Causal Analysis Essay
Composition I (ENGL 1113): Causal Analysis Essay
We have completed some class readings and performed a rhetorical analysis. Now, for the second major writing assignment in the course, you will choose a topic/problem related to one of our readings and identify its causes. Some example problems (but you are not limited to these) include:
Problem #1
Problem #2
Problem #3
Problem #4
Problem #5
Problem #6
Problem #7
Problem #8
Essay Requirements:
Compose a causal analysis of a problem related to TOPIC
Include a contextualizing introduction paragraph and a summary conclusion paragraph
Have a causal thesis statement (3-4 points) with body paragraphs that align with the thesis and that are appropriately developed (at least 5-6 sentences per paragraph)
Discuss each cause and include source support for at least two of those causes
Begin body paragraphs with topic sentences that include transition words or phrases
Cite and reference at least two sources using APA format
Additional sources allowed, as long as they are documented appropriately using APA format
Use correct grammar and mechanics, as well as vocabulary appropriate for a college-level assignment
❗Essays should be double-spaced and use Times New Roman 12pt
Unit Context and Outcomes: Unit designed to
Develop college-level, focused thesis statements,
Support thesis statements with appropriate evidence,
Integrate evidence from sources through the use of quotations, paraphrasing, and summarizing,
Continue documenting sources using APA format, and
Continue developing a writing process that culminates in a coherent, organized essay.
Causal Analysis Essay Rubric
|
|
1-5 Points |
6-7 Points |
8-9 Points |
10 Points |
|
Introduction |
Introduction not present |
Introduction present, underdeveloped |
Introduction present, appropriately developed, does not contain sufficient contextual information |
Introduction present, appropriately developed, containing thorough contextual information |
|
Thesis Statement |
Thesis statement not present or not causal |
Thesis statement present, only one cause included |
Thesis statement present, only two causes included |
Thesis statement present, at least three causes included |
|
Body Paragraph Alignment |
Body paragraphs do not align with thesis statement |
|
Body paragraphs align with thesis statement |
|
|
Body Paragraph Development |
Body paragraphs significantly underdeveloped (1-2 sentences) |
Body paragraphs underdeveloped (3-4 sentences) |
Body paragraphs appropriately developed (5-6 sentences) |
Body paragraphs appropriately developed, including comprehensive or thoughtful detail |
|
Evidence/ Source Support |
Evidence/source support not present for any cause |
Evidence/source support present for one cause |
Evidence/source support present for two causes |
Evidence/source support present for at least two causes, thoughtfully integrated |
|
Transitions/ Topic Sentences |
Transitions/topic sentences not present |
Transitions/topic sentences present in at least one body paragraph |
Transitions/topic sentences present in at least two body paragraphs |
Transitions/topic sentences present in all body paragraphs |
|
Conclusion |
Conclusion not present |
Conclusion present, underdeveloped |
Conclusion present, appropriately developed |
Conclusion present, appropriately developed, including comprehensive or thoughtful detail |
|
Sources |
Sources not present |
At least one source present |
At least two sources present |
At least two sources present, including at least one with strong credibility |
|
APA |
No attempt at APA format |
Attempt at APA format, pervasive errors |
Attempt at APA format, minor errors |
Attempt at APA format, very minor errors |
|
Grammar/ Mechanics/ Vocabulary |
|
Pervasive grammar/ mechanics errors or inappropriate vocabulary |
Minor grammar/ mechanics errors |
Very minor grammar/ mechanics errors |
