Consumerism in society
I do not accept late final drafts for this assignment. IMPORTANT: You must also turn in the rough draft when it is due or you will not be able to turn in the final draft for credit.
Basic Requirements
The final draft must be 1500-1750 words, typed and double-spaced.
It must include at least 5 academic/scholarly sources. You must acquire at least 3 of these sources from our college’s online library or its databases.
Research must be from reputable sources, most or all of which can be acquired from the online Sierra College Library and its databases. General encyclopedias, study guides, sample essays, student essays, and similar types of information are NOT to be used.
It must follow proper MLA formatting throughout, including in-text citations and a works cited page.
The Writing Assignment
Using the argumentative style of writing, address one of the topics listed below. You will need to narrow down your chosen topic, of course. Be sure to inform the reader of your stance on the topic and to prove why that stance is correct. Back up your claims with good logic and quality research. Refute counterarguments when necessary.
Topics
(Your topic must be related to a semiotic issue or topic from Signs of Life in the USA. Because we’ve been working with the research modules, which focus on researching topics from Signs of Life in the USA, you have probably already figured out what your specific topic is. If you still don’t know your topic, look at the list of topics below and narrow one of those down to something more specific.)
American consumerism and its effects on society/what it determines about society
Advertising and its effects on American society/what it determines about society
Interpreting TV or film (movies) in relation to what it determines about American society
The effects of new media and what it determines about American society
Click Next at the bottom of this page to continue the module.
Rubric
Research Paper Rubric
Research Paper Rubric
Criteria Ratings
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
INTRODUCTION
Introduces the topic.
Provides background information.
Includes a clear thesis statement that addresses the prompt and presents a clear stance.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
BODY PARAGRAPHS
The body paragraphs fully support and prove the thesis.
They are fully developed.
They include quotations and other source material.
They include effective explanation, analysis, and supporting details. The research supports the thesis.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
CONCLUSION
Gives an overview of the thesis and body paragraphs.
Includes a closing statement, which may include ideas or questions for further study.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
ORGANIZATION
Follows proper essay structure.
Is organized in a way that makes sense to the reader.
The body paragraphs are organized logically.
One point moves logically into the next.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
WRITING STYLE
Sentences read smoothly.
Sentences are clear.
Sentences are not wordy.
Wording is not repetitive.
Academic (formal) wording is used.
Appropriate tone is used.
Makes statements instead of asking questions (except at the end of the conclusion if desired).
Avoids exclamation points.
Avoids “I” statements and announcements.
Avoids second-person use (you, your).
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
MECHANICS
Includes proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization.
No fragments, run-ons, or comma splices.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
MLA FORMATTING
The entire essay follows proper MLA formatting, including correct margins.
The essay is double-spaced, with no extra spacing.
Includes last name and page number on every page.
Includes MLA heading on the first page.
Includes a title.
Includes in-text citations in proper MLA format.
Includes a works cited page with properly formatted entries.
