The Research Paper consists of at least 5 pages (this does not include the Works Cited page). Your paper should be in MLA format.- Times New Roman 12-pt font with 1-inch margins. Proper citations and references must be included; students should use at least 5 sources (text, Bible and encyclopedias do not count). Papers are to be based on research, and should not be overtly biased or opinionated.
The purpose is to explain the case in detail by including the following:
Identify the key figures, the crime, or the concern at hand.
Explain how the U.S. government used law and power to reach a decision.
Include whether there was an existing law or precedent that applied to the case, or was a new law written as a result?
What has been the lasting impact on society as a result of this case?
Written Communication – 125 pts.
Criteria Ratings Pts
Organization
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20 pts
Exemplary
Writing shows a high degree of attention to logic and reasoning of points. Unity clearly leads the reader to the conclusion and stirs thought regarding the topic.
16 pts
Above Average
Writing is coherent and logically organized with transitions used between ideas and paragraphs to create coherence. The overall unity of ideas is present.
12 pts
Adequate
Writing is coherent and logically organized. Some points remain misplaced and stray from the topic. Transitions evident but not used throughout the essay.
0 pts
Inadequate
Writing lacks logical organization. It shows some coherence but ideas lack unity. Serious errors.
/ 20 pts
Level of Content
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30 pts
Exemplary
Content indicates synthesis of ideas, in-depth analysis and evidences original thought and support for the topic.
24 pts
Above Average
Content indicates original thinking and develops ideas with sufficient and firm evidence.
18 pts
Adequate
Content indicates thinking and reasoning applied with original thought on a few ideas.
0 pts
Inadequate
Shows some thinking and reasoning but most ideas are underdeveloped and unoriginal.
/ 30 pts
Development
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20 pts
Exemplary
Main points well developed with high quality and quantity support. Reveals a high degree of critical thinking.
16 pts
Above Average
Main points well developed with quality supporting details and quantity. Critical thinking is weaved into points.
12 pts
Adequate
Main points are present with limited detail and development. Some critical thinking is present.
0 pts
Inadequate
The main points lack detailed development. Ideas are vague with little evidence of critical thinking.
/ 20 pts
Style
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20 pts
Exemplary
Shows outstanding style going beyond usual college level; rhetorical devices and tone used effectively; creative use of sentence structure and coordination.
16 pts
Above Average
Attains college-level style; the tone is appropriate and rhetorical devices used to enhance content; sentence variety used effectively.
12 pts
Adequate
Approaches college level usage of some variety in sentence patterns, diction, and rhetorical devices.
0 pts
Inadequate
Mostly in elementary form with little or no variety in sentence structure, diction, rhetorical devices or emphasis.
/ 20 pts
Grammar & Mechanics
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15 pts
Exemplary
The essay is free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors; absent of fragments, comma splices, and run-ons.
12 pts
Above Average
The essay has few spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors allowing the reader to follow ideas clearly. Very few fragments or run-ons.
9 pts
Adequate
Most spelling, punctuation, and grammar correct allowing the reader to progress through the essay. Some errors remain.
0 pts
Inadequate
Spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors create a distraction, making reading difficult; fragments, comma splices, run-ons evident. Errors are frequent.
/ 15 pts
Format
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20 pts
Exemplary
Meets all formal and assignment requirements and evidences attention to detail; all margins, spacing, and indentations are correct; the essay is neat and correctly assembled with a professional look.
16 pts
Above Average
Meets format and assignment requirements; margins, spacing, and indentations are correct; the essay is neat and correctly assembled.
12 pts
Adequate
Meets format and assignment requirements; generally correct margins, spacing, and indentations; the essay is neat but may have some assembly errors.
