ASSIGNMENT 2 - (30%)

Foundations of Special Education

INDIVIDUAL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY RUBRIC

Due Date:

Instructions:
Choose ONE (1) of the following topics and argue your stance (propose OR oppose).

1. Labelling causes more harm than good in the Jamaican classroom.

2. Inclusion is a recipe for disaster in the Jamaican classroom.
3. The educational services provided for Jamaican students with special needs are adequate
for academic success.

Tips:
o Ensure that your essay outlines THREE (3) main points, with relevant examples to support
each main point.

o It is well researched, and the information is current (include the use of peer reviewed
journals etc. as much as possible) providing evidential support.

o Clear logical sequencing and subheadings for transitions between introduction, body and
conclusion.

o There should be a minimum of SIX paragraphs

[1 introductory paragraph, 3 paragraphs for main points, 1 refutation paragraph, 1 concluding paragraph]

o Conclusion clearly acknowledges the opposing view and summarizes their main points

o APA 7th in-text citation should be included and reference page adhere to same.

APA 7TH Edition – written assignment should adhere to this format fully (click on
hyperlinks provided below).

• Reference examples (apa.org)

• Webpage on a website references (apa.org)

o Submit essay in a timely manner.

 ASSIGNMENT 2 - (30%)
Foundations of Special Education

RUBRIC FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY [30%]

5 4 3 2 0 Score
A. 3 points 2.5 points 2 points 1 point 0 point
INTRODUCTION
Background/history Well-developed The introductory Introduction Introduction No clear
Define the problem. introductory paragraph states the thesis but states the problem introductory
Thesis Statement paragraph contains some does not but does not paragraph.
contains detailed background adequately explain adequately explain
Introductory background, a information and the background of the background of
paragraph clear explanation states the problem the problem. The the problem.
= 3 points or definition of but does not problem is stated,
the problem, and explain using but lacks details
Thesis statement [clear
declaration of stance – a thesis details. State the
(propose/oppose)] statement thesis of the
= 2 points paper.

2 points 1.5 point 1 point 1 point 0 point

The thesis The thesis The thesis Thesis statement No clear thesis
statement is statement is statement is is vague or unclear. statement.
clear, specific, present but may absent or unclear,
and effectively be vague or making it difficult
conveys the somewhat to identify the main
main argument unclear, leading argument of the
of the essay. to confusion essay.
about the main
argument.
5 4 3 2 0
B. 3 points 2.5 points 2 points 1.5 points
MAIN POINTS No suitable points
Body paragraphs Three or more Two clearly Two suitably Less than two showing
Refutations clearly explained main explained main suitably explained significant
Explained main points are points, showing main points with understanding of
Body paragraphs points that are presented, understanding of poor development the
= 1 point each well developed showing the of ideas. concepts/theories
= 3 points with supporting significant concepts/theories and applications
details. understanding of and applications.
Refutation paragraph
the
= 2 points
concepts/theories
and applications.

2 points 1.5 points 1 point 0.5 points

Refutation Refutation Refutation Refutation missing
paragraph(s) paragraph(s) paragraph(s) or vague.
acknowledges acknowledges acknowledges the
the opposing less than three of opposing view but
view and the opposing view does not
summarizes their and summarizes summarize points
main points their main points
 ASSIGNMENT 2 - (30%)
Foundations of Special Education

5 4 3 2 0
C. Logical, Overall, the paper Progression of Arrangement of Essay not
ORGANIZATION compelling is logically ideas in essay is essay is unclear organized the
progression of developed. awkward yet and illogical. The essay into
ideas in essay; Essay organized moves the reader writer lacks a clear paragraphs and it
which enhances into paragraphs through the text sense of direction, does not follow in
and showcases that without too much with few a logical
the central ideal are fairly related confusion. The subheadings. Ideas, sequence with little
or theme and and follow writer sometimes details or events to no
moves the reader in a logical lunges ahead too seem strung subheading.
through the text. sequence with quickly or spends together in a loose Paper is poorly
Paper is properly some too much time on or random fashion; formatted with
formatted with subheading. Paper details that do not there is no a clear introduction
clear is fairly matter. Transitions identifiable and
subheadings and formatted with a appear structure and conclusion
a clear clear sporadically, but readers have
introduction and introduction and not equally trouble following
conclusion. conclusion. throughout the the writer’s line of
essay though.
5 4 3 2 0
D. At least (8) (7-6) accurate in (5-4) accurate in Less than (4) In- text citations
REFERENCES accurate text citations are text citations are accurate in-text are evident
in-text citations provided and an provided and an citations are and/or not done
are equal amount of equal amount of provided and an accurately
provided and an corresponding corresponding equal amount of and/or no
equal amount of references found references found corresponding reference page
corresponding using APA style using APA style references found is
references found accurately. accurately. using APA style provided.
using APA style accurately.
accurately.
5 4 1 0.5 0
E. Document has Document has Document has Document has Document has
MECHANICS less than (3) (4- 6) errors (7-8) errors (8-10) errors over (10)
Sentence Structure; errors and do and and somewhat and fully language
Punctuation & not detract fairly detract detract from detract errors,
Capitalization from the from the the overall from the detracting
overall quality overall quality of the overall from the
of the work. quality of the work. quality of the overall
Sentence work. Sentence work. Multiple quality.
structure is structure is incorrect sentence
correct. generally correct. structures.
Punctuation and Some awkward
capitalization are sentences do
correct appear.
5 4 3 2 0
F. Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion does No clear
CONCLUSION summarizes the summarizes summarizes main not adequately conclusion. No
main topics summarizes main topics but is summarize the suggestions for
without topics. Some repetitive. No main points. No change or opinions
repeating suggestions for suggestions for suggestions for are included.
previous change are change or opinions change or opinions
sentences; evident are included. are included.
writer’s opinions
and suggestions
for change are
logical and well
thought out.

TOTAL = 30 POINTS