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College Writing Program

 

Criteria for satisfying the Primary Writing Requirement with a course other than WRT 105

Please note: WRT 105 was formerly CAS 105.

(A) Essay Features

    The essay includes

  • a clear question or problem,
  • a clear thesis,
  • successful organization, including an effective introduction and conclusion, well- structured paragraphs, topic clarity, logical flow, transitions within and between paragraphs,
  • a balance of summary and critical analysis, and
  • appropriate attribution and citation of source material.

(B) Strength of Argument

    The essay

  • identifies an interesting question or problem,
  • engages a debatable thesis,
  • evaluates sources and supports an argument with appropriate evidence,
  • engages sources in a dialogue and differentiates between the writer’s and sources’ ideas,
  • demonstrates awareness of other perspectives and engages those perspectives, while ensuring the writer’s perspective guides the text,
  • uses paragraphs to advance the argument (as opposed to reiterating ideas).

 (C) Language Use

    The essay uses

  • standard American Edited English appropriate to the genre of academic writing,
  • variation of sentence structure and length, appropriate word choice, and/or appropriate tone,
  • precise and concise language,
  • engaging language to maintain the reader’s interest.

(D) Critical Awareness of One’s Own Writing

  • The student demonstrates awareness of his/her strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
  • The student articulates and provides a rationale for writing choices and/or revision.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 21-May-2008 17:36:28 EDT