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North Shore Senior High SchoolAP Language and Composition

Junior Humanity Project

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Table of Contents

Overview 3Scheduled Due Dates 4Research Project Proposal 5-6Topic Research Card: Scholarly Journals 7-8Topic Research Card: News Articles 9-10Topic Research Card: Interview 11-12Topic Refinement Worksheet 13Working Thesis 14Action Plan 15Final Thesis and Source Selection 16Writing Your Essay 17Formatting Your Essay 18Section One: The Abstract 19Section Two: Overview 20Presentation Approval Form 21-22Presentation Structure 23Official Checklist / Grading Rubric 24-27

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Overview The Junior Humanity Project is a comprehensive independent research venture in which students will analyze a topic of societal importance and influence. This project allows students to perform in-depth research and synthesize a variety of sources, all directed towards the goals of: showing mastery of rhetorical techniques, elements of argument and logical reasoning within the student’s own writing; selecting effective evidence and constructing a thorough, well-thought out argument; responding adequately to both critics and supporters of the selected issue; creating an original thesis that effectively moves beyond already existing research; and demonstrating flawless understanding of mechanics and structure while elaborating upon said thesis. To complete the project, students will be required to choose one topic of societal importance or interest. They will research the topic in depth and focus their project around a “call to action” regarding the topic. They could propose a new law, a change in social perception or request aid. For example, if a student chose to base their project around the genocide in Darfur, they could propose a plan for involving the US and providing humanitarian aid. The project would have to carefully consider all legal, financial and political ramifications of this and address all of these issues within their project. Students will be expected to begin this project early in the year and meet certain deadlines as the school year progresses. This project is to be completed outside of class, although the instructor will be available via office hours or e-mail for individual assistance. Overall, this project will account for one-third of the students’ second semester grade in the course. The final project will contain two separate parts:

1. Formal Essay:

Students will be required to submit a formal essay (15-20 pages in length) that evaluates the chosen topic, synthesizes outside sources and develops a “call to action.” Whatever the call to action might be, students must take into consideration legal, political, economic and societal implications on a local, national and global level. This will require extensive research and development of an original plan.

2. Presentation and Defense:

Upon completion of the paper, students will be asked to present their project in front of the class. Prior to the presentation a panel of peers, NSSH faculty and GPISD Board Members will be selected, and it will be the students’ job to defend their call to action to this panel. This will require the student to have superior knowledge of their own action plan as well as the background information that was gathered during the research portion of the project.

4Scheduled Due Dates

1. Research Project Proposal - Friday, January 15, 2016a. Signed by both parent and studentb. In class (or Thursday, January 15 if in 5th/6th); late points apply

2. 1st Source Card - Sunday, February 7, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

3. 2 Source Cards (3 in total) - Sunday, February 14, 2016 a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

4. 2 Source Cards (5 in total) - Sunday, February 21, 2016 a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

5. Topic Refinement Worksheet - Sunday, February 21, 2016a. Detailed responsesb. Submit via online Moodle formc. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

6. 2 Source Cards (7 in total) - Sunday, February 28, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

7. 2 Source Cards (9 in total) - Sunday, March 6, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

8. 2 Source Cards (11 in total) - Sunday, March 13, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

9. Working Thesis - Sunday, March 20, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

10. Action Plan - Sunday, March 20, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

11. Section One: The Abstract - Sunday, March 27, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

12. Section Two: Overview - Sunday, March 27, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

13. Final Thesis & Source Selection - Sunday, March 27, 2016a. Submit via online Moodle formb. Due at 11:55 p.m.; late points apply

14. Presentation Approval Form - Monday, April 11, 2016a. In class (or Tuesday, April 14 if in 5th/6th); late points applyb. Presentation plan MUST be approved by ME!

15. Final JHP Presentation & Essay - Sunday, April 24a. ***LATE POINTS APPLY***

Research Project Proposal

Fill out this worksheet and turn it in during class.Due: Friday, January 16, 2016.

