Goal: To write a research essay; to support a thesis with outside research from

Goal: To write a research essay; to support a thesis with outside research from at least five varied sources; to use argumentation as a rhetorical strategy
Topic: You will choose your own topic related to happiness, coming up with a set of research questions to answer before you start. Then, after you find some answers to your questions, you’ll write an argumentative essay on your topic. 
Logistics:
6-8 pages, double-spaced (not counting works cited page)
MLA format for page set-up
Here is the rubric I will be using to grade you:
Rubric (200 points):
Clear thesis and topic sentences:                         /30
(Clear thesis that articulates the main argument of the essay and appears near the end of the introduction; Topic sentences appear near the beginning of each body paragraph and connect each paragraph’s content to the overall argument)
Support:                                  /40
(Gives substantial evidence from varied, reputable sources to support the thesis statement/topic sentences; evidence presented using summary, paraphrase and/or quotation)
Analysis:           /40
(Makes the connection between each supporting detail and the thesis; analyzes details; sandwiches each quotation, summary, and paraphrase with bread)
Organization:                                   /15
(Interesting introduction that gives an overview of the topic and builds to thesis/argument; support presented in logical order in the body; conclusion moves beyond summary)
In-text Citations:            /30
(Includes a signal phrase before the each supporting detail with the writer and title; includes the page number in parentheses after each reference)
Works Cited Page:              /30
(Last page of essay; includes both sources; accurately cites using MLA formatting rules)
Editing/Length:                                 /15
(Uses proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar; 6-8 pages, not counting works cited page)