Current Event Assignment
For this assignment you will need to find a current event on an environmental issue. The issue can be local, state, national or global. You must 1) give a brief summary of the issue; 2) include your thoughts or comments on the issue; and 3) properly cite your source. Current events must be current – within the last few weeks of the assignment being due. Your submission should be approximately 350-500 words.
The current event must be from a valid news source. If you are unsure what that may include – ASK! Using the internet is perfectly acceptable. All major newspapers have internet sites as well as magazines such as Scientific America and National Geographic.
You must use APA or MLA citations. Here is a sample of what a citation would look like in MLA:
NASA. “2020 tied for warmest year on record, NASA analysis shows.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 January 2021.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/2101151030
Grading Rubrics
| Critical Elements | Distinguished
(100%) |
Proficient
(85%) |
Basic
(70%) |
Below Expectations
(50%) |
Non-Performance
(0%) |
| Thesis Statement | Raises the strongest objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is strongly grounded in researach and logical reasoning. | Raises a plausible objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is mostly grounded in research and logical reasoning.
|
Raises an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is somewhat grounded in research and logical reasoning. | Attempts to raise an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is minimally grounded in research and logical reasoning.
|
The objection to the thesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions. |
| Counter Argument | Provides a astrong, thorough rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal effectively demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and applies the principles of charity and accuracy.
|
Provides a rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal mostly demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and mostly applies the principles of charity and accuracy.
|
Provides a limited rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal somewhat demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and somewhat applies the principles of charity and accuracy.
|
Attempts to provide a rebuttal to the objection; however, the rebuttal minimally demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and does not apply the principles of charity and accuracy.
|
The rebuttal is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions. |
| Conclusion | – Provides clear and concise closing remarks that comprehensively summarize the essay. The remarks consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem.
|
Provides closing remarks that summarize the essay. The remarks mostly consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are somewhat unclear.
|
Provides closing remarks that minimally summarizes the essay. The remarks minimally consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problems. The closing remarks are unclear and/or vague.
|
Attempts to provide closing remarks that summarize the essay, however, the remarks do not consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are unclear and vague. | The closing remarks are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
|
| Written Communication: Context of and Purpose for Writing
|
Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.
|
Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly. | Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.
|
Organization and presentation of content are extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.
|
The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
|
| Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
|
– Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.
|
Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand | Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.
|
Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.
|
The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
|
| Written Communication: Required Formatting
|
Accurately uses required formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.
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Exhibits required formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. | Exhibits limited knowledge of required formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all requirements.
|
Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of required formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to |
