Assignment -

Write a critical analysis of any one topic. The paper should be between 5-8 pages in length.

1. The Yellow Wallpaper"- Gilman/Stetson

2. "Sestina"- Elizabeth Bishop

The Superior Paper (A/A-) (92 and above) Thesis: Easily identifiable, plausible, novel, sophisticated, insightful, crystal clear. Structure: Evident, understandable, and appropriate for thesis. Excellent transitions from point to point. Paragraphs support solid topic sentences.

Use of evidence: Primary source information (quotations, etc.) used to support every point with at least one example. Examples support paragraph's point and fit within paragraph. Excellent integration of quoted material into sentences. ?Analysis: Author clearly relates evidence to "mini-thesis" (topic sentence); analysis is fresh and exciting, posing new ways to think of the material.

All ideas in the paper flow logically; the argument is identifiable, reasonable, and sound.?Mechanics: Sentence structure, grammar, and diction excellent; correct use of punctuation and citation style; minimal to no spelling errors; absolutely no run-on sentences or comma splices.

The Good Paper (B+/B) (84-91) Thesis: Promising, but may be slightly unclear, or lacking in insight or originality. Structure: Generally clear and appropriate, though may wander occasionally. May have a few unclear transitions, or a few paragraphs without strong topic sentences.? Use of evidence: Examples used to support most points. Some evidence does not support point, or may appear where inappropriate. Quotes well integrated into sentences.?Analysis: Evidence often related to mini-thesis, though links perhaps not very clear. Mechanics: Sentence structure, grammar, and diction strong despite occasional lapses; punctuation and citation style often used correctly. Some (minor) spelling errors; may have one run-on sentence or comma splice.

The Borderline Paper (B-/C+) (78-83) Thesis: May be unclear (contain many vague terms), offer relatively little that is new, or fail to address the assigned topic; provides little around which to structure the paper. Structure: Generally unclear, may wander or jump around. Few or weak transitions, some paragraphs without topic sentences. Author sometimes summarizes plot of story or play.?Use of evidence: Examples used to support some points. Points often lack supporting evidence, or evidence used where inappropriate (often because there may be no clear point). Quotes may be poorly integrated into sentences. Analysis: Quotes appear often without analysis relating them to claim (or there is a weak claim to support), or analysis offers nothing beyond the quote.? Mechanics: Problems in sentence structure, grammar, and diction (usually not major). Errors in punctuation, citation style, and spelling. May have several run-on sentences or comma splices.

The "Needs Help" Paper (C/C-) (70-77)?Thesis: Difficult to identify at all, may be bland restatement of obvious point. Structure: Unclear, often because thesis is weak or non-existent. Transitions confusing and unclear. Few topic sentences. Plot summary in place of analysis.?Use of evidence: Very few or very weak examples. General failure to support statements, or evidence seems to support no statement. Quotes not integrated into sentences; "plopped in" in improper manner.?Analysis: Very little or very weak attempt to relate evidence to argument; may be no identifiable argument, or no evidence to relate it to.? Ideas do not flow at all, usually because there is no argument to support. Simplistic view of topic; no effort to grasp possible alternative views.