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iRubric: US History Counterfactual Essay rubric

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US History Counterfactual Essay 
Counterfactual Paper
Your assignment is to identify an event in US History that occurred since Reconstruction. You must then propose a "what if" question and write an essay that assumes the event did not occur as the generally accepted historical record indicates. Carefully identify the change (i.e., RFK was not assassinated) and present an alternative history in the form of a persuasive essay. The essay should be double-spaced, typed, 10 to 12-pitch Times New Roman font and 2 to 3 pages in length.
Rubric Code: K5736C
By keroack
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: History  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12

Powered by iRubric Criterion
  Does Not Meet Standards

The essay is not acceptable

20 pts

Marginally Accpetable

Grade of D to C

30 pts

Excellent

B

40 pts

OUTSTANDING

A

50 pts

Historical Event/Alternative Event
50 pts

The event and the "what if" alternative are identified and supported with facts and plausible alternative consequences.
Does Not Meet Standards

NOT ACCEPTABLE
-The essay was not submitted.
-Little or no thought is evident.
-The actual historical event is not identified or is misidentified.
-The alternative event is not plausible.
Marginally Accpetable

ADEQUATE
-The essay was submitted on time
-An actual event was identified but was presented with factual error(s)
-The alternative event was barely plausible.
-Major points are addressed, but not well supported.
-Content is inconsistent with regard to purpose and clarity of thought.
Excellent

EXCELLENT
-Actual event is accurately identified with one or two historically correct supporting facts presented.
-The alternative event is plausible and supported by one or two believable consequences.
-The actual and alternative events are somewhat persuasively presented.
-Content and purpose of the writing are mostly clear.
OUTSTANDING

OUTSTANDING
-Actual event is accurately identified and strongly supported by several historically correct supporting facts.
-The alternative event is plausible and supported by several consequences.
-The actual and alternative events are persuasively and interestingly presented.
-Content and purpose of the writing are clear and concise.
Organization & Structure
30 pts

The essay is written and constructed to persuade.
Does Not Meet Standards

NOT ACCEPTABLE
-Information/ideas in the essay are disorganized and not logically or effectively structured.
-Paragraphs are not constructed well.
-Sentences are not related within paragraphs.
Marginally Accpetable

ADEQUATE
-Most information/ ideas in the essay reasonably well-organized, with some well-constructed paragraphs.
-Some paragraphs include an introductory sentence, explanations or details, and a concluding sentence.
Excellent

EXCELLENT
-Information/ideas in the essay are well organized, with well constructed paragraphs.
-Good connections among ideas are made.
-Most paragraphs include an introductory sentence, explanations or details, a concluding sentence and transition.
OUTSTANDING

OUTSTANDING
-Information/ideas in the assignment are logically and creatively organized and flow smoothly, with unity and coherence.
-Evident and smooth transitions made throughout.
-All paragraphs include an introductory sentence, explanation or details, and a concluding sentence.
-Writing is at, or above, grade-level skill.
Format
10 pts

The essay is written in accordance with appropriate grade level expertise.
Does Not Meet Standards

NOT ACCEPTABLE
-Essay lacks many elements of correct formatting.
-Little care to acceptable writing rules and structure is apparent.
Marginally Accpetable

ADEQUATE
-Essay follows most writing structural guidelines appropriate for the middle grades.
-Essay is not o the specified length.
-Essay is not double spaced, not 10 to 12 pitch Times New Roman font and lacks other appropriate formatting.
Excellent

EXCELLENT
-Essay is the appropriate length as described for the assignment.
-Essay contains all of the other formatting elements identified in this Rubrics heading.
-A few errors exist regarding format.
OUTSTANDING

OUTSTANDING
-Assignment is the appropriate length for the assignment.
-Obvious great care was taken to acceptable writing rules.
-Essay contains all of the other formatting elements identified in this Rubrics heading.
Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling
10 pts

The command of spelling, grammar and unction meets grade level expectations.
Does Not Meet Standards

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
-Student shows very little mastery of grade-level mechanics.
-Numerous errors in capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar greatly detract from the essay.
Marginally Accpetable

ADEQUATE
-Student shows average mastery of grade-level mechanics. Although errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar are evident, the meaning mostly remains clear.
Errors detract from the essay.
Excellent

EXCELLENT
-Student shows above excellent mastery of grade-level mechanics.
-Spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammatical errors are minor and do not interfere seriously with the clarity and precision of the writing.
OUTSTANDING

OUTSTANDING
-Student shows outstanding mastery of grade level mechanics.
-Spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar are correct.





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