Assignment Purpose and Objectives: An Outline (detailed plan) helps you organize your materials and structure your argument (deciding what information and claims go best where, what persuasive strategies you will employ). This assignment provides you the opportunity to shape/refine your Thesis, and define Topic Sentences for individual sections and paragraphs. Most importantly, as the editors of The College Writer note, an outline helps you answer the following question: “What do I need to provide so the reader understands my thinking”? You will also create a Glossary of Terms whose purpose is to ensure that you and your readers are wholly familiar with the professional or academic language being used in your research.
Assignment Expectations and Requirements: To complete this assignment, please present the following:
Thesis Statement: A draft of your Thesis Statement (a brief description of no more than a few sentences that defines the topic and your position regarding it)
2. Outline: An Outline that includes: an organized List of Topic Sentences for your body paragraphs. In developing the structure of the outline
Glossary of Terms: Since many of you are working with complex, academic or professional language and ideas, it would benefit your readers (and promote your credibility as a reliable and intelligent voice on your topic) to include a Glossary of Terms that defines key words and phrases you will be using (especially “scientific jargon” that the average person might not immediately understand). Review your research (your Proposal and the articles from your Annotated Bibliography) and identify and define a minimum of three (3) terms that will be important for your reader to understand clearly. Do not simply copy and paste general dictionary definitions, but be sure also to explain these terms in your own words and how and why they are important to your specific research.
Evaluation Criteria: As you prepare your Thesis/Outline/Glossary for submission, keep in mind the following: Is your thesis clear and demonstrates a full understanding of the topic? Does it express a strong argument and/or structural direction? Is it grammatically correct? Does the outline present clear topic sentences and moves logically and coherently from idea to idea? Are the main points of the paper clearly described? Are supporting details and examples clearly presented? Does the Glossary present the appropriate number of defined and explained terms crucial to the understanding of your research topic?
Length and Formatting: 3 pages minimum; typed double-spaced; default 1-inch margins; Times New Roman, font size 12. Include your name, class, and date on the upper left-hand side of the first page. Include page numbers on the lower right-hand side of all pages. Label the file you submit as follows
Due Date: The Thesis/Outline/Glossary is due Thursday, November 18 th via the Submission Link in the Assignments Folder on Blackboard.
Research Paper—Thesis and Outline Rubrics (Adapted from MCVTS University “Rubric Descriptions”— www.mcvts.net)
Thesis
Excellent— Thesis is extremely clear and reflects in-depth understanding of the subject. Thesis clearly shows the relationship between main ideas and the writer’s opinion about the subject, and gives the paper a strong structural direction. Thesis is written as a clear, complex, focused and correct sentence.
Good— Thesis is clear and reflects clear understanding of the topic. Thesis shows the relationship between main ideas and the writer’s opinion about the subject, and establishes general structure of the paper. Thesis is grammatically correct, but is phrased awkwardly.
Average— Thesis expresses a clear and coherent idea. Thesis is overly general; does not establish the relationship between main ideas and the writer’s opinion about the subject. Thesis contains some minor grammatical errors.
Needs Much Improvement— Thesis does not communicate a clear idea. The basic organization of the ideas is not clearly established in the thesis. Thesis is a fragment, run-on, or comma splice.
Not Acceptable— Thesis is nonsensical or unrelated to the subject reflected by the main points of the outline. Thesis simply lists ideas. Thesis is incoherent.
Outline
Excellent— The major points of the paper are definitely and precisely articulated. Major points clearly and effectively sync with all ideas included in the thesis. Supporting examples/details are clear, sophisticated, and insightfully chosen; reveal in-depth understanding of the topic. Argument is extremely clear and logical; organization of ideas is very effective.
Good— The major points of the paper are clearly stated. All ideas outlined in the thesis are included in major points. All examples/details are directly related to the major point they support; reveal a solid understanding of the topic. Argument is clear and logical; organization of ideas is effective.
Average— Not all the major points of the paper are clearly stated. One small part of the thesis has no elaboration under the major points. Most examples/details are clearly related to the major point they support; demonstrate only a basic understanding of the topic. Argument is sometimes unclear or illogical.
Needs Much Improvement— Difficult to understand the major points of the paper. There is a major discrepancy between the ideas expressed in the thesis and the points outlined. Writer does not stay focused on the topic; examples are too general; reveal limited knowledge or understanding of the topic. Argument is often unclear or illogical.
Not Acceptable— Outline does not include enough major points to prove the thesis. The main points do not match the thesis. Information does not relate to the topic; writer misinterprets examples/details; writer seems to not understand the topic. Sequence of ideas is very confusing; no apparent connection between ideas.
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