Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:
Step 2. Using the Source, You Have Located, Complete the Following:
• Summarize the Contents of the Source: The summarization reflects student knowledge of the contents of the source (i.e. it is clear the student has read the source). The significant points of the source are recounted briefly and clearly (college-level writing skills) and the connection to the topic is clearly addressed.
• Explain Why the Source is a Primary Source: Offer valid, well-supported reasons that identify what attributes the source possesses that make it a Primary Source. In other words, answer the question: What is it that makes this source a Primary Source?
• Cite the Source: Properly cite the source in accordance with one of the citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago). You may choose which style to use, but you must be consistent and use the same style for all citations throughout the Topic Assignment.
Grading Guide
20 points total
Summarization
Explanation
Citation
Primary Source /6 /10 /4
Primary Source 0-2 points 3-4 points 5-6 points 7-10 points
Summarization It is not entirely clear that the student has fully read the source
The connection to the topic is not clearly addressed or is tenuous Writing reflects sound understanding of the source
The connection to the topic is clearly addressed and is valid Writing reflects the critical analysis of the source
The connection to the topic is clearly addressed and the connection is strong
Explanation Minimal explanation is offered with little to no supporting evidence OR explanations are not entirely accurate A moderate amount of accurate explanation is offered but with little to no supporting evidence
The significant accurate explanation is offered with some supporting evidence
A full and accurate explanation is offered with strong supporting evidence
Citation Citations are incorrect and/or incomplete
Formatting is not uniform
Writing has errors Citations are correct and complete
Formatting is uniform
Near flawless writing
Following the selection of a Topic for the Topic Assignment, students will then locate a Primary Source and a Scholarly Secondary Source on that Topic. In addition to locating a Primary Source and Scholarly Secondary Source, you will also include:
Finally, you will complete a Research Findings (roughly 3-4 pages double spaced) which will ask you to reflect on the substantive knowledge gained on the Topic and the research process.
Summarize the Contents of the Source: The summarization reflects student knowledge of the contents of the source (i.e. it is clear the student has read the source). The significant points of the source are recounted briefly and clearly (college-level writing skills) and the connection to the topic is clearly addressed.
Explain Why the Source is a Primary Source: Offer valid, well-supported reasons that identify what attributes the source possesses that make it a Primary Source. In other words, answer the question: What is it that makes this source a Primary Source?
Cite the Source: Properly cite the source in accordance with one of the citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago). You may choose which style to use, but you must be consistent and use the same style for all citations throughout the Topic Assignment.