51. I would like to research the following topic:

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2. I am interested in this topic because:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. List at least three specific resources that you have found that may be useful to your research. One of these sources may be a website:

1. ________________________________________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________________________________________4. ________________________________________________________________________________5. ________________________________________________________________________________6. ________________________________________________________________________________

4. Based on my preliminary research, I have chosen to focus on the following aspect of my topic: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. I have chosen this focus because:

6________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Your answer to the following question will constitute your argument. Your argument may change as you do more research on and think more deeply about your topic. 6. How is your topic interesting or important? Are there unresolved questions relating to your topic? How might you approach these questions?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By signing below, I am acknowledging that I am aware of the following:

I understand that I will be spending a large portion of the school year researching this topic in depth and creating an action plan that I will present and defend to my peers. In addition, I will provide a written evaluation of the issue and my action plan that will be turned in no later than April 27, 2014.

I also understand my failure to turn in this project, worth FIVE major/test grades, will negatively affect my grade, and that the Galena Park ISD Advanced Placement Late Policy (minus 10 points per day late) applies to each portion of this project.

Project Due Date: Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 11:55 p.m. (submit on Google Classroom)

7 _____________________________ _________________________________(Print Student Name) (Sign Student Name)

_____________________________ _________________________________(Print Guardian Name) (Sign Guardian Name)

Topic Research: Scholarly Journals (5-7)*Reprint this page on your own as needed.

MLA Works Cited Information:

Article Title: __________________________________________________________________

Author(s): ___________________________________________________________________

Original Source: ______________________________________________________________

Volume/Issue: __________________ Date Published: ____________ Pages: ____________

Online database (if electronic): __________________________________________________

Date accessed (if electronic): _____________ Circle One: Web Print

Information Gathered: 1. Brief explanation of author’s stance or summary of article:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Potential Citations:In the space below, copy down 5-10 direct citations from the scholarly journal that you can potentially use in your final project. If your journal is a print source, indicate the page number that the citation was found on. 1. _______________________________________________________________________________________

8______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

97. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic Research: News Articles (5-7)*Reprint this page on your own as needed.

MLA Works Cited Information:

Article Title: __________________________________________________________________

Author(s): ___________________________________________________________________

Title of Magazine/Newspaper: ___________________________________________________

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Pages Used: __________________ Date Published (Day/Month/Year): ____________

Date Accessed (if electronic): ________________ Circle One: Web Print

Information Gathered:1. Brief explanation of author’s stance or summary of article:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Potential Citations:In the space below, copy down 5-10 direct citations from the news article that you can potentially use in your final project. If your article is a print source, indicate the page number that the citation was found on. 1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11______________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Topic Research: Primary Source / Interview (1-2)*Reprint this page on your own as needed.

MLA Works Cited Information:

Article Title: __________________________________________________________________

Author(s): ___________________________________________________________________

Title of Magazine/Newspaper: ___________________________________________________

Pages Used: __________________ Date Published (Day/Month/Year): ____________

Date Accessed (if electronic): ________________ Circle One: Web Print

Information Gathered:1. Brief explanation of author’s stance or summary of article:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Potential Citations:In the space below, copy down 5-10 direct citations from the primary source / interview that you can potentially use in your final project. 1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. _______________________________________________________________________________________

15______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic Refinement Worksheet

The following form will be located on Moodle. Use the worksheet below to clarify your answers before submitting digitally. Due: Sunday, February 21, 2016 1. For my research project, I have chosen to address the following research question:

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2. Has your research question changed since you began your research? If so, how?

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Your answer to the following will constitute your argument. Your argument may change as you do more research on and think more deeply about your topic. 3. How have the authors you have read so far answered the question that you wrote down for question 1? Do you agree or disagree with them?

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Working Thesis

The following form will be located on Moodle. Use the worksheet below to clarify your answers before submitting digitally. Due: Sunday, March 20, 2016

1. General Topic (example: federal bailouts): __________________________________________._______________________

2. Specific Topic (example: the impact of federal bailouts on small businesses):

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3. Personal Stance (example: federal bailouts indicate an abuse of government involvement in America’s

economic system and create circumstances in which it is impossible for small businesses to thrive):

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4. Solution (example: to promote economic growth within the small business sector, the government should

limit direct involvement and deny flailing corporations bailout funds):

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Action Plan

The following form will be located on Moodle. Use the worksheet below to clarify your answers before submitting digitally. Due: Sunday, March 20, 2016

How will your solution (number four on “Working Thesis” worksheet) be accomplished? In the space below, detail at least three requirements.

