Writing to Address a Problem or Opportunity, The Final Step…
Writing to Address a Problem or Opportunity, The Final Step Up to this point, you have summarized the problem/opportunity, researched it, and offered a plan to address the problem/opportunity. The final step is to write an essay following these guidelines: Choose an audience that would be concerned about and/or affected by your topic and be sure to address them directly throughout the essay. In your introduction, be sure to summarize the work that you have done so far on this project. In your thesis, offer a succinct statement of your plan and explain how it will benefit your audience. In the body of your paper, develop and support your plan, being careful to show the impact it will have on your audience. Provide examples of your plan to show how it addresses the problem or opportunity. Highlight specific ways this will have a positive impact on the audience you have chosen. If you need support from your audience (financial, time, effort, etc.), then incorporate that into your essay. What do you need from them? Why is it important? How can they offer the support you need? In your conclusion, offer advice for how you and your audience should move forward after this essay. What are the next steps? And what are your hopes for the future after this project succeeds? Rubric Audience Awareness (20 points) Excellent (18-20 points): The chosen audience is clearly defined and directly addressed throughout the essay. There’s a strong understanding of audience needs and interests. Proficient (14-17 points): The audience is mostly clear and addressed in parts of the essay. Good effort to consider audience needs. Needs Improvement (10-13 points): Audience is not consistently clear or only minimally addressed. Limited understanding of audience needs. Unacceptable (0-9 points): Audience is unclear or not addressed. No effort to connect with audience needs. Introduction and Summary of Work Done (20 points) Excellent (18-20 points): Effectively summarizes prior work and research steps concisely and engagingly. Sets up the essay’s purpose clearly. Proficient (14-17 points): Summarizes prior work and research, but lacks some clarity or depth. Purpose of the essay is mostly clear. Needs Improvement (10-13 points): Limited summary of prior work and research steps. Purpose may not be clear. Unacceptable (0-9 points): No summary or an unclear summary of prior work. Purpose is difficult to understand. Thesis and Plan Statement (20 points) Excellent (18-20 points): Thesis clearly states the proposed plan and its benefits to the audience. Compelling and direct. Proficient (14-17 points): Thesis states the plan and benefits, though it lacks some clarity or depth. Needs Improvement (10-13 points): Thesis is present but does not clearly convey the plan or benefits to the audience. Unacceptable (0-9 points): No clear thesis or unclear proposed plan; benefits are not addressed. Body: Development of Plan (20 points) Excellent (18-20 points): Thoroughly develops and supports the plan. Examples are relevant, detailed, and show positive impact on the audience. Proficient (14-17 points): Adequately develops and supports the plan. Examples show impact but lack depth. Needs Improvement (10-13 points): Limited development and support for the plan. Examples may be lacking or only loosely related. Unacceptable (0-9 points): Little to no development; lacks examples and clear impact on the audience. Request for Audience Support (20 points) Excellent (18-20 points): Clearly and persuasively explains what support is needed from the audience. Strong case for why support is necessary and how it benefits the audience. Proficient (14-17 points): Explains needed support but could be more persuasive or specific. Needs Improvement (10-13 points): Brief or unclear explanation of support needed; limited persuasion. Unacceptable (0-9 points): No request for support or unclear/focused request irrelevant to audience’s role. Conclusion: Next Steps and Future Vision (20 points) Excellent (18-20 points): Conclusion outlines specific next steps and includes an inspiring vision for future success. Strong final impression. Proficient (14-17 points): Conclusion outlines next steps and future vision, though it lacks some specificity or depth. Needs Improvement (10-13 points): Conclusion briefly mentions next steps or future vision; lacks clear direction or inspiration. Unacceptable (0-9 points): Conclusion is missing or does not mention next steps or future vision. Writing Quality (20 points) Excellent (18-20 points): Writing is clear, engaging, and appropriate for the audience. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are nearly flawless. Proficient (14-17 points): Writing is mostly clear and appropriate. Minor grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. Needs Improvement (10-13 points): Writing may lack clarity or relevance. Contains noticeable grammar, punctuation, or spelling issues. Unacceptable (0-9 points): Writing is unclear or inappropriate for the audience. Contains numerous grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. Format and Structure (10 points) Excellent (8-10 points): Follows required format and guidelines with clear organization, logical flow, and appropriate transitions. Proficient (7 points): Follows format and guidelines; generally well-organized with minor issues in flow or transitions. Needs Improvement (6 points): Some organization, format, or structural issues; ideas may be hard to follow. Unacceptable (0-5 points): Lacks organization, format, or clear structure; difficult to follow or lacks logical progression.