essay rubric .doc

7/28/2019 essay rubric .doc

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Writing

Level 7

Problem Solution essay

Name:.

Section:.

Contents

1. Writing Assessment Criteria 4

2. Stages of Writing an Essay 6

3. Analyzing Essay Prompts 7

4. Analyzing a Sample Essay 8

5. Brainstorming 10

6. Writing the Introduction 12

7. Linking Ideas in your Writing 14

8. Paraphrasing 15

9. Body Paragraph 1: Problems 16

10. Body Paragraph 2: Solutions 17

11. Writing the Conclusion 18

12. Editing your Work 19

13. Personal Writing Log 19

14. Answer Key 20

15. Extra space

1. Writing Assessment CriteriaHow do we grade your essay? Student ______________________

Writing Assessment Criteria (Essays)

CONTENT

Emma Smart - Fall A, 2011


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1

Is the essay relevant to prompt?0 1 2 3 4

5

2

Relevant information from sources chosen and citedcorrectlyWrite examples here: 0 1 2 3 4

5

3

Paraphrasing source information and/or using direct quotescorrectly

0 1 2 3 45

ORGANIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT Content Total:

4

Is the introduction well developed? Does it have a thesisstatement?

0 1 2 3 45

5

Do the topic sentences related to the thesis statement?

0 1 2 3 45

6 Do the body paragraphs have information relevant to thetopic and the task? 0 1 2 3 45

7Does the conclusion restates the thesis/or provide shortsummary of the main problems and solutions?

0 1 2 3 45

8Transitions that show relationship between ideas 0 1 2 3 4

5

LANGUAGE* If your essay is short (less than 4paragraphs), the highest mark you can receivefor a language band is a 6.

Organization andDevelopment Total:

9Sentence patterns 0 2 4 6 8

10

10Verb forms 0 2 4 6 8

10

11Grammatical forms 0 2 4 6 8

10

12Vocabulary range and form 0 2 4 6 8

10

13Spelling 0 2 4 6 8

10

2Emma Smart Spring B, 2012


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14Punctuation and capital letters (No run-on sentences) 0 2 4 6 8

10

Language Total:

Comments to Student:

Final Score: /100

Task 1 to help you better understand how your teachers grade youressays

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE?

1. Using information from different sources is worth 10% of your essay grade.2. You should only get this information from the reading text.3. You will be graded on your thesis statement and topic sentences.4. Linking your ideas well is worth 5% of your essay grade.5. The grades for the language in your essay are worth less than 50% of your essay grade.6. If you only write three paragraphs (i.e. you dont include a conclusion), you can get an 8 or 10

for the language bands.7. Having accurate punctuation and capital letters is worth 10% of your essay grade.

Task 2 to help you better understand what the criteriamean

Match the Writing Criteria on p.4 with the explanations below:A) - This means you use different tenses (past simple, etc.), aspects (passive, active) and modals(can, will, etc.) correctly.

B) - This means you write a good introduction and a thesis statement which includes theproblem(s) and solution(s).

C) - This means your whole essay and the ideas in it are linked well, using correct linking phrases.

D) - This means you write different kinds of sentences (simple, complex, compound) correctly.

E) - This means the body paragraphs have topic sentences and relevant supporting information.

F) - This means you use a range of vocabulary about the topic and the correct forms (noun, verb,etc.).

G) - This means you know when to use capital letters, full stops, commas, apostrophes and dontuse run on sentences.

H) - This means you use things like quantifiers (many, some, etc.), qualifiers (so, too, enough,

etc.) and prepositions correctly.

I) - This needs to include a summary of your thesis statement (in different words), mention somesolutions and give an opinion/advice.

J) - This means you choose good information from the reading and listening and write it correctly.

K) - This means you write information from the reading and listening IN YOUR OWN WORDS ordirect quotes.

L) - This means you spell common words and words from your vocabulary list correctly. Somedifficult vocabulary may be misspelled.

M) - This means you write what the prompt asks you to.

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N) - This means that your body paragraphs have topic sentences which link to the thesisstatement.

2. Stages of writing an essay

Task 3 to help you better understand what to do when youwrite

Decide on the correct order for the stages of writing an essay. Write the number of the stage ineach box.

- Write Body paragraph 1. Include a topicsentence. Mention one of the problems (causeor effect). Give supporting information. (Put areference.) Mention another problem. Givesupporting information. (Put a reference.) Youcan finish your paragraph with the topicsentence again.

