Essay #3

Eng 101

Causal Analysis
Directions: Read one of the following essays: Read one of the following essays: Caroline
Knapps Why We Keep Stuff: If You Want to Understand People, Take a Look at What They
Hang On To, Chris Mooneys The Science of Why We Dont Believe Science, or Luscombe
& Stinchfields Why We Flirt. Write a 3 4 page essay discussing the effectiveness of the
authors cause and effect techniques. Follow the writing process by completing each of the
following in order: prewriting, planning, rough draft, revising, and publishing. Evidence of each
stage of the writing process must be submitted. MLA format must be followed. Each paragraph
must be a minimum of seven to ten sentences.
The introduction of the essay must begin with a quote, an example/story, surprising
fact/idea, strong opinion, or ask a question. The introduction must be a minimum of seven to ten
sentences and end with a thesis statement that clearly fits the size of the assignment; states a
single main point/position about the topic; is specific; can be shown, explained, or proven; and is
a forceful statement.
Each body paragraph must begin with a clear topic sentence and end with a strong
concluding sentence. The ideas must be arranged in a logical order as outlined by the thesis of
the essay. Support your ideas by quoting directly from the source. Topics to highlight include
purpose, patterns, reasoning errors, ethics, and thesis & details. Not all topics need to be
addressed in the essay: it is better to extensively analyze a few of the elements. Each body
paragraph must be a minimum of seven to ten sentences
The conclusion of the essay refers back to the thesis without direct restatement. The
conclusion summarizes the main points of the essay and also makes a further observation or
point. The conclusion must also link back to the introduction by re-asking and then answering a
question, finishing the example/story, using another quote, or using the same structure as in the
introduction. The conclusion must be a minimum of seven to ten sentences
Grammar and mechanics will be graded for accuracy. Particular attention will be given to
topics previously covered in class.
A 25 pts.

B 21 pts.

C 19 pts.

D 16 pts.

F 14 pts.

All parts are

submitted. Final
copy follows MLA
format.

1 component is
missing from
writing process or
MLA format.

2 components are
missing from
writing process or
MLA format.

3 components are
missing from
writing process or
MLA format.

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

A 15 pts.
All characteristics
apparent

B 13 pts.
1 characteristic is
weak or missing

Body Paragraphs

All characteristics
apparent

1 characteristic is
weak or missing

Conclusion

All characteristics
apparent

1 characteristic is
weak or missing

A 30 pts.
less than 2 errors
in grammar or
mechanics

B 26 pts.
3-4 errors in
grammar and
mechanics

C 11 pts.
2 characteristics
are weak or
missing
2 characteristics
are weak or
missing
2 characteristics
are weak or
missing
C 23 pts.
5-6 errors in
grammar and
mechanics

D 10 pts.
3 characteristics
are weak or
missing
3 characteristics
are weak or
missing
3 characteristics
are weak or
missing
D 20 pts.
7-8 errors in
grammar and
mechanics

F 8 pts.
4 or more
characteristics are
weak or missing
4 or more
characteristics are
weak or missing
4 or more
characteristics are
weak or missing
F 17 pts.
9 or more errors in
grammar and
mechanics

Writing process;
MLA format

Introduction

Grammar &
Mechanics

EARNED:

100 Points Total