America Means Rubric

"AMERICA MEANS" RUBRIC

Examples of America Means Multiple Paragraphs vs. a Single Paragraph

Using the claim/thesis, "Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL," below are two examples of the type of paragraph(s) students are writing for America Means. (The stats paragraph was taken directly from Aaron Rodgers' wikipedia page as an EXAMPLE.)


Single Paragraph


   A man who throws flawless passes in front of 70,000-plus screaming fans can only be described as great, and that is what Aaron Rodgers is.  Great.  Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the National Football League (NFL)'s Green Bay Packers, is the greatest quarterback in the NFL. This can be proven by his statistics, his charisma, and his leadership. First, Aaron Rodger's statistics help to make him the greatest quarterback in the NFL. Rodgers led the Packers to the Super Bowl in the 2010 season. He was named Super Bowl MVP, and has a great passer rating, as well as an excellent touchdown-to-interception ratio. But it is not only statistics that show Rodger’s greatness; his charisma and natural charm prove it as well.  (1-2 sentences) Lastly, Rodger’s leadership both on and off the field cements his place as the greatest quarterback in the NFL.  (1-2 sentences) Some might think that Rodgers, known for photo-bombing and dating a Hollywood actress, is just a goofball with a little talent, but Packer fans know better. Clearly Aaron Rodgers’ stats, his natural charisma and his team and community leadership prove that Aaron Rodgers is the greatest NFL quarterback.  


Multiple Paragraphs

  The ball is thrown in a perfect spiral, spinning through the air and landing safely in the arms of wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who takes it to the end zone for a touchdown.  Who threw this flawless pass? It's none other than Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the National Football League (NFL)'s Green Bay Packers.  There are many things that make a good quarterback, but fewer that make a great quarterback.  Aaron Rodgers is the greatest quarterback in the NFL. This can be proven by his statistics, his charisma, and his leadership, both on and off the field.  

    First, Aaron Rodger's statistics help to make him the greatest quarterback in the NFL.  Rodgers played college football for California, where he set several career passing records, including lowest single-season and career interception rates. He was selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers. After backing up Brett Favre for the first three years of his NFL career, Rodgers became the Green Bay Packers' starting quarterback in 2008 and led them to a victory in Super Bowl XLV after the 2010 NFL season; Rodgers was named Super Bowl MVP. He was named Associated Press Athlete of the Year in 2011, as well as being voted league MVP for the 2011 and 2014 NFL seasons. Rodgers has led the NFL three times in touchdown-to-interception ratio (2011, 2012, 2014), twice in passer rating (2011, 2012), touchdown passing percentage (2011, 2012) and lowest passing interception percentage (2009, 2014), and once in yards per attempt (2011). Clearly, these phenomenal statistics prove Aaron Rodgers is the greatest quarterback in the NFL.

   But it is not only statistics that show Rodger’s greatness; his charisma and natural charm prove it as well.  (4-6 sentences)

   Lastly, Rodger’s leadership both on and off the field cements his place as the greatest quarterback in the NFL.  (4-6 sentences)

   Some might think that Rodgers, known for photo-bombing and dating a Hollywood actress, is just a goofball with a little talent, but Packer fans know better.  Rodgers has led his team to the superbowl, led the league in touchdown-to-interception ratios, and inspired injured players and cancer victims alike.  Clearly Aaron Rodgers’ stats, his natural charisma and his leadership in the community and on the team prove that Aaron Rodgers is the greatest NFL quarterback.  

 

Homework 9/8/15

Self-Peer Edit America Means 

Students self-edited their paragraphs today in class. Tomorrow we will peer edit. Students do NOT have to re-print a copy for tomorrow, but they SHOULD be working on it at home.

Homework 9/4/15

DUE: Tuesday, September 8th

America Means Presentation Link

Students must fix their "America Means" Paragraphs to better represent a thesis paragraph, following this format:

Hook
Thesis Claim
List of Reasons (Proofs)
Proof #1
Evidence to Support Proof #1
Proof #2
Evidence to Support Proof #2
Proof #3
Evidence to Support Proof #3
Conclusion (Includes Thesis Claim and List of Reasons or Proofs)

Homework 9/3/15

DUE: TOMORROW, Friday, September 4th!

Students need to write a rough draft of an informative (not creative writing - we'll get to that, I promise!) paragraph, discuss 3 THINGS America means to them.  They must state WHAT 3 things America means to them, and WHY they mean America.

This should be 1-2 paragraphs, showing students' best writing ability.  It may be handwritten or typed - but PLEASE DOUBLE SPACE or SKIP LINES, as we will be editing in class tomorrow.

Must have a PRINTED or HAND-WRITTEN COPY in class tomorrow!

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