- Write Body paragraph 2. Include atopic sentence. Mention one of thesolutions. Give supporting information.(Put a reference.) Mention anothersolution. Give supporting information.(Put a reference.) You can finish yourparagraph with the topic sentenceagain.

- Read the prompt carefully and underline keywords.

1

- Find quotes and information from thereading & listening texts.

- Ask yourself a question about the topic. Couldyou use this to begin your introduction? - Write the introduction. Include:

Interesting start, background info anda strong THESIS STATEMENT.

- Plan which ideas to include in your essay.Brainstorm ideas.

- Write your conclusion. Rewrite your THESISSTATEMENT in different words. Add a couple ofpoints from your body paragraphs. Give youropinion or advice.

- Reread your essay. Check SPELLING.Check CAPITAL LETTERS. CheckPUNCTUATION. Check VOCABULARY.Check VERB TENSES. Check PLURALS.

3. Analyzing Essay Prompts

Look at the example essay prompt with the topic and task words underlined.



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Addiction to the use of the Internet, sometimes referred to as Netaholism, is

recognized by many experts as a genuine problem amongst computer users

across the globe. Write a four paragraph problem-solution essay describing the

problem of compulsive Internet use. Describe two solutions that could resolve the

problem.

Task 4 to improve your ability to identify the task in essay prompts

There are five essay prompts below. Underline the essay topics and the task words in the essayprompts.

1.There is a lot of traffic in the UAE, and it affects everyone. Write a four

paragraph, problem-solution essay describing the biggest problem of traffic in

the UAE, including what causes it and its damaging effects. Describe two

solutions that you think could help to deal with this.

2.Many advertisers target young children to sell their products. Write a four-

paragraph problem-solution essay discussing the problems of advertising to

young children and mention two solutions to the problem.

3.In recent years, boys have not been achieving as high academically as girls.

Write a four-paragraph, problem-solution essay describing this problem and its

damaging effects, and outlining at least two solutions that could help boys to

succeed at school and university.

4.Good friends are important in life. Sometimes friendships go wrong. Write a four-

paragraph, problem-solution essay describing possible problems that can occur

in a friendship. Mention solutions to the problem.

5.Communication disorders affect the lives of many. Autism is one example of a

communication disorder. Write a four-paragraph, problem-solution essay,

mentioning the problems that affect someone with autism, and discuss ways to

deal with these problems.

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4. Analyzing Sample Essay

Task 5 to improve your ability to identify the purpose of eachparagraph



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Look at the four paragraphs of the sample essay below. Can you identify which paragraph is theintroduction, which is body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2 and the conclusion?

Internet addiction

Paragraph:

There are many causes for this modern addiction. Shyness and loneliness are two obvious

reasons why people spend hours on the internet. Dr. Ahmed mentions that the attraction of

making friends in a virtual space without having to meet them face to face is irresistible to shy

and lonely people (Reading). Low self-esteem is another possible cause. The addict can

escape real life by inventing a much more attractive person and sending him/her out into

internet space (Listening). Compulsive internet use can not only affect addicts physical well-

being, but also their relationships. Firstly, an internet addict may suffer from lack of sleep, as

well as an inability to concentrate and irritability. Their health can also be badly affected, e.g.

eyesight, weight problems and bad posture. Secondly, real-life relationships can suffer. In

extreme cases, this could lead to separation or divorce. According to the listening, netaholics

can even quit their studies or lose their jobs because of their addiction.

Paragraph:

In conclusion, the internet is useful for technology and it makes our lives easier, but we

must not make it control our lives because it can affect our relationships and health badly. We

can get professional help from counselors. Besides that, learning effective time management,

or finding new hobbies can also be helpful. In my opinion, the problem begins in the home. If

the parents can make some rules for their children about internet use, this problem would not

happen.

Paragraph:

However, there are solutions if the addict can face up to the problem and seek

professional help. Dr. Maryam Obaid says that the key to solving the problem is getting

addicts to admit that they have a problem in the first place (Reading). Even though net

addiction does not have the same serious health consequences as an addiction to a stronger

substance, e.g. drugs, netaholism is still a serious concern. Any activity that controls your life

can damage your health and relationships. When addicts realize this, the next step is to

attend a course or self-help group to start the recovery programme, and learn better time

management, find other activities to do and appreciate their real-life relationships (Listening).

Paragraph:

Thirty years ago, there were no internet addicts. Internet addiction is a new problem for

the modern world. In 1980, we could not have imagined sitting in front of a computer talking

to someone on the other side of the world for hours, or entering a virtual world to play online

games. Nowadays, this is not unusual and people spend many hours using the internet.

