Guide to the Essay

This is an 8-page term paper that argues a thesis based on research. Each paper should have between 4 and 8 sources, at least one of which is a primary source. Your sources must all be published. You might access them through the internet, but they are not to be pages on the internet, nor are they to be any sort of encyclopedia.

Citation and bibliography should be in Chicago Style. For a basic guide to Chicago Style, click here

Below is a grading chart which I will use to evaluate your paper. Explanation is below.

Essay Grading Sheet

Thesis	5	4	3	2	1
Promise
Richness

Main Points	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3
Organization
Evidence
Analysis
Coherence
Originality

Conclusion	5	4	3	2	1
Summary
Thesis restatement

Style	5	4	3	2	1
Clarity
Sentences
Paragraphs
Transitions

Mechanics	5	4	3	2	1
Punctuation
Spelling

Total

Thesis

Promise: the question is significant, and the reader is clear about what to expect in the paper 


Richness: uses precise and descriptive language

Main Points (50 pts)

Organization: logical and clear arrangement of elements

Evidence: good use of the sources, especially the readings

Analysis: a reasonable and systematic exposition of your argument)

Coherence: the main points are connected logically to each other and to the thesis

Originality: evidence of creative and independent thinking

Conclusion

Summary: a summary of your main points must be part of the conclusion

Thesis restatement: restate the thesis in the light of your main points

Style

Clarity: good word-choice, and avoidance of convoluted or wordy constructions 


Sentences: complete and well-formed sentences 


Paragraphs: paragraphs are reasonable length, with clear topic sentences Transitions: clear and logical connections between paragraph and sections of the paper)

Mechanics

Punctuation 


Spelling