1.

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2.

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3.

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Final Thesis and Source Selection

The following form will be located on Moodle. Use the worksheet below to clarify your answers before submitting digitally. Due: Sunday, March 27, 2016 1. Working Thesis: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Action Plan: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Possible Consequences/Barriers to Action Plan: ________________________________________________________________________________________

20________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Final Thesis: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Final Source Selection:

Look back at all of your citations. You will now select those that will be most helpful to your final paper. Highlight all citations that you feel will be useful; keep in mind that your paper may consist of no more than 10% citations.

*On Moodle: Identify each of the 11 required sources you will incorporate into your essay. In each submission box, add works cited entry for each source, making sure that you follow MLA format.

*You may use online resources (such as http://www.citationmachine.net/) to correctly format your sources, using the information recorded on each of your source cards.

Writing Your Essay

Your paper (approximately 15-20 pages in length) will be split into six distinct sections. Each section will begin on its own page and meet the requirements outlined below.

I. Abstract (AKA Summary): 200-250 wordsA. This section will provide a brief summary of the issue that is being discussed, the primary

solution that is being presented, and the main points that will be touched upon within the paper.B. The abstract will be no more than 250 words

II. Overview (AKA Background Information): 2-3 pagesA. This section will introduce your topic, and the necessary background information.B. You will set up the problem here; explain to your audience why your topic is something that

needs to be addressed, and why the general public should care about it.C. Use research to back up your points.D. End with a brief discussion of why change is necessary, and what that change should be. This

is where your thesis goes. ß Do not go into too much detail; that’s what the next section is for.III. Solution and Call to Action (AKA Argument): 5-7 pages

A. Present a solution to the problem expressed in Section IIB. Use research to back up your solution.C. Present a detailed Call to Action – a step by step process that will lead to the eventual solution.D. Use research to support your Call to Action.

21IV. Considerations (AKA Counterargument and Rebuttal): 4-6 pages

A. Discuss the possible problems that might arise when initiating your Call to Action.B. Point out possible ways around these problems.C. Discuss allowances that might need to be made in order to be successful.

V. Final Comments: 2-3 pagesA. Review the major points of your paper:

1. The primary issue being addressed and why it should be considered important to the general populace.

2. The suggested solution and steps needed to implement the solution.3. Potential roadblocks and solutions to these roadblocks.4. A final, closing statement regarding the importance and urgency of this issue.

VI. Works Cited: 1-2 pagesA. Correctly cite all resources used within the essay in MLA format

*All sections are double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. *Make sure to cite all materials properly, both in-text and on your works cited page.

Formatting Your Essay

The easiest way to ensure proper page numbering and formatting is to create three separate documents in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or whatever word processor you prefer. Each of the documents is outlined below:

I. Title PageA. Open a new Word DocumentB. Change Font to Times New Roman, and size to 12 pointC. Press ‘Enter’ 11 times to get to the center of the pageD. Center TextE. Type, in all caps, JUNIOR HUMANITY PROJECTF. Hit ‘Enter’G. Type your specific topic, in normal font. For Example: “Obesity in America”H. Hit ‘Enter’ twiceI. Type your name, in all capsJ. Hit ‘Enter’ twiceK. Type your teacher’s nameL. Hit ‘Enter’M. Type your course name and class period. For example: “AP Language and Composition, Period

3”N. Hit ‘Enter’O. Type the date in the following format: “20 April 2011”

II. Table of ContentsA. Insert a page breakB. Center TextC. Type “Table of Contents”D. Click “Left Align” and insert your page titles and numbers

III. JHP Main FileA. Insert a page breakB. Change Font to Arial or Times New Roman, and size to 10-12 pointC. Go to Insert Page Number --> Top of Page --> Right AlignedD. Hit ‘Space’

22E. Enter your last nameF. Click out of the Header sectionG. Center TextH. Type “Abstract”I. Click ‘Insert’ à ‘Page Break’J. Type “Overview”K. Click ‘Insert’ à ‘Page Break’L. Repeat for each section of the JHPM. Save Document as “JHP - Name”

Section One: The AbstractThe following form will be located on Moodle. Use the worksheet below to clarify your answers before submitting digitally. Due: Sunday, March 27, 2016

Despite the fact that this is the first section of your paper, it will be the last thing that you write. To create your abstract, look at each subsequent section (once it is completed) and write a two sentence summary of that section. Do not simply copy and paste sentences from that section. These sentences will become your abstract.

