Hist 2112 Rough Draft Assessment Tool

Hist 2112 Rough Draft Assessment Tool

Cleaned Assignment Instructions:

Evaluate a history paper based on specific criteria including formatting, introduction, paragraph transitions, use of academic sources, factual evidence, critical analysis, research questions, spelling, grammar, tense, person, language, conclusion, citations, bibliography, and overall strength. The assessment assigns points for each category, ranging from 0 to 15 points, with detailed subcategories for formatting, style, and citations to ensure scholarly standards.

Paper For Above instruction

The evaluation of a history paper requires careful consideration of multiple scholarly and formal aspects to ensure quality, clarity, and academic integrity. This comprehensive assessment tool guides the reviewer through critical components that influence the strength of historical writing, emphasizing the importance of proper formatting, clear introduction, logical paragraph transitions, evidence-based arguments, and precise citations.

First, adherence to formatting standards is fundamental. The paper should be set in 12-point Arial font with 1-inch margins on all sides, ensuring consistent presentation. The inclusion of a catchy, descriptive title underlined that encapsulates the main topic—such as the location, time period, key figures, or central event—enhances the paper’s visibility and clarity. Additionally, the student’s identification details, including name, class section or essay number, and date, should be positioned in the top left corner, formatted without a header, to maintain professionalism.

The introduction serves as the foundation for the paper, where the student clearly introduces the research question or topic, setting the context with pertinent details like time, place, and key themes. It should define the scope and purpose of the research, drawing the reader into a focused discussion. Effective paragraph transitions within and between sections are crucial for maintaining logical flow, guiding the reader seamlessly from background to argument and conclusion.

In terms of content, the paper must incorporate appropriate academic evidence, sourced from credible printed or online resources. This evidence includes factual details such as dates, names, historical events, and geographic locations, providing a solid factual background. Critical analysis and argumentation are at the core of a strong history paper; the student should engage with the evidence critically, addressing the research questions thoroughly. The arguments must be coherent, insightful, and aligned with the research focus, demonstrating the student's understanding of historical contexts and interpretations.

Addressing the research questions directly and completely is essential. The paper should answer the queries posed at the outset, reflecting a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter. Language and mechanics also contribute to the paper’s credibility—spelling, capitalization, word choice, and sentence clarity are vital, along with correct grammar, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and consistent use of the simple past tense (avoiding constructions like "would," "could," or "should" that imply speculation rather than historical fact). The language should be formal, eschewing slang, clichés, or contractions, to maintain scholarly tone.

The conclusion must move beyond a mere restatement of the introduction; it should synthesize the main arguments, reflect on their significance, and possibly suggest implications, thereby providing a meaningful closure. Proper CMS-style footnote citations are required, accurately referencing all sources used. The bibliography should list all primary and secondary sources, formatted according to academic standards, supporting transparent scholarship and allowing verification of sources.

Overall, the paper’s strength is assessed based on how well these criteria are integrated into a coherent, well-supported, and professionally presented piece of scholarly writing. High-quality papers demonstrate analytical depth, meticulous research, and polished presentation, effectively contributing to the understanding of the historical topic under discussion.

References

• Brown, Michael. (2009). The American Revolution: A History. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Foner, Eric. (2014). The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Gordon, Robert J. (2010). The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
• Johnson, Paul. (2012). A History of the Modern World. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Kagan, Robert. (2010). On the Origins of War and the Preservation of Peace. Yale University Press.
• McPherson, James M. (2003). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, John. (2011). Exploring the Medieval World. Cambridge University Press.
• Taylor, Barbara. (2015). The Civil Rights Movement: A Brief History with Documents. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Williams, Raymond. (2013). Culture and Society in Britain, 1850–1950. Routledge.
• Zinn, Howard. (2003). A People's History of the United States. HarperCollins.