Deductive research begins with a question about your topic at hand, followed by the gathering of information to help answer the question. Inductive research begins not with a question but a statement, and one then gathers information to support their assertions about the topic at hand. Thus, all research papers are argumentative in nature, with inductive research papers being purely so and deductive research papers only creating and proving an argument after one has gathered information on the topic. You are required to submit your topic along with your research mode (inductive or deductive). I will ″approve″ your topic, and once I do, you will not be allowed to significantly change it. There just won′t be enough time to complete the assignment if you do. It is in your best interest to begin a little research on several topics before settling into one as it often happens that students select a topic without any prior research only to find that there is little available on the topic or that they lack the curiosity necessary, where that specific topic is concerned, to analyze the topic thoroughly. One key element of the topic selection is the angle or question/statement that you are asking/making where your topic is concerned. For instance, to suggest that your topic is ″stem cell research″ is much too broad and lacks focus. It is much better to state that your topic is ″the efficaciousness of stem cell research on disease prevention and eradication.″ This could easily be restated to fit either a deductive or inductive research paper and will serve to better guide you in the selection of source material than the first, less specific topic. Rubric: NGWR 300 Essay Scoring Rubric – UPDATED ENGWR 300 Essay Scoring Rubric – UPDATED CriteriaRatingsPts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUnity 16.5 to ˃13.2 pts A ＝ Excellent Paper – The thesis, whether implied or directly stated clearly and completely addresses the assignment in a thoughtful and sophisticated manner demonstrating high level of engagement with the topic. Topic sentences establish a clear link to the thesis and to the individual idea focused on and developed in the paragraph. 13.2 to ˃11.0 pts B ＝ Good Paper – The thesis controls the direction of the essay. However, there may be minor lapses in focus, development and complexity of thought. For the most part, paragraphs are unified. 11 to ˃9.8 pts C ＝ Satisfactory Paper – The thesis is apparent and generally controls the direction and development of the essay. There may be lapses in paragraph development, focus and unity. 9.8 to ˃4.0 pts D ＝ Unsatisfactory Paper – The essay may provide a thesis too vague or obvious to be developed effectively. The thesis may not control the development of the essay or may not demonstrate any depth of thought. Topic sentences are not apparent. Paragraphs lack a central focus. 4 to ˃0 pts F ＝ Failing Paper – The essay lacks a thesis or the thesis statement inadequately addresses the topic. The majority of paragraphs lack focus and/or connection to the central idea. 16.5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdeas 16.5 to ˃13.2 pts A ＝ Excellent Paper – The essay demonstrates analysis of the central idea that is clear, thorough, and logical, and demonstrates sophistication of thought. The essay may acknowledge its contradictions, qualifications, or limits and their logical implications. The essay demonstrates an understanding of its sources and critically evaluates them. The essay appropriately limits and defines terms. 13.2 to ˃11.0 pts B ＝ Good Paper – The essay partially acknowledges the complexity of its central idea and the possibility of other points of view. The essay shows careful reading of the text but may not always evaluate it critically. The essay limits or defines terms, not always effectively. 11 to ˃9.8 pts C ＝ Satisfactory Paper – The essay presents central ideas in general terms. The essay may not acknowledge other views on the topic. The essay shows basic comprehension of the topic in question, perhaps with some lapses of understanding. The essay attempts to define terms, but sometimes lacks clarity. 9.8 to ˃4.0 pts D ＝ Unsatisfactory Paper – The essay does not have a clear central idea or does not respond clearly to the topic. The thesis may set up a summary instead of an analysis. The essay indicates that the writer may have misunderstood the source text. 4 to ˃0 pts F ＝ Failing Paper – The essay neglects to consider the needs of the audience. The essay may be off-topic. 16.5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization & Coherence 16.5 to ˃13.2 pts A ＝ Excellent Paper – The essay uses a progression of ideas or pattern of organization appropriate to its subject, purpose, audience, thesis, and disciplinary field. The essay employs sophisticated transitional devices. The essay guides the reader through its chain of reasoning or progression of ideas. 13.2 to ˃11.0 pts B ＝ Good Paper – The essay shows a logical progression of ideas. The essay uses appropriate transitional devices. Paragraphs clearly connect to the central idea although some logical links may be faulty. 11 to ˃9.8 pts C ＝ Satisfactory Paper – The essay may merely list ideas. The essay may have awkward or overly simple transitions. The essay may develop paragraphs that are related individually to the main idea, although the relationship may occasionally be unclear.
