4. Main body ¶s contain specific facts which help answer the question / 0 2 4 6 8 / 9 / 10.5 12 / 12.75 13.5 / 14 15
5. Conclusion ¶ restates thesis and contains a forward statement . / 0 1 2 / 3 / 3.5 4 / 4.25 4.5 / 4.75 5

Thesis: too simplistic no thesis/ off topic doesn’t outline topics for discussion

(doesn’t evaluate the degree of fairness) (only need to discuss two topics)

Main Body: analysis is too simplistic too much “storytelling” (fact without analysis)

(doesn’t evaluate the degree of fairness) no counterpoint discussion

Analysis: unclear understanding of question Need to answer question with terms used in question

(fairness, hope, evaluate, degree)

Evidence: not enough specific fact incorrect fact repetitive facts

(hope /despair)

Summarizes fact without relating to the question (fairness of Geography of Hope)

Conclusion: thesis and conclusion didn’t match simplistic conclusion

Mechanics: need to use past tense too wordy awkward writing style

Poorly organized Needed to be proofread Didn’t Finish

(topics should be dealt with chronologically) Uses 1st person

General Comments: ______

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Point Total:______