When you write your paper, keep in mind the guidelines for the MLA student paper context advertised here. Therefore your final papers should include the following elements:
- A title
- A clear and original argument (thesis statement)
- Ample evidence that supports and further develops the argument
- An awareness of the audience for the paper
- Direct prose
- An accurate explanation of what others have said about the topic and a serious consideration of opposing views
- Judicious use of quotation and paraphrase
- Paragraphs with clear topic sentences
- Clear transitions between paragraphs
- An introduction that presents and contextualizes the argument
- An ending that fits the paper’s conclusions into a larger perspective and answers the question, Why does this matter?
- A works-cited list and in-text citations styled according to the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook
Your final paper is due on December 19 at 2pm, and should be submitted through Blackboard safe assignment. It should be 7-10 page long. This assignment is worth 25% of your final grade.
Evaluation Standards
A paper in the A range advances an interesting, arguable thesis; establishes a clear motive to suggest why the thesis is original or worthwhile; employs a logical and progressive structure; analyzes evidence insightfully and in depth; draws from well-chosen sources; and is written in a clear, sophisticated style.
A B-range paper resembles an A-range paper in some ways, but may exhibit a vague, uninteresting, or inconsistently argued thesis; establish a functional but unsubstantial motive; employ a generally logical but somewhat disorganized or undeveloped structure; include well-chosen but sometimes unanalyzed and undigested evidence; use sources in a correct but limited fashion; or be written in an unsophisticated or grammatically problematic style.
A C-range paper resembles a B-range paper in some ways, but may also feature a confusing, simple, or descriptive thesis; provide a simplistic motive or none at all; lack a coherent structure; fail to present enough evidence, or present evidence that is insufficiently analyzed; drop in sources without properly contextualizing or citing them; and be written in a generally unclear, simplistic, or technically flawed style.
A D-range paper resembles a C-range paper but may include a purely descriptive or obvious thesis; lack a motive; display an unfocused, confusing, or rambling structure; and draw on little analyzed evidence and sources. A D paper has trouble engaging with the assignment and may not show awareness of the conventions of academic discourse and style. It does, however, show signs of attempting to engage with the issues, topics, and sources of the assignment.
An F paper is similar to a D paper but is significantly shorter than the assigned length and addresses the assignment superficially.
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