Performance Assessment: Problem Analysis Essay Revision

Introduction

In the Writing module, you completed an essay where you identified a problem for a particular category of college students as they attempted to complete college, and suggested solutions for that problem.

In this module, we will revisit that essay, expanding it to include 2 additional outside resources, including at least one from the school library, to help illustrate and clarify the points your essay makes.

You will work with your tutors at the Enhancement Center to identify what kind of outside sources will be appropriate for your needs, and where to add source material into your essay.

Assignment Details

Illustration of a fountain pen with wings near its tipLook for the Try It pages along the way to help you complete the Problem Analysis Essay Revision.  The Try It activities will engage you in each step of the research process.

The revised essay will be 650-850 words long.  It will demonstrate a clear, supported thesis statement, strong organizational skills, and attention to proofreading and editing.

Additionally, it will incorporate 2 or more credible outside sources to help support the essay’s thesis.  At least one of those sources should come from your school’s electronic library databases. These sources will be cited using MLA in-text citations and the essay will include a MLA Works Cited page.

Rubric

In order to successfully complete this assessment, a submitted essay must reach “Meets or Exceeds Expectations” in all categories.

Criteria Ratings
Thesis Statement Meets or Exceeds Expectations

  • contains a clearly identifiable thesis statement that drives the essay content, which has been adjusted to fit the new scope of the revision
 Approaching Expectations

  • contains a thesis statement that relates to most essay content.  May not have been adjusted to fit the new scope of the revision
 Does Not Meet Expectations

  • does not contain a thesis statement, or thesis statement does not relate to most essay content
Sources Meets or Exceeds Expectations

  • authoritative, appropriate sources included in essay
  • at least one source comes from school’s online library databases
 Approaching Expectations

  • sources included in essay which may not be relevant or authoritative
  • 2 sources used, but may not include library database source
 Does Not Meet Expectations

  • includes one or fewer sources
Documentation Meets or Exceeds Expectations

  • quotations, paraphrases, and/or summaries are clearly attributed through MLA in-text citation
  • Works Cited page follows patterns of MLA citation formatting
 Approaching Expectations

  • quotations, paraphrases, or summaries may not be attributed through MLA in-text citations in all cases
  • one or more entries missing on the Works Cited page, or Works Cited page does not follow MLA formatting
 Does Not Meet Expectations

  • in-text citations and/or Works Cited page missing
MLA Formatting Meets or Exceeds Expectations

  • document formatted according to MLA specifications, including four-line header on first page, centered title, and heading on all pages showing last name and page number
  • text is double-spaced and uses an appropriate font
 Approaching Expectations

  • document generally formatted according to MLA specifications, but may be missing key elements
  • text may not be double-spaced or may not use an appropriate font
 Does Not Meet Expectations

  • document not formatted according to MLA specifications
Writing Process Meets or Exceeds Expectations

  • evidence that higher-order editing concerns have been identified and addressed
  • evidence that lower-order proofreading concerns have been identified and addressed, though minor patterns of error might remain
 Approaching Expectations

  • higher-order editing concerns may not have been addressed
  • lower-order editing concerns may not have been addressed.  Significant patterns of error remain.
 Does Not Meet Expectations

  • fundamental issues with higher-order editing concerns present in draft
  • fundamental issues with lower-order editing concerns present in draft

Worked Example

Video overview & text model to be included here.