Organization 

50 points

 Exemplary papers will:

• have a strong thesis that identifies the purpose of the paper (using clear and concise language).
• adhere to and support the thesis in all body paragraphs.
• have strong body paragraphs that explore a single idea.
• have thoughts organized WITHIN paragraphs (so that ideas flow smoothly throughout the paper).  
• be well-organized from the paper level to the sentence level. 

 Competent papers will: 

• have a good thesis that identifies all the purpose of the paper in a coherent matter.
• adhere to and support the thesis in all body paragraphs with little deviation into other ideas.
• have good body paragraphs that basically explore a single idea.
• have some order to thoughts within paragraphs.  
• be organized at the paper and paragraph level.  

 Developing papers will: 

• lack a strong thesis. 
• fail to adhere to the thesis in body paragraphs.
• have body paragraphs that explore more than one idea.
• lack order of thoughts within paragraphs.  

Audience

40 points

Exemplary papers will: 

• identify the audience in the thesis and fully incorporate an awareness or analysis of the audience into the paper (audience will not simply be a disconnected element of the paper).   
• will use the audience to prove exigence or purpose for the paper (will consider the audience when demonstrating why this topic is relevant NOW).  

 Competent papers will: 

• identify the audience in the thesis and also refer back to the audience in body paragraphs. 
• may connect the idea of audience with the purpose of the paper, but not thoroughly demonstrate the relationship. 

 Developing papers will: 

• fail to identify the audience in both thesis and body paragraphs. 
• will not demonstrate how the audience is connected with the relevance or meaning of the paper.  

Rhetorical Situation 

100 points

Exemplary papers will:  

• demonstrate a complex and nuanced use of rhetorical strategies to argue points within the paper to persuade the reader.  
• demonstrate exigence of the argument (in a persuasive manner).
• ultimately persuade the reader to accept a new definition.

Competent papers will:

• demonstrate a basic use of rhetorical strategies on the part of the author to argue points that are basically persuasive for the reader.
• demonstrate a basic purpose and context for the argument.
• basically persuade the reader to accept a new definition.

Developing papers will:

• not demonstrate a good use of rhetorical strategies (to argue points within the paper) or will use rhetorical strategies in an unconvincing manner.
• not demonstrate the purpose or exigenceof the argument.
• not effectively persuade the reader to accept a new definition.

Support

50 points

Exemplary papers will:

• include several different sources to support claims within the paper. 
• include support in BOTH the definition and the supporting body paragraphs.
• incorporate support into the flow of the paper in a way that enhances the paper's argument without detracting from the flow of the author's ideas. 
• the sources used in the paper will all be relevant and reflect the tone and style of the paper.  
• fully cite and credit all sources referenced in the paper. 

Competent  papers will: 

• include a couple different sources to support claims within the paper. 
• include support in the body paragraphs.
• incorporate support for ideas in a competent manner.
• possibly use quotes and support without adequately explaining and analyzing information in the author's own voice. 
• cite all sources referenced in the paper.

Developing papers will:

• include insufficient support (either too few sources or references that do not support ideas within the paper). 

• Participation at Rough Draft Workshops (2) and Conferences.