Malik McFarlane
Period 1
5/27/2015

Essay Topics + Rubrics

Topics

Essay #1 – African Americans in the civil war

Essay #2- Ellis Island and Angel Island

Essay #3- History of the Panama Canal

Essay #4- Prohibition

Essay #5- Japanese internment camps

Rubric

4
3
2
1
Thesis Statement and Introduction;
Conclusion

Thesis statement answers the question completely and clearly. Introduction presents clear and complete summary of evidence to be used in support of thesis statement. Organization of the introduction is logical. Conclusion extends the argument and explains its significance.
Thesis statement answers the question completely and clearly. Introduction gives summary of evidence to be used in support of thesis statement. Organization of the introduction may be somewhat weak. Conclusion re-states the thesis statement, but may not extend or explain the argument’s significance.
Thesis statement does not answer the question completely, and/or is weak or confusing. Summary of evidence to be used in support of thesis statement may be lacking. Organization of introduction may be weak. Conclusion may not clearly re-state the thesis statement.
Thesis statement does not answer the question and/or does not make an argument. Introduction does not give summary of evidence to be used in support of thesis statement. Conclusion fails to re-state the thesis, or is entirely absent.
Examples, Evidence, Content

Evidence in support of thesis is accurate, specific, relevant, and sufficient. Essay clearly and effectively explains how particular examples support thesis statement.
Evidence in support of thesis is accurate, specific, relevant, and sufficient. Essay may not always clearly explain how particular examples support thesis statement.
Evidence in support of thesis is not entirely accurate, or may be insufficient or irrelevant. Explanations of how examples support thesis may be weak or absent.
Evidence in support of thesis is inaccurate, insufficient, or irrelevant.
Organization and
Structure

The essay is well-organized. The purpose of each paragraph is clear, with strong topic sentences linked to the thesis. The content of each paragraph is consistent and appropriate. The paragraphs are logically sequenced.
The essay is well organized. The purpose of