AMERICAN STUDIES Social Responsibilities Unit Assessment

In-Class Essay

Name __________________

Period__________________

____ Ideas and Development

15 __ You wrote approximately 400-500 words on the assigned topic

__ Clear, concise thesis statement on whether the needs of society or the needs of the

individual are more important (underline your thesis)

__ Strong elaboration, using supporting details, facts, and examples as part of your

Evidence from the readings and research

__ You showed good judgment in your choice of details

__ Clear focus on given topic

____ Organization

15

Intro __ Clear, effective introduction: lead, explain the lead, overview of the issue listing both sides of the issue, your thesis.

individual __ Intelligent argument regarding when the needs of the individual outweigh the

need for social responsibility, including reference to at least one literary work

and one historical event we have studied

society __ Intelligent argument regarding when the need for social responsibility outweighs

the needs of the individual, including reference to at least one literary work

and one historical event we have studied

conclusion __ restate the thesis, briefly mention both sides of issue, Intelligent discussion explaining your personal leaning on the issue, hook back to the lead.

__ Intelligent paragraphing that helps your reader (logical flow of thoughts and

one topic per paragraph)

__ Excellent detail in each of your body paragraphs

__ Your personal view was saved for the end

__ Clear, effective transitions

__ Effective conclusion that does not merely repeat your introduction

____ Sentence Fluency, Voice, and Word Choice

10 __ Sentences flow smoothly and are of varied structure

__ Vivid word choice shows you are committed to your viewpoint

____ Conventions

10 __ Neat and legible (in ink)

__ correct spelling, punctuation, and usage

__ correct sentences are not fragments, run-ons, or comma splices

____ Total Score

50