Generally speaking, an internet addict, or a netaholic, is somebody who has allowed the

internet use to take over his or her life. The main problem with internet addiction is the

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negative effect it can have on a persons health and their social wellbeing. Solutions include

seeking professional help and opportunities to develop other hobbies.

Answer the questions below about each section of the essay:

Introduction

1. Does the introduction include: - An interesting statement at the beginning?- Background information about the topic?- A thesis statement?

2. Underline the thesis statement. How many problems does it mention? How many solutions?

Body paragraph 1

1. There are two topic sentences in this paragraph. Underline them both.2. List the three causes mentioned: 1. 2. 3.

3. List the ten effects mentioned: 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

10.

4. How many references to source material can you find in body paragraph 1? Are they fromlistening or reading?

Body paragraph 2

1. Underline the topic sentence in this paragraph.2. List three of the solutions mentioned in this paragraph:

1. 2. 3.

3. How many references to source material can you find in body paragraph 1? Are they fromlistening or reading?

Conclusion

1. Does the conclusion include: - The same information as the thesis statement (in differentwords)?

- Some information from the body paragraphs?- An opinion or some advice?

5. Brainstorming

Before you start writing, you need to get some ideas about what you will write. You are going topractice brainstorming one of the two topics below.

A.

Shopping addiction, also called compulsive shopping or shopaholism, isrecognized by many experts today as a serious and growing problem in wealthy

countries. Write a four paragraph, problem-solution essay describing the problem



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of compulsive shopping, its causes, symptoms and effects, and describing two

solutions.

B.People learn effectively in many different ways, and not everybody has the same

learning style. Write a four-paragraph, problem-solution essay, mentioning the

problems that affect some learners in being successful in their studies, andpossible ways to deal with this.

Task 6 to improve your ability to get and organize your ideas abouttopic

Which of the three following images do you prefer?

1. Mind Maps 2. Lists 3. Prose

Before you write your essay, you need to gather your ideas and make a plan of what you willinclude.The following headings can help you to organize your ideas:

Background Problems (causes) Problems (effects) Solutions

Choose one of the essay prompts above. Use the space on the next page to brainstorm as manyideas as you can about the topic. Choose how you want to brainstorm. You can use one of theideas above.

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6. Writing the Introduction

A good introduction needs three things:

1. A strong opening statement or a question that makes the reader stop and think.

2. Some background information about the topic (this could be general information, or a

definition).

3. A thesis statement, which explains what your essay will be about and what points you

will make.

Task 7 to identify and understand parts of anintroduction

This is an introduction for the essay prompt 2 on page 7. Can you find the three things mentioned

above in the introduction below?

Children are the perfect target for advertising. Advertisers know that children

watch TV, they visit supermarkets and shopping malls, and they know that when

children see something they want, they will continue to nag their parents until they

get it. The problem, however, is that children are very easily influenced by

advertising and do not always understand what is good or bad for them. Both

governments and families can restrict the amount of advertising that children are

able to see.

Now, look at the examples below, and decide which one (or ones) is best in each case. Why is thatone (or those ones) better than the others?

1. A strong opening statement or a question that makes the reader stop and think.A. Children are the perfect target for advertising.B. Do you like advertising?C. Nowadays, there are many advertisements in the world.D. How many advertisements do you think young children see every day?

2. Some background information about the topic (this could be general information, or adefinition).

A. There are advertisements for many things and we can see them a lot.

B. Children watch a lot of TV and there are advertisements on TV. There are advertisementsfor toys, clothes and food. Children like these advertisements.

C. Advertisers know that children watch TV, they visit supermarkets and shopping malls, andthey know that when children see something they want, they will continue to nag theirparents until they get it.D. Advertising means the activity or profession of producing advertisements for commercialproducts or services.

3. A thesis statement, which explains what your essay will be about and what points you will make.A. In this essay, I will write about the problems of advertising to children and mention some

solutions.B. In this essay, I will discuss the problems of advertising to children, such as nagging to their

parents and buying too many things. I will also mention some solutions, such as not letting children

watch TV or stopping advertising to children on TV.

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C. The problem, however, is that children are very easily influenced by advertising and do notalways understand what is good or bad for them. Both governments and families can restrictthe amount of advertising that children are able to see.

Task 8 to practice writing an effective introduction

Choose one of the two essay prompts from below, and using the information you brainstormed(page 11), write your introduction below.

