Writing Project #2:  Abraham Lincoln

Author’s Name_________________________	Grade ________

Subject matter	The essay shows a strong understanding of the reading; it gets the facts right.

The essay makes very convincing points.

Organization	The introduction gives background information on the debate about Abraham Lincoln at this high school without including too many details.  

It includes a thesis which tells whether or not the author thinks we should celebrate Abraham Lincoln and why.

	Body Paragraphs	Each body paragraph focuses on a single, main idea that is stated clearly at the beginning in a topic sentence.

The sentences in paragraphs are related to the point expressed in the topic sentence.

Each paragraph helps convince the reader of the thesis.

There are enough specific details that support the main idea of the paragraph.

The author cites at least six facts or quotations with page number with at least one from each of the supplemental articles.

The author mentions at least one counterargument and responds to it.

	
	The essay contains a conclusion that follows from the body of the paper.

	

Over
Grammar	Needs Review!	The essay has been proofread for obvious errors.

Grammar issues to work on in lab time:
	
	Fragments

Subject-verb agreement

	
The writing project includes the cover letter, grade sheet, rough draft, outline and brainstorm.

The project follows MLA format rules (see handout).