Overview:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Solution and Call to Action:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23Considerations:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Comments:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section Two: Overview

The following form will be located on Moodle. Use the worksheet below to clarify your answers before submitting digitally. Due: Sunday, March 27, 2016

Use the lines below to outline the necessary background information your audience needs in order to understand your Junior Humanity Project. When completed, this section of your paper should be 2-3 pages. 1. Are there any terms that need to be defined? If so, list them and their definitions below: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What are some historical landmarks involving your topic (this includes protests, court cases, significant events, etc.)?________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. What are currently established laws regarding your topic?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What subcategories (i.e. a subcategory of obesity would be fast food) are pertinent to your topic?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What is the main problem associated with your topic?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. What is your thesis (including the solution to the problem)? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Presentation Approval Form

Topic: ________________________________Presentation Date: _______________________Due: Monday, April 11, 2016 (in class) 1. What are the main points I will cover in my Overview?

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2. What is my thesis? How will I make sure the audience remembers it?

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25 3. How will I make my presentation memorable?

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4. In what way will I evoke ethos, logos, and pathos?

Ethos:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Logos:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pathos:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Which counter-arguments are the most important to address?

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6. How will I wrap everything up at the end?

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26 7. What will I use for my visual? *Please be detailed here, so that you can get official approval!*

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Presentation Structure (Sample)

Some advice to help you structure your JHP Presentation:

1. DO NOT read your paper. You want your presentation to be interesting and appealing. You want to motivate your audience. Reading a paper verbatim does not achieve this.

2. Visual aid should assist you, not distract the audience.3. You should be prepared to respond to questions from the audience regarding the issue itself, the call to

action, and the counterarguments/rebuttals.4. Speak with conviction. You should have good posture and presentation. Pay attention to volume of

voice, eye contact, gestures, and overall appearance. Sample:*This is a suggestion, if you do not know where to start. You may modify as necessary. Part One: Overview (1-2 mins)

- Introduce topic.- Discuss why the topic is important and relevant.- Discuss why the audience should care.

Part Two: Call to Action (5-7 mins)- Talk to the audience about what they can do to help.- Introduce the steps in a clear manner.- Encourage the audience to get involved, and make sure that they know exactly what they need to do.

Part Three: Considerations (3-4)- Briefly discuss some of the pitfalls/possible complications of the Call to Action.- Ensure the audience that these complications can be overcome, and explain exactly how.- Talk about those who may disagree with your stance on the issue.- Provide adequate rebuttals to those who disagree.

Part Four: Final Comments (1-2 mins)- Motivate your audience, reminding them of the importance of the issue.- Remind the audience of the specific steps they need to take.- Encourage your audience to act immediately.

Part Five: Question and Answer Session (NOT counted in your overall presentation time)

- Be familiar with your topic.- Prepare ahead of time to answer any questions you think might come up.- Be patient with your audience, and make sure your answers are very clear. - Remember, you’re the expert, and you’re sharing your knowledge with us.

Official Junior Humanity Project Rubric

Note: Each part of this checklist is worth one test grade (FIVE in total). Each individual item within the checklist is worth ten points. You can use this to keep track of your work as you complete it. Use this rubric to double check each portion of your project.

Part One: Formatting

28 Pts. Earned Possible Pts.

1. Title Page is included, in correct format. 10

2. Table of Contents is included and page numbers are accurate. 10

3. Page numbering begins immediately following the Table of Contents and includes the last name and page number in the correct format.i.e. Smith 1

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4. All text is double spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt. 10

5. All text is in black ink, and there are no links included. 10

6. Each new section (Abstract, Overview, Solution, etc.) begins on a new page. 10

7. None of the section titles are bolded, underlined, or otherwise made different from the main text apart from being centered.

