Biology Writing Assignment Grading Chart
Name _________________________ 1) Date __________2) Date__________
You are assigned two writing assignments to complete this semester. These essays will be your
evaluation of a recent article in the newspaper or on the Internet concerning a topic we are covering in
class. I recommend using www.sciencedaily.com and check out that day’s news.
1) Find a current topic in the news that relates to what we are discussing in class.
2) Write about 2 page of analysis on your article following the chart below using 5-paragraph form:
Introductory paragraph
A. Catches the reader’s interest
B. Gives brief background on your topic
C. Begins or ends with the thesis statement
Body (paragraphs 2, 3, & 4)
A. Develops, expands, and/or supports the thesis statement
B. Includes a topic sentence for each paragraph
C. Includes supporting details which reinforce the topic sentence.
d. Make sure you explain how it relates to class
i..“This relates to class because…”
Concluding paragraph
A. Restates the thesis or sums up the argument.
B. Tells the reader what you think is important to remember
C. Never introduce new information in the conclusion
** These are due the week before the lecture exam, yet you can turn it in any time before then.
Points 5 – Great! 4 – Good 3 – Okay 2 – Not okay 0
Relevance
Article
Specifically about
application of a
class topic and well
Inaccurate
data or
General topic
of class or
not tied to
General topic
& not tied to
Not relevant,
no analysis
Daily publications
Article from
Article from