A.Communication disorders affect the lives of many. Autism is one example of a

communication disorder. Write a four-paragraph, problem-solution essay,

mentioning the problems that affect someone with autism, and discuss ways to

deal with these problems.

B.

People learn effectively in many different ways, and not everybody has the same

learning style. Write a four-paragraph, problem-solution essay, mentioning the

problems that affect some learners in being successful in their studies, and

possible ways to deal with this.

1. A strong opening statement or a question that makes the reader stop and think.

2. Some background information about the topic (this could be general information, or adefinition).

3. A thesis statement, which explains what your essay will be about and what points you will make.



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7. Linking Ideas in your Writing

Task 9 to practice using effective linking phrases

Put these linkers in the right column according to their meaning:

which in addition to for example whohowever

although/even though for instance as well as on the other handwhen

not only...but also more such as whereasbut

on the one hand less besides that another

Extra informationComparing/contrasting

Relative pronouns Giving examples

in addition to however which

Read the edited paragraphs below and insert linkers from the table above:

Body Paragraph 1 Problems




and lonely people (Reading). Low self-esteem is ______________ possible cause. Compulsive

internet use can not only affect addicts physical well-being, ______________ their relationships.

Firstly, an internet addict may suffer from lack of sleep, ______________ an inability to

concentrate and irritability. Their health can ____________ be badly affected, e.g. eyesight,

weight problems and bad posture.

Body Paragraph 2 Solutions

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____________, there are solutions if the addict can face up to the problem and seek

professional help. _____________ net addiction does not have the same serious health

consequences as an addiction to a stronger substance, e.g. drugs, netaholism is still a serious

concern.

Conclusion Paragraph

In conclusion, the internet is useful for technology and it makes our lives easier,

___________ we must not make it control our lives because it can affect our relationships and

health badly. We can get professional help from counselors. ________________, learning

effective time management, or finding new hobbies can __________ be helpful.

8. Paraphrasing

You need to include at least two references from the reading text and listening text in your essay.There are four ways you can do this:

Original text, from Journeys 7B, p.10:Communication is perhaps our most important tool in interacting with our

environment.

Direct quotes:1. According to the reading, Communication is perhaps our most important tool in interactingwith our environment.2. Communication is perhaps our most important tool in interacting with our environment(Reading).Paraphrasing:3. According to the reading, the main way we can interact with the people around us is by

exchanging ideas and communicating.4. The main way we can interact with the people around us is by exchanging ideas andcommunicating (Reading).

It is much harder to paraphrase than use a direct quote! You need to take the keywords and findsynonyms, use related words or other ways of saying the same thing.

E.g. Original ParaphrasingCommunication communicating, exchanging ideas and

informationmost important main, most essentialtool way, method, meansinteracting interact, interaction

environment surroundings, people around us

Task 10 to practice paraphrasing

Try paraphrasing the following information. Use your own words.

1. (Journeys, Book 7B) Individuals with expressive language disorders have difficulty inlanguage production, forming and using spoken or written language.Paraphrasing:Paraphrasing:Paraphrasing:

2. (Journeys, Book 7A) Compulsive shopping is a real psychological condition that should betreated by a professional therapist.

Paraphrasing:



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2. (Journeys, Book 7A) Smoking is also increasing among kids. Each day another 3,000 kids in theUS start to smoke; about a third of them will die of illnesses related to smoking.Paraphrasing:

9. Body Paragraph 1: Problems

Your body paragraph needs to have:

1. A topic sentence (or two), that relates to your thesis statement.

2. Supporting information examples and evidence from your reading/listening texts.

Task 11 to identify parts of a problem body paragraph

In the paragraph below, can you:

1. Underline the two topic sentences.

2. Show which sentences are linked by the same idea, i.e. giving an example, followed by

evidence.




and lonely people (Reading). Low self-esteem is another possible cause. The addict can escape

real life by inventing a much more attractive person and sending him/her out into internet space

(Listening). Compulsive internet use can not only affect addicts physical well-being, but also their

relationships. Firstly, an internet addict may suffer from lack of sleep, as well as an inability to

concentrate and irritability. Their health can also be badly affected, e.g. eyesight, weight

problems and bad posture. Secondly, real-life relationships can suffer. In extreme cases, this

could lead to separation or divorce. According to the listening, netaholics can even quit their

studies or lose their jobs because of their addiction.

Task 12 to practice writing a problem body paragraph

Write your Body Paragraph 1 below. Use your brainstorming ideas to help you, and the sourcematerial from your textbook and other readings and listenings you have done in class. Use theprompts to guide you.

