a documented interpretation, thesis, or argument. 

   

Introduction that states or foreshadows in specific terms the thesis of your essay

   

a meaningful conclusion that sums up clearly your major discoveries and thesis and makes clear what you have shown that is historically significant.

   

Ideas and judgments are supported with evidence.

   

Statements and vocabulary are accurate and precise; concrete and specific terms are used

   

Paragraphs are focused on one major point and include effective topic sentences.

   

Acknowledge sources in parentheses  with a Works Cited on a separate sheet.

   

Quotations: use direct quotations sparingly, and use them effectively by making clear what a quotation means.

   

Proofread your paper

   

Audience: for publication in a student journal of history

   

Key:  GP: good point; GE: good evidence; WS: well stated

CWE: claim with little, unwarranted, or no evidence; INAC: inaccurate NQ: needs qualification; E?: evidence for this seems lacking; Elab: could be improved by elaborating

UC: unclear statement, difficult to follow/understand; V: vague, needs to be more specific or concrete; AWK: awkward style; P: punctuation error; G: grammar error; Underscore: typo or misspelling