Start Here 12/7

Watch: 

1.) Jedidah Isler: How I fell in love with quasars, blazars and our incredible universe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzZJuEDQ1a0 (Links to an external site.)

2.) John Green on Paper Towns and Why Learning is Awesome | TED Talks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgDGlcxYrhQ (Links to an external site.)

 

Instead of a discussion forum, this content will be covered in the final exam.

 

Format for the Final Exam


10 points - 5 paragraph essay
15 points - 3 @ 5 points each- 3 paragraph essay
12 points - 4 questions at 3 points each - 1 paragraph answer (3 - 4 sentences accepted) 
13 points will be in either multiple choice, short answer, or true/false format.

Specific Essay questions will be posted by Tuesday, December 8th

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10 points - 5 paragraph essay

“Who knew that chasing after the universe would ground me so deeply to my mission here on Earth…”

-Jedidah Isler from “How I fell in love with quasars, blazars and our incredible universe”

This course had several goals - to study the theories and practice of communication broadly and argumentation in specific, to practice the techniques and receive tips to help you become a more fluid and impactful public speaker, and to improve your abilities to think critically and research complex subjects.

In a five-paragraph essay, explain how you worked to accomplish these goals.

Scoring Rubric 

Level of Achievement

General Presentation

Reasoning, Argumentation

Exemplary (10 pts)
  1. Provides a clear and thorough introduction and background
  2. Addresses the question
  3. Presents arguments in a logical order
  4. Uses acceptable style and grammar (no errors)

 
  1. Demonstrates an accurate and complete understanding of the question
  2. Has a clear main point that is referenced throughout the essay. The body paragraphs contain relevant material, and the conclusion is connected logically to the material presented.

References at least three of the following in the answer with specific examples:

  • text book
  • supplementary readings
  • the work of the professor
  • speech assignments
  • discussion posts 

Quality (8 pts)
  1. Combination of above traits, but less consistently represented (1-2 errors)
  2. Same as above but less thorough, still accurate

 
  1. Main point is present but may not be intricately intertwined with the entire contents of the essay. The essay references at least two of the items mentioned above with somewhat specific examples.

 

Adequate (6 pts)
  1. Does not address the question explicitly, though does so tangentially
  2. States a somewhat relevant argument
  3. Presents some arguments in a logical order
  4. Uses adequate style and grammar (more than 2 errors)

 
  1. Demonstrates minimal understanding of question, still accurate
  2. Uses a small subset of possible ideas for support of the argument.

 

Needs improvement (4 pts)
  1. Does not address the question
  2. States no relevant arguments
  3. Is not clearly or logically organized
  4. Fails to use acceptable style and grammar

 
  1. Does not demonstrate understanding of the question, inaccurate
  2. Does not provide evidence to support response to the question

 

No Answer (0 pts)

 

 

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15 points - 3 @ 5 points each- 3 paragraph essay

1.) Explain how a reading that was assigned in the second half of the class from the course textbook is valuable for your chosen profession and/or other current life goals. 

2.) Explain how you shared ideas and knowledge in class that helped advance our understanding of a particular concept studied.

3.) Explain a specific subject that you have found more interesting as a result of studying that subject in this course. 

CATEGORY & POINTS 

5

4

2 - 3

0 - 1

Introduction

Introductory paragraph clearly states subject of essay and captures reader's attention.

Introductory paragraph states subject of essay but is not particularly inviting to the reader.

Introductory paragraph attempts to state subject of essay but does not capture reader's attention.

No attempt is made to state the subject of the essay in an introductory paragraph.

Content/Language

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced.

 

Required content is clearly addressed with specific details.

 

 

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone.

 

Required content is clearly addressed.

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair.

 

Content is not clearly addressed.

Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning.

 

Aspects of required content are missing.

Sentence Structure (Sentence Fluency)

All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.

Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.

Most sentences are well-constructed but have a similar structure.

Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling.

Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, & Punctuation

There are no errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation. Rubric is attached to essay. Essay is completed on time.

There are some errors; however, these errors do not distract the reader. Rubric is attached to essay. Essay is completed on time.

There are errors that distract the reader. Rubric is attached to essay. Essay is completed on time.

There are serious errors that interfere with the reader's understanding of the essay. Rubric is not attached to essay. Essay is completed on time.

 

12 points - 4 questions at 3 points each - 1 paragraph answer (3 - 4 sentences accepted) 

1.) What made John Green become a learner? (Reference the video above - "Paper Towns")

2.) Explain what John Green means when he states, “The world is changed by our maps of the world.”

3.) Explain what connects the evidence to the claim in Toulmin's model of argumentation.

4.) Name one specific lesson you learned from Yassmin Abdel-Magied's "What does my headscarf mean to you?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18zvlz5CxPE  Links to an external site.

 

3 points

2 points

1 point

Topic Sentence:

- Gets reader’s attention

- Introduces main idea of paragraph

- Complete sentence

3

requirements met

2

requirements met

1

requirement met

Supporting Sentences:

- At least 3 complete sentences

- Each gives new details or information

- Each matches with the main idea

 

3

requirements met

 

2

requirements met

 

1

requirement

met

Concluding Sentence:

- Restates the topic sentence

- Wraps up the ideas in the paragraph

- Complete sentence

 

3

requirements met

 

2

requirements met

 

1

requirement met

Interesting:

- Holds readers attention

- Good details and examples used

- Creates a picture in the reader’s mind

 

3

requirements met

 

2

requirements met

 

1

requirement met

Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Capitalization

Correct throughout

1-3 errors

4 or more errors

Content understanding

Correct throughout

1-3 errors

4 or more errors