(topic sentence)

(example)

(evidence reading/listening)

(another example)

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10. Body Paragraph 2: Solutions

Your body paragraph needs to have:

1. A topic sentence (or two), that relates to your thesis statement.

2. Supporting information examples and evidence from your reading/listening texts.

Task 13 to identify parts of a solution body paragraph

In the paragraph below, can you:

1. Underline the topic sentence.

2. Show which sentences are linked by the same idea, i.e. giving an example, followed by

evidence.

However, there are solutions if the addict can face up to the problem and seek

professional help. Dr. Maryam Obaid says that the key to solving the problem is getting

addicts to admit that they have a problem in the first place (Reading). Even though net

addiction does not have the same serious health consequences as an addiction to a stronger

substance, e.g. drugs, netaholism is still a serious concern. Any activity that controls your life

can damage your health and relationships. When addicts realize this, the next step is to

attend a course or self-help group to start the recovery programme, and learn better time

management, find other activities to do and appreciate their real-life relationships (Listening).

Task 14 to practice writing a solution body paragraph

Write your Body Paragraph 2 below. Use your brainstorming ideas to help you, and the sourcematerial from your textbook and other readings and listenings you have done in class. Use theprompts to guide you.

(topic sentence)

(example)


(another example)




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11. Writing the Conclusion

Your conclusion needs to have:1. Your thesis statement, written in different words

2. A summary of one or two points from your body paragraphs.

3. Your opinion or advice about the topic.

Task 15 to identify parts of a conclusion paragraph

In the conclusion paragraph below, can you:

1. Underline the thesis statement. Is it exactly the same words as the thesis statement in

the introduction?2. Find which points from the body paragraphs are mentioned?

3. Find the opinion? Do you agree with the opinion the writer gives?

In conclusion, the internet is useful for technology and it makes our lives easier, but we

must not make it control our lives because it can affect our relationships and health badly. We

can get professional help from counselors. Besides that, learning effective time management,

or finding new hobbies can also be helpful. In my opinion, the problem begins in the home. If

the parents can make some rules for their children about internet use, this problem would not

happen.

Task 16 to practice writing a conclusion paragraph

Write your Conclusion below. Use your introduction, body paragraph 1 and body paragraph 2 tohelp you. Use the prompts to guide you.

(thesis statement paraphrased)

(one or two points from body paragraphs)

(opinion/advice)

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12. Editing your Work

60% of your essay is graded on the language you use thats right, 60%!

Task 17 to identify error types and practice editing written work

Look at the following errors in this paragraph. Can you;

1. Identify what type of error each one is. Look at the symbols and see if you can write

the error types below. The first one has been done for you.

2. Correct the errors. When you have finished, you can check on page 12 with the original

version.

Chilrden(SP) are the perfect target for advertising, (RO)advertisers know that

children watch TV, they visit supermarkets and shopping malls, and they know that

when children see something they want (P)they will continue to nag their parent(PL)

until they get it. the(P) problem, although(V), is that children is(AG) very easily

influencing(WF) by advertising and did (VT) not always understand what ^ good or

bad for them. Both the governments and the families can restrict the amount of

advertising that children are able to see.

SP = spelling RO =P = PL =V = AG =WF = VT =^ = word =

(see Answer Key)

13. Personal Writing Log

Note examples of common errors or problems you have when you are writing below. See theexample.

Error Correction In future

E.g.The main two problem are and

The main two problems are and

Check plural nounsVerb-noun agreement

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.



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14. Answer Key

p. 4. Task 1 1. True (criteria 2 & 3) 2. False (reading & listening)3. True (criteria 4 & 5) 4. True (criteria 8)5. False (criteria 9-14 = 60%) 6. False (see notes next to Language)7. True (criteria 14)

p. 5 Task 2 1.M 2.J 3.K 4.B 5.N 6.E 7.I 8.C 9.D 10.A11.H 12.F 13.L 14.G

p.14 Task 9:

Extra InformationComparing/Contrasting

Relative clauses Giving examples

in addition to however which for example

as well asalthough/eventhough

who for instance

not only...but also on the other hand when such asbesides that more

another less

whereas

on the one hand

but

p.19 Task 17 SP = spelling RO = run on sentencesP = punctuation/capital letters PL = plural formsV = vocabulary AG = agreement (noun-verb)WF = wrong form VT = verb tense^ = missing word word = unnecessary word

15. Extra Space__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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