Assessment Tools

Shows that you can take a clear position and use arguments,

data, and emotions to persuade others.

CONTEXT OR PURPOSE:
Your topic and stand on the topic is clear and grounded accurately in a particular time and place.

• You present a clear topic: a problem or concern.
• You maintain the focus on the topic throughout the writing piece.
• Your arguments clearly show your point of view and reflect the attitudes of the times about which you are writing.

ORGANIZATION:
The manner and order in which you present your arguments make it easy for people to understand your point of view.

• You have a strong introduction that gets people interested in your topic.
• You present your arguments in a reasonable order. (The order may be unusual or surprising as long as it helps people to understand your viewpoint.)
• You support your point of view with evidence, data and emotional appeals that are historically accurate.
• Your conclusion calls people to action or suggests a way to solve the problem.

ELABORATION/TONE:
Your details and forceful tone persuade people to your point of view.

• Your precise historical language and confidence make you seem reliable and knowledgeable about the specific time and place.
• You express your views in a passionate way, appropriate for the times.
• Your details and depth of explanations help the reader understand your point of view as well as the historical era.
• You use a variety of examples, anecdotes, informational sources, personal experiences and reflections to persuade the reader to your way of thinking.

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