Research and Writing

Midterm Directions and Rubric
This Assessment is worth 15% of your grade for the course.
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Outcomes
Completing this Assessment will help you to:
• Apply the writing process to create clearly understood, well-structured documents through the study of various modes of writing.
• Introduce students to fundamental approaches that allow them to acquire, evaluate, apply, and document data from multiple secondary sources.

Deadline
Due Week 4 by Saturday at 11:59 pm, ET.

Directions
This midterm has two parts. Submit them as a Word document.
• To complete Part I (directions below), create an annotated bibliography to demonstrate your ability to select credible research sources, analyze them, and properly cite them in APA format.
• To complete Part II (directions below), write a two- to three-paragraph essay regarding how creating an annotated bibliography can enhance the process of creating a research-based paper.

For details on how the Midterm will be scored, see the rubric below.

Part I: Annotated Bibliography
The annotated bibliography must include entries for three credible sources for your Portfolio Project research paper topic (which you selected in Week 2).
At least one of those sources should be from Virtual Library databases, including EBSCOHost.
Each entry must include:
• A properly executed APA reference citation for the source.
• A short paragraph summarizing how you will use the source in your research-based paper (the Portfolio Project). This should be a minimum of four (4) sentences.

Part II: Reflection
Write a two- to three-paragraph essay in which you evaluate the importance of the annotated bibliography and explain how it can help a writer who is creating a research-based paper. In your response, answer the questions below.
• Describe your research strategy for locating sources for your portfolio project.
• How did you determine whether or not to use each source?
• Will you keep this strategy in the future, or has your thinking changed?
• How did the outline help you in the paper writing process?
• What is the most important lesson learned from this assignment?

Criteria Exemplary Proficient Needs Work
Annotated Bibliography Annotations
50 points
50-43 points

The annotations contain detailed analysis of key points in the resources. The writer explains how the sources relate to the portfolio project. The resources are credible and connect clearly with the portfolio project. 42-35 points

The annotations contain some analysis of resources and how they relate to the portfolio project. Resources are credible. 34-0 points

The annotations contain little or no analysis of resources. Resources may be credible, but they do not appear to relate to the portfolio project.
Annotated Bibliography
Citations
25 points

25-22 points

The annotated bibliography contains citations for three or more research sources. They contain no more than one violation of APA style for citations. They contain no spelling errors. 21-18 points

The annotated bibliography contains citations for three research sources. They are APA formatted. They contain three to four spelling errors. 17-0 points

The annotated bibliography contains citations for fewer than three research sources. The citations violate most APA rules for citations. The citations contain five or more spelling errors.

Reflection

25 points

25-22 points

The reflection demonstrates of self-evaluation and lessons learned from the project. Student exhibits strong understanding of how creating an annotated bibliography can enhance the process of creating a research-based paper. 21-18 points

The reflection demonstrates some self-evaluation and lessons learned from the project. Student exhibits a serviceable understanding of how creating an annotated bibliography can enhance the process of creating a research-based paper. 17-0 points

The reflection demonstrates minimal or no evidence of self-evaluation and lessons learned from the project. Student exhibits little understanding of how creating an annotated bibliography can enhance the process of creating a research-based paper.
Total Points
ENGL101 – Research and Writing I Midterm Rubric