Research Letter Grading Criteria

Here is what you will need to submit by 3:10 p.m. on Monday, April 12th:

1. Research Letter

• Topic is relevant and well-selected
• Letter makes a persuasive, well-organized argument about your chosen ethical issue
• Includes citations to at least 3 credible sources
• Includes some background information and acknowledgement of the opposition
• Illustrations/ quotes provide strong support for your topic
• All quotes/ paraphrases are introduced with a signal phrase that indicates the source of the information
• Tone is appropriately formal and serious
• Sentence are fluid, concise
• Word choice is precise
• Letter reflects revision and evidence of engagement with the writing process
• Letter is properly formatted according to business letter model and single-spaced
• Entire packet is submitted in a neat, orderly fashion with attention to detail

2. Works Cited Page

• Properly formatted according to MLA standards
• All Entries Double-spaced
• Alphabetized
• Inclusive of all sources cited within the text of the letter

3.Printed copies of sources

• Copies of all sources are submitted with essay
• Sources show evidence of annotation or proof of careful notetaking

4. Flow Map of Credibility for all sources not found on school database

• One flow map is submitted for each source that is not from a school database
• The information on each flow map is specific to the source being evaluated