Details

Rogerian Essay Rubric
CONTENT/ORGANIZATION:

Introduction:
Essay has a specific central idea that is clearly stated in the opening paragraph. The first paragraph introduces the issue to the reader, offering adequate background to enable the reader to understand both the problem and significance of the issue.  The issue is presented with sufficient information and objectivity and implements the Rogerian tone. The introduction includes a strong thesis statement that indicates the direction the essay will take.

Presentation of First Perspective (The position that opposes your own concerning the issue):
This perspective articulates and/or presents the position of the argument in opposition to that of the student writing the essay. Concrete details support the central idea and show originality and focus. This perspective is presented with a fair-minded/neutral tone and implements sufficient support and development that includes secondary textual support.  Introduces and discusses/analyzes the evidence integrated within this perspective.

Emphathizing with the Opposing Argument:
Demonstrate an understanding of the opposing argument by defining circumstances under which it makes sense. Respond to the opposing viewpoint by explaining why what the opposing viewpoint is saying has some validity and displays reasonable judgment and/or reflects understandable areas for concern and consideration.

Presentation of Second Perspective – (Your position concerning the issue):
This perspective presents this position/s with equal balance to the first.  This perspective articulates and validates your point of view about the issue. Concrete details support the central idea and show originality and focus. This perspective is presented with a fair-minded/neutral tone and implements sufficient support and development that includes secondary textual support.  The author introduces and discusses/analyzes the evidence integrated within this perspective.

Conclusion:
The conclusion of this essay explores areas of common ground in the argument. It reminds the reader of the importance of the issue and suggests a compromise that benefits both points of view. The compromise must be a viable solution that considers both points of view in its implementation.

Essay/Paragraph Organization:
Essay (Overall):
Organize your essay following the standard Rogerian argument organization, which follows a particular and non-classical paper order (given in the details above). Follow this order as you write your paper by heeding the advice of Rogerian Argument Structure sheet found in Moodle. Essay maintains clear transitions to prepare the reader for varying perspectives.  Overall, essay maintains the same topic/idea/issue throughout, without abrupt shifts and/or jumps to non- related points or topics.

Paragraph Organization:
Paragraph development is important! Each paragraph is ordered appropriately, supports the thesis statement and presents ideas in a unified, logical and clear fashion. Each paragraph should include topic sentences that relate to the essay’s original thesis statement and cohesively develop and focus that topic and controlling idea throughout the paragraph. Paragraphs should introduce, develop and analyze secondary sources that support the given topic with clarity and objectivity.
ROUGH DRAFT, DOCUMENTATION, MECHANICS:

Rough Draft – Tutor
A copy of the student’s rough draft with feedback from a MyWritingLab Tutor should be submitted with the final draft of the essay.

Requirements, Research and MLA format:
The paper meets the assignment requirements (1,500 words, 15% similarity etc.) is done in correct MLA format, has the required number of sources, and has the needed citations and work cited page done and correctly displayed.

Style and Usage/Grammar:
The essay is written with adequate college-level sophistication with significant attention to detail, focus and clarity. The author considers the six journalistic questions in their overall presentation of ideas—who, what, why, where, when, how. This essay implements correct grammar usage, which includes but is not limited to correct verb tense usage, sentence structure implementation, comma usage, cutting vague pronouns, eliminating wordiness and cliches, adequate word choice etc.  Overall, grammar problems are minor and do not distract from the paper.