Your first draft will be graded based on completion: it should meet the minimum requirements of the assignment and attempt to accomplish all of the assignment goals.
A detailed description of how to approach the assignment is here: Research Paper Assignment OverviewLinks to an external site.
In addition, you should refer to the rubric below, which will be used for final draft grading, for a details of what your paper should accomplish.
An exemplary paper will excel in all nine of the following areas:
Argument – The paper makes a focused, persuasive argument that is well supported with evidence and reveals thoughtful engagement with the research.
Use of Research – The argument is well founded in thorough research. Claims are well supported with thoughtfully selected evidence from relevant, credible sources.
Organization – Ideas are arranged logically to support the writer’s purpose, flow smoothly, and are clearly linked to each other, creating a line of argument that is easy to follow.
Counterargument – The paper acknowledges at least one valid counterargument, and responds to it through concession, refutation, or a combination.
In-Text Citations – All pieces of information that require a citation have one; citations are properly formatted.
Language – The writing is clear, specific, and free of grammar and spelling errors. The paper maintains a consistent academic tone and appropriate style.
Sources – The paper includes information from at least six substantive, credible sources, at least three of which are from academic journals.
References Page – The references page includes correct and complete APA style citations for each source.
Minimum Requirements – The paper is at least six full pages long, not including the title page and references page. The paper is double spaced, in 12pt font, left justified, and has a title page that includes your name and a title for the paper.