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8. Paper includes all of the required sections, including the Abstract and the Works Cited pages.

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9. Each section appropriately meets or is near to the approximate page estimate.

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10. All pages have 1” margins. 10

TOTAL FORMATTING SCORE: 100

Part Two: Citations

1. The first time a source is used it is introduced with the author’s full name (if available), page number (if available), and the full article/book title.

2. Every time a source is used after the first time, whether it is a direct quote or a paraphrase, it is accompanied by either the author’s last name or the first two words of the article/book title (whichever is available) and the page number (if available).

3. All direct quotes, paraphrases, graphs, pictures, etc. are accompanied by a citation.

4. There are NO URLs within citations.

5. Every source within the paper is ALSO on the Works Cited Page (at least 10)

6. Works Cited page is in alphabetical order by the first word of the citation

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(excluding A/An/The).

7. Works Cited page includes hanging indentations.

8. All entries on the Works Cited page are written in proper MLA format, with NO URLs.

9. All citations are followed by an explanation/analysis/discussion that is at LEAST twice as long as the citation itself.

10. All long quotes (more than four lines) use block quotations.

TOTAL CITATIONS SCORE 100

Part Three: Content

1. Abstract is no more than 250 words and contains a concise summary of paper.

2. Overview is at least 2-3 pages in length and contains all necessary background information for the reader to understand topic.

3. The thesis, which introduces the solution, is at the end of the Overview and is highlighted.

4. The Call to Action is at least 5-6 pages in length and outlines specifically how your solution will be carried out, in a step by step process that has research to prove that it will be effective.

5. The Call to Action considers all social, political, and legal implications of the solution.

6. The Considerations section is at least 4-5 pages in length and discusses each possible counterargument in detail (should connect back to specific parts of the Call to Action).

7. Each counterargument in the Considerations is refuted with evidence, research, and original commentary.

8. The Final Comments section is at least 1-2 pages in length and reminds the reader of the importance of the issue at hand, and why they should be involved.

9. The Final Comments close the argument succinctly and effectively.

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10. Overall the written product is rhetorically sound, grammatically correct, and clearly written. There are no gaps in understanding or logic, and all content is easy to interpret.

TOTAL CONTENT SCORE 100

Part Four: Rhetoric and Mechanics

1. Entire project contains no sentence fragments or run-ons, and each sentence logically flows into the next.

2. There are no major spelling errors, and all homonyms (i.e. there, their, and they’re) are used correctly.

3. Transitions are used when changing topics, changing paragraphs, or introducing a quote.

4. No significant punctuation errors are present, including but not limited to commas, semicolons, colons, parentheses, and quotation marks.

5. Word choice is succinct and accessible. It is clear that the writer understands the meaning of all words used and any necessary jargon is appropriately defined.

6. Proper nouns are appropriately capitalized.

7. Each section logically flows into the next.

8. Entire project is written in the third person, with no “I”, “we”, “you”, etc.

9. There is a clear understanding of rhetoric, and the writer utilizes some combination of ethos, logos, and pathos to strengthen their argument.

10. There are no notable fallacies present to weaken the argument.

TOTAL RHETORIC & MECHANICS SCORE: 100

Part Five: Project Presentation

1. Presentation is 10-15 minutes long, excluding Q&A session.

2. Presentation includes an equal balance of ethos, logos, and pathos.

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3. All information is factual, accurate, well-researched and cited.

4. Student shows that topic is relevant and important to society today.

5. Student successfully responds to questions regarding topic.

6. Visual successfully aids audience in understanding the topic.

7. Visual is appealing and not distracting, contains useful information and helps the presenter convey the importance of their topic.

8. Visual is original and shows adequate time and effort.

9. Overall presentation is on topic and does not contain digressions. Presentation addresses all major points within the project: Overview, Solution/Call to Action, Considerations, and Final Comments.

10. Overall presentation is rehearsed, given with conviction, and shows expertise in the overall topic.

TOTAL PROJECT PRESENTATION SCORE: 100

Teacher Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.