Kansas History

Rubric essentials

Bleeding Kansas essay

Essay topic:

Compare the terrorist warfare of Bleeding Kansas to modern day terrorist warfare. Address each era’s mind set; what they were thinking, their goals, and methods of operation.

Introduction:

Authors will re-state the essay question in your introduction

Introductions should inform the reader as to the topic of the essay and the main points in order of importance that will be discussed in the main body.

Quotes are a good way to start

Terms that need to be addressed some where in the essay

"Bleeding Kansas" where does this term come from?

Jayhawkers

Bushwacker

Modern gangs

Slavery issue

"turf" or land possession

Mind set, goals, methods of operation

Main Body

Bing- Idea #1

Mind set

Define Jayhawkers

Define Bushwackers

Define modern day gangs

What were they thinking?

Similarities and differences Use details and examples

Bang- Idea #2

Methods of operation

Define terrorism

Examples from Bleeding Kansas

Examples from modern day

Murders

Examples- Marais des Cygnes massacre

Others

Modern day examples

Boom- Idea #3

Goals

Conclusion

Should mirror the introduction. Do not state a new idea.

Six-Trait Writing Rubric

Name ________________________________

Class _______________________

Assignment ______________________ Date _____________

Ideas and Content

c Clear, focused, interesting

c Facts are correct

c Writer works with and shapes ideas and facts

c Writer makes connections and shares insights and ideas are fresh, original          20 points

c Content is complete so that the uninformed understand

c Content answers essay completely

Organization and Development

c Essay has Introduction, Main body, Conclusion

c Main body paragraphs have a definite topic sentence

c Supporting statements are appropriate for the topic sentences                        12 points

c Introduction rewords the essay question

c A logical, detailed body

c Conclusion mirrors the introduction

c A sense of completeness

Voice and Tone

c Writer speaks to the reader as if the reader was uninformed of the topic

c Language is individualistic, expressive, engaging

c Writer is clearly involved in the topic                                                        8 points

c Language is honest and from the heart

c Creates sense of writer’s mood and emotion appropriate for purpose and audience – Persuasive or informative

Word Choice

c Words convey the intended message

c Words are interesting, precise, and "natural"

c Imagery is strong

c Use of powerful, active verbs                                                                        6 points

c Striking words and phrases often catch the reader’s eye

c Sentence Fluency

c Writing has an easy flow and rhythm when read aloud

c Sentences are well constructed and appear in a variety of patterns

c Structure reflects logic and sense and shows how ideas relate

c Sentence length adds variety and interest

c Fragments avoided, but if used, work well and do not hinder understanding

c Dialogue, if used, sounds natural and interesting

Conventions/ Grammar/ Mechanics

c Paragraphing appear to be logical and reinforces organizational structure

c Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style

c Grammatical mistakes are few and do not hinder the reader’s understanding           4 points

c Punctuation is smooth and guides the reader through the text

c Spelling is generally correct, even on more difficult words

c Only light editing would be needed to polish the text for publication

c Paper is neat, double spaced, with at most 1" margins and 14 point font

                                                           ______ out of 50 points possible