Final essay instructions Length: 1000 words, double-spaced, 12-point font, 5 -6 paragraphs Task: Select an essay prompt related to your novel and develop a tightly-structured and carefully-written essay. Use standard essay format with a clear introduction that focuses your reader on your topic. The last sentence of the introduction needs to be the thesis statement for the paper. Remember: a thesis is a carefully crafted one or two-line statement that articulates the central claim/arguable point of the paper. The body of the essay must have at least three well-developed paragraphs that begin with topic sentences and have evidence (quotation or paraphrase) for all of the claims made about the novel you studied. The conclusion of the paper refocuses the reader around the thesis and draws the lessons of your paper to a close. Leave room for further discussion in your tone at the close because you have not exhausted all the possibilities on your topic. Style: Use college-level vocabulary for the paper. The language should be natural but formal. Do not use personal pronouns. Use APA 7th edition documentation throughout. Research: This is a formal literary essay that is analytical and based on your interpretation of the work plus those interpretations of your secondary sources. Consult at least three secondary sources. You must document these sources fully in two places: 1. in-text citations after quotations/paraphrases, and 2. a References list at the end of your essay. Any omission here constitutes plagiarism and therefore academic dishonesty. Topics: Here are the essay topics for this assignment. Use the questions below to begin your analysis, and continue to focus your reading of the novel into your specific thesis statement. Essay Questions for The Old Man and the Sea Essay options for Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea: Choose ONE question below to discuss in a 5 -6 paragraph essay. See the Final Essay instructions for details. 1. Discuss the theme of aging in The Old Man and the Sea. What is the novel saying about the nature of aging and how we should cope as individuals? 2. Discuss the symbol of the sea in The Old Man and the Sea. What does the sea come to represent and how does it connect to the novel’s major themes. 3. Discuss the character of Santiago. What are the key features of his character and philosophy? What does he come to represent? Fall 2018 Research Essay Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent 5 pts The content of the paper is exceptional and provides an original and thought-provoking response to the assignment. 4 pts The content of the paper is good and is clearly relevant to the assignment. 3 pts The content of the paper is acceptable and is relevant to the assignment. 2 pts The content of the paper is reasonable and is somewhat relevant to the assignment. 1 pts The content of the paper is of poor quality and only marginal relevance to the assignment. 0 pts The content of the paper is irrelevant to the assignment or is completely unclear. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization 5 pts The paper has exceptional paragraph structure and progression, and the order of points therein is convincing. 4 pts The paper has clear paragraph structure, and the order of points therein enhances the point of the writing. 3 pts The paper has acceptable paragraph structure, and the order of points therein is logical. 2 pts The paper has paragraph(s) with some logical breaks, and there is a somewhat logical order of points therein. 1 pts The paper has paragraph(s) whose breaks are illogical, and the order of points therein seems random. 0 pts The paper is not structured as paragraph(s) and the order of points seems random. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle 5 pts The paper uses shows exceptional use of vocabulary, formality and tone to enhance the reader’s appreciation of the content. 4 pts The paper’s use of language has a few errors in word choice or none at all and uses the correct level of formality. 3 pts The paper’s use of language has some errors in word choice and mostly uses the correct level of formality. 2 pts The paper’s use of language has some errors in word choice and uses the correct level of formality at times. 1 pts The paper’s use of language has a number of errors in word choice and only occasionally uses the appropriate level of formality. 0 pts The paper’s use of language is fundamentally flawed in terms of both word choice and level of formality. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics 5 pts Clause and sentence structures are carefully chosen to enhance the impact of the points. 4 pts Varied clause and sentence structures are used correctly to ensure the clarity of the points. 3 pts Basic clause and sentence structures are used throughout, ensuring acceptable point clarity. 2 pts The errors in basic clause and sentence structures in the paper leave some key points unclear. 1 pts The serious errors in basic clause and sentence structures in the paper make the points largely unclear. 0 pts The serious errors in basic clause and sentence structures in the paper make the points completely unclear. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources and Citation Note that marks will be affected if you do not include the minimum number of sources or use sources of the correct type(s) 5 pts Sources are sufficient, relevant, credible, and citations are complete, use correct APA format, and are integrated smoothly into citations clearly refer to reference list list entries are complete, alphabetically organized, and correctly formatted in APA style. 4 pts Sources are adequate relevant, credible and citations are integrated into the essay well, and are mostly complete and correctly formatted in APA citations refer clearly to reference list list entries contain all necessary information. List may contain minor errors in APA formatting, organization or placement in the document. 3 pts Sources have adequate relevance, credibility and citations are integrated into the essay, and are mostly complete and correctly formatted in APA in-line citations refer clearly to reference list list entries contain most necessary information. List may contain minor errors in APA formatting, organization or placement in the document. 2 pts Sources have minimal relevance, credibility and/or are identified in text, but this is done incompletely and/or inappropriately (. with a URL)Connection between in-line citations and reference list is list contains little necessary information and/or major errors in formatting, organization or placement in the document (. just a URL or article name). 1 pts Source quality cannot be assessed (lack of detail in citations/missing citations).Few in-line citations are reference list entries are provided. 0 pts Assignment is in-line citations are reference list is provided. Total Points: 25
