Download NAME: Freshman Rhetoric Final Checklist for the Research Paper

NAME: ______________________________________________
Final Checklist for the Research Paper (Essay #3)
Freshman Rhetoric
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Has a clear and interesting title and MLA format is done correctly. (2 points)
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Includes an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. (5 points)
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Has a strong, non-obvious, specific, and argumentative thesis in the right place. It uses correct parallel
structure and it underlined. (2 points)
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Clearly presents ALL major findings in a clear and well-organized way. Offers insights and is more than a
simply retelling of what was read. Is synthesized and thoughtful. In addition to having at least 3 pages, there is
clear support for any theories. The examples are relevant and copious and the information is not repetitive or
contradictory. All details relate back to the thesis. The body paragraphs have commentary (or analysis) that goes
beyond the examples and connects to larger ideas and the outside world. (27 points)
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Quotations are incorporated (woven) smoothly and correctly within your own sentences. The quotes are modified
using brackets where needed. All arguments are supported with appropriate and specific textual evidence;
therefore, the quotes chosen are the best ones to prove your point. (8 points)
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Uses transitions, transitional phrases, and topic sentences to clarify order and relate various points. The essay
has a nice rhythm and does not feel jumpy. The essay is organized effectively to convey a point. Paragraphs are
in order and the information builds upon each other. (5 points)
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In-text citation is done correctly and nothing is missing. The citation correctly matches what is on the Works
Cited Page. Page numbers are given when appropriate. Quotes are marked correctly. Paraphrases are cited
correctly. (8 points)
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The Works Cited Page is formatted correctly with NO errors; this includes, but not limited to alphabetical order,
hanging indents, correct punctuation, no web addresses. There are at least THREE scholarly citations. (You may
use websites but they do not count as scholarly.) (5 points)
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Concludes with a restated thesis, a summary of the paper, and new information without simply restating or
summarizing points from earlier in the essay. (5 points)
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There are no errors in grammar, syntax, diction, and spelling. There are no errors in subject/verb agreement,
pronoun/antecedent agreement, verb tense (including writing in an active voice), parallel structure,
modifiers, and parts of speech. There are no errors in punctuation. Sentence structure is varied without run
on sentences. The paper is written in the third person with no 1st or 2nd person pronouns. Uses varied and
improved vocabulary, (avoid “happy,” “good,” “bad,” “like,” “thing,” etc.) active voice, and varied
sentence structure (short and long sentences with an awareness of their affect). (20 points)
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Includes all process work, including but not limited to the rubric, works cited (which again is part of the
paper), and the rough draft. (3 points)
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Shows evidence of careful revision. Your rough draft contains ALL the markings that were asked of you during
the 2-3 days you were given in class for revision. Your final draft and rough draft are clearly different; you
have added and deleted phrases and sentences! There are at least 2-3 more details in each of the body
paragraphs. This includes, but is not limited to, all pronouns being boxed and checking to see if they match in
number with the noun it refers to. All coordinating conjunctions are marked and commas are added/deleted. All
additions and deletions are highlighted correctly on your rough draft and final copy. (10 points)
o
The paper is on Turnitin.com. (This is a basic requirement and without it, you lose 5 points, even if you do this
late.)
Without in-text citations, the paper CANNOT be graded. Points will be deducted and you will be asked to fix.