WTR RUBRIC REMINDERS

Introduce relevant perspectives and show their connections (LOR) Introduce a credible source that demonstrates relevance which will help create a compelling rationale: one that is convincing and thought provoking (why is it worth your time? Why does this issue need to be addressed? what could happen if it’s not?) Clear thesis statement (conclusion to team question and call to action)

GRADER COMMENTARY College Admissions The response earned 4 points for this row because it poses the problem with reasonable complexity and places it in a clear context. It also provides a rational for inquiry. The response raises concerns involving the admissions process. In this document, look for the YELLOW highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row. Legalizing Theft The response earned 6 points for this row because it poses a well-defined problem with a high degree of complexity, “[the misuse of eminent domain and civil asset forfeiture] come at the expense of innocent property owners, and reform must be implemented in order to guarantee the freedoms and rights of American citizens continue to be upheld.” It is placed in relevant context and provides a compelling rationale for the inquiry process, “Eminent domain allows for the seizure of a citizen’s land in return for ‘just compensation’, but this ultimately displaces minorities and breaks up cultures and communities.” In this document, look for the YELLOW highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row.

Identify the relevant perspectives Evaluate the validity of the argument presented by the perspective: YOU need to discuss why it’s limited, or not, and consequences Include and evaluate an opposing and alternate perspective/s Even though, although, in contrast to…

GRADER COMMENTARY College Admissions The response earned 4 points for this row because it identified relevant perspectives: college admissions officers, students, athletes, and College Board. It focuses on the potential of favoritism in the college admissions process. However, it still provides a limited evaluation of the validity of the argument and a limited understanding of how the reasoning is logically aligned with the conclusions of those arguments. In this document, look for the GREEN highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row. Legalizing Theft The response earned 6 points for this row because it identifies and clarifies relevant perspectives; history, minorities, the public, property owners, police. It critically evaluates the validity of the arguments concerning the flaws and potential misuse of Eminent Domain and CAF, and conveys a clear understanding of how the reasoning logically aligned with the conclusions of those arguments. In this document, look for the GREEN highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row.

Evidence presented should clearly support and be linked to your group’s thesis through explanation. Avoid speculation, logical fallacies and over-summarizing evidence. Synthesize. For example: connect evidence of a perspective to implications of another

GRADER COMMENTARY College Admissions The response earned 4 points for this row because it provides a limited synthesis to build its argument. At times, no commentaries or weak commentaries are included based on group speculation rather than making a stronger connection between the evidence and the argument. In this document, look for the BLUE highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row. Legalizing Theft The response earned 6 points for this row because it effectively synthesizes evidence from the various perspectives to build the argument that Eminent Domain and CAF laws need reform in order to protect the rights of property owners and prevent legal discrimination against minorities. In this document, look for the BLUE highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row.

People in a community may think that they should not help because they are not certified. This may be true, but the people that are willing to help should only do the things that they are able to do. For example, unless someone is a certified doctor, they should not try to do any operations on somebody that is hurt. This person should wait for an ambulance. However, if they are qualified to do an operation, they should do what they can to help this citizen. In order for citizens to be most effective, they should be regulated by the government.

Resolutions, solutions, or conclusions are clearly connected to perspectives and evidence (problem) offered through paper Solution is realistic/plausible Offer more than one solution Acknowledge consequence/implications of recommendation

GRADER COMMENTARY College Admissions The response earned 2 points for this row because it offers solutions and a conclusion not supported by evidence. For instance, the report does not provide any evidence to support a more efficient system for college admission or to support a change in the role of college and high school counselors. In this document, look for the RED highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row. Legalizing Theft The response earned 6 points for this row because it offers a well-reasoned solution. Even though the response does not clearly address the specifics and implementation of Eminent Domain and CAF reform, it does acknowledges the consequences and implications of the reforming(or not reforming) these laws. In this document, look for the RED highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row.

Review comments from IRR PPT (row 5), in addition: Only include referenced sources (don’t copy and paste everyone's IRR works cited)

GRADER COMMENTARY College Admissions The response earned 3 points for this row because it accurately attributes and cites the sources used. The Bibliography format is consistent and includes all the referenced sources. In this document, look for the PINK highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row. Legalizing Theft The response earned 3 points for this row because it appears to accurately attribute and cite all sources used. The bibliography includes all referenced sources, and is consistent and complete in citation elements. In this document, look for the PINK highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row.

Review comments from IRR PPT (row 6), in addition: Break lengthy paragraphs into smaller more digestible ones. Use argumentative language (avoid sounding like a report) Use headings when necessary/appropriate Solutions/Conclusions Body by focus (main idea, argument  avoid chunking by lens)

GRADER COMMENTARY College Admission The response earned 3 points for this row because it had few flaws in grammar and clearly communicated with the readers. In this document, look for the GREY highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row. Legalizing Theft The response earned 3 points for this row because it contains few flaws in grammar and style and clearly communicates to the reader. In this document, look for the GREY highlighted phrases or sentences that show evidence for the scoring of this row.