Section

Criteria

Points

Topic Proposal

Topic submission is the first stage of the assignment. This should be a paragraph submitted with the topic a short paragraph explaining what the issue is and why it is important to the student.

Grader will evaluate:

- Was the topic proposal submitted on time.

- Did the topic proposal show evidence of thinking about the issue and demonstrate background reading on the topic?

- If a revision was necessary, was feedback incorporated.

5

Primary Argument Summary

Primary argument summary is a brief paragraph explaining what perspective the student will be advocating in the paper.

Grader will evaluate:

- Has the student demonstrated understanding of his/her primary argument.

- Has the student submitted at least one source for his/her primary argument.

5

Counter Argument Summary

Counter argument summary is a brief paragraph explaining what perspective the student will be advocating against in the paper.

Grader will evaluate:

- Has the student demonstrated understanding of his/her counter argument.

- Has the student submitted at least one source for his/her counter argument.

5

Introduction

The introduction should contain topic background and presentation of relevant facts. These facts will be used to support arguments and counter arguments as appropriate in future sections. The introduction should answer the question: What is the controversy inherent in the topic you have chosen?

Grader will evaluate:

- Does the introduction of your topic provide adequate definitions and background information?

- Are all statements of “fact” cited and referenced? This includes everything from statistics and definitions to general statements.

15

Primary Argument

The primary argument presents the practical problem or dilemma inherent in the chosen topic. The dilemma must be well defined and the critical issues both explained and justified. The argument must employ relevant facts that are properly referenced.

Grader will evaluate:

- Has the author defined a primary argument that is well-supported, objective and non-biased?

- Has the author justified his/her arguments with facts and are these facts properly cited/referenced?

20

Counter Argument

The counter argument presents a different perspective on the practical problem that was presented in the primary argument. This argument must be well defined and the critical issues should be both explained and justified. The argument must employ relevant facts that are properly referenced.

Grader will evaluate:

- Has the author defined a counter argument that is well-supported, objective and non-biased?

- Has the author justified his/her counter argument with facts and are these facts properly cited/referenced?

20

Resolution

(conclusion)

The resolution should circle back to the primary argument and explain why the primary argument is still the correct conclusion despite the stated counterargument.

Grade will evaluate:

- Has the author presented the primary argument in a new light that allows the primary argument to overcome the counter argument?

20

Format

Adherence to formal academic writing should be adhered to in the advocacy paper.

Grader will evaluate:

- Was this paper written in the third person?

- Does the paper have a cover page?

- Does the paper contain a minimum of three citations (APA style recommended)?

- Was this paper proofread for grammar, spelling, typos, etc.?

- Does this paper contain sections headers and have a clear flow?

10