In reviewing the evidence paragraphs for the following prompt: Meditation should/shouldn't be a part of daily classroom routines, I found that we seem to be missing some of the creamy goodness.
So, you've picked your side and come up with some reasons to support your claim. Have you provided enough evidence (this is the creamy goodness I'm looking for) to convince even the most stubborn reader? Or have you just given them the cookie layer with a bit of the cream leftover.
Consider the following criteria when reviewing your paragraphs:
Opinion:
4-Opinion or point of view is clearly and convincingly expressed in response to the prompt.
3-Opinion is clearly expressed in response to the prompt.
2-Opinion is somewhat clearly expressed in response to the prompt.
1-Opinion in response to the prompt is unclear.
Reasoning:
4-Valid and accurate reasoning are skillfully used to support assertions
3-Evidence of valid and accurate reasoning is used to support assertions
2-Some evidence of valid and accurate reasoning is used to support assertions
1-Limited evidence, or simplistic, or flawed reasoning is used to support assertions
Evidence:
4-Use of evidence is skillful, relevant, and sufficient to accurately support text.
3-Use of evidence is relevant and sufficient to support text
2-Use of evidence is relevant to support text but lacks sufficient evidence and/or accuracy
1-Use of evidence is not relevant or sufficient to support text
Organization:
4-Claims are exceptionally well-developed within relevant body paragraphs that build effectively.
3-Claims are thoroughly developed within relevant body paragraphs that build coherently.
2-Claims are somewhat developed using body paragraphs that attempt to build up the assertions.
1-Claims are underdeveloped using body paragraphs that do little to build up the assertions.
So, what are relevant body paragraphs that build effectively? They are paragraphs that introduce your reason in the topic sentence. They provide several detailed examples in various sentences as evidence to support your reason. They end with a concluding sentence. Colour-coding your work can help you to see if you have all of the parts of the paragraph.
TOPIC SENTENCE
EXPLANATION SENTENCE
EXAMPLES SENTENCES
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Meditation helps focus your mind. There are hundreds of things that happen before you get to school and getting down to work is often the last thing on your mind.There are four kids in my family and each one of us has to shower, eat breakfast, and get ready for school each morning. My mom works nights and my dad isn't much help with the little ones, so I have to get my brothers ready for school. Sometimes I barely have time to get myself ready before I am running to catch the bus. By the time I get to school I am already stressed out and my mind is racing. Instead of slapping a test on my desk the moment I get into class, my teacher turns out the lights, we close our eyes, and listen to a guided meditation or nature sounds for ten minutes. The stress just melts away and I am ready to learn. So, just taking 5-10 minutes during first period to meditate will help you to relax and be ready to focus on the work ahead.
Is it clear what my opinion is?
Have I used appropriate reasoning to support my opinion?
Have I accurately supported my reason with sufficient evidence? Is the evidence relevant? Do you know how I am feeling when you read my examples?
Is my paragraph well-developed and does it build effectively?
*Disclaimer: I borrowed some of the above paragraph from Sheila. Thanks for your contribution!
