For this essay, you will describe/summarize and evaluate/analyze a Wikipedia article about the high school you attended (if there is no Wikipedia article about your school, you can choose another school).  We will work on this essay in stages (drafts), sharing these drafts in a group setting in class.  When you are writing the final draft of Essay 1, you should use the following organizational plan.  The final draft should be a minimum of  500 words and a maximum of 750.  It must be typed and word-processed (see the course syllabus for font type and size requirements).

A. Introductory paragraph:  Clear statement of thesis (this should be a sentence where you mention the mission/claim/aim of the Wikipedia article that you have read).  Remember to mention Wikipedia.  If you want to spice up your introduction, see pages 89+ in the Langan text.

B. Summary (I suggest several paragraphs for this).  Each paragraph in the summary section should have a clear topic sentence (which is a statement of the main point the paragraph will address).  Furthermore, the information in each paragraph should stick to the main point of the paragraph. Avoid commentary and evaluation (i.e. avoid stating your feelings/opinions) in the summary section.  Report only what appears in the article.  If you quote words from the article, use quotation marks around these words, but avoid overquoting.  Instead, strive to paraphrase (use your own words).    Also, give thought to the order of your paragraphs.  Try to come up with a logical and effective order.  Remember, you are describing the article.     

C. Analysis/Evaluation: (I suggest several paragraphs for this).  Just like in the summary section, each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence and the information in each paragraph should stick to the point of that paragraph.  Address at least three (3) of the following in your analysis/evaluation:  

  1. the importance of the information presented
  2. the accuracy of the information presented
  3. the completeness of the information presented
  4. the organization of the information presented
  5. another aspect (such as the appearance) of the info presented.

D. Concluding paragraph:  Restate the thesis (paraphrase it instead of using the same exact words) and bring the essay to a close by indicating whether you would recommend this Wikipedia article to others and explain why.  If you would like to conclude in another manner, see pp 93-95 in your text for examples and ideas.

E. Work Cited:  After your concluding paragraph, list the source.  It should appear as follows:


"Aiea High School." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 2 Dec 2007, 07:23 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 18 Jun 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/
        index.php?title=Aiea_High_School&oldid=175218390>.



This essay is worth 10 points which is 10% of your final grade.  The number of points you earn is based on how well you achieve the following:

• Staying in line with the requirements and directions of the assignment, including turning in drafts on time.
  
• Clear statement of thesis statement (mention of the article’s mission/claim/aim).  Clear mention  that the article you are writing about is from Wikipedia.  In your final draft, underline your thesis sentence.
• Clear Topic Sentences in the summary and analysis sections.
• Paragraph Unity (details in each paragraph stick to the topic of the paragraph).
• Paragraph development (adequate specific details in each paragraph to support the point of the paragraph).
• Sentence Continuity (good flow from one sentence to the next).
• Clear, logical, and predictable order of paragraphs  (there is evidence that you have given careful thought to how your paragraphs are ordered).
• Good flow from one paragraph's topic to the next paragraph's topic (don't jump around).
• Appropriate, accurate, and correct use of quotes and paraphrases.
• Evidence that you understand the article well.
• Correct Format: grammar, punctuation, spelling, writing style, formatting.
• Evidence of revision: that is, show that you did work to improve your first draft.  You do this by submitting your first drafts with your final draft.