Essay #2

Eng 102FA15
Critique Essay

Directions: Choose one of the articles discussed in class. Read this article and write a 3-4 page critique.
The essays introduction must identify the article title and author, provide background information, and include a
thesis statement that is specific.
The essay summarizes the authors purpose for writing and the main points of the passage. The summary is brief,
complete, objective, and avoids plagiarism.
The essay must include an assessment of the authors presentation of the topic by commenting on the authors
success in achieving his/her purpose by reviewing 3 or 4 specific points.
A personal response to the presentation must be included in the essay. Components include a response to the
authors views and a discussion of reasons for agreement and/or disagreement.
The conclusion discusses the overall validity of the article, assesses authors success at achieving aims, mentions
personal reactions to authors views, and restates the thesis by mentioning the weaknesses/strengths of passage.
Grammar and mechanics will also be graded for accuracy. Particular attention will be given to topics already
covered in class.
Evidence of each stage of the writing process must be submitted: prewrite (1 sentence summaries, thesis); planning
(outline); drafting; revising (peer review form); and publishing (final copy). MLA format must be followed and
include a works cited page. The target length is 3-4 pages. This total does not include the works cited page.
A 14 pts.
B 12 pts.
C 11 pts.
D 9 pts.
F 8 pts.
All
1 characteristic
2 characteristics
3 characteristics
4 characteristics
Introduction
characteristics
is weak or
are weak or
are weak or
are weak or
apparent
missing
missing
missing
missing
Summary

All
characteristics
apparent

1 characteristic
is weak or
missing

2 characteristics
are weak or
missing

3 characteristics
are weak or
missing

4 characteristics
are weak or
missing

Assessment of
Presentation

All
characteristics
apparent

1 characteristic
is weak or
missing

2 characteristics
are weak or
missing

3 characteristics
are weak or
missing

4 characteristics
are weak or
missing

Response to
Presentation

All
characteristics
apparent

1 characteristic
is weak or
missing

2 characteristics
are weak or
missing

3 characteristics
are weak or
missing

4 characteristics
are weak or
missing

Conclusion

All
characteristics
apparent

1 characteristic
is weak or
missing

2 characteristics
are weak or
missing

3 characteristics
are weak or
missing

4 characteristics
are weak or
missing

A 20 pts.
less than 2 errors
in grammar or
mechanics

B 17 pts.
3-4 errors in
grammar and
mechanics

C 15 pts.
5-6 errors in
grammar and
mechanics

D 13 pts.
7-8 errors in
grammar and
mechanics

F 11 pts.
9 or more errors
in grammar and
mechanics

A 10 pts.
All parts are
submitted. Final
copy follows
MLA format.

B 8 pts.
1 component is
missing from
writing process
or MLA format.

C 7 pts.
2 components
are missing from
writing process
or MLA format.

D 6 pts.
3 components
are missing from
writing process
or MLA format.

F 5 pts.
4 or more
components are
missing from
writing process
or MLA format.

Grammar &
Mechanics

Writing
process; MLA
format; target
length

EARNED:

100 Points Total

Essay #2

Eng 102FA15

1. Identify the article title and author.

2. What background information should be given in the introduction? Why is the subject of
current interest? How or why is the subject of the passage controversial? What is the authors
background? Under what circumstances was the passage written?
3. Summarize the authors purpose for writing and the main points of the passage.
4. Objectively assess the validity of the authors presentation by commenting on the authors
success in achieving his/her purpose by reviewing 3 or 4 points. Is the information accurate? Is
the information significant? Has the author clearly defined terms? Has the author used and
interpreted information fairly? Has the author argued logically?
5. With which views do you agree/disagree?
6. What is the overall validity of the article? Does the author succeed at achieving his or her
purpose?