Essay Guidelines

• Two Modes:

1. Argumentative Mode:

You choose a topic covered or discussed in class and try to focus on a very interesting but less explored aspect of this topic, something either we touched on in class but did not reach an agreement, or has reached a general agreement but it is not satisfying to you, or something completely neglected in our in-class discussion. Or it could be something very clear to all, but you believe there will be more to explore than what has been covered in class. So, your job is to analyze or explain that aspect by using good reasoning and research sources.

You usually would start an argument such as: I disagree with Yin/Yang correlative thought because I think it does not fit the modern society.

1. Historical, Psychological, Philosophical Mode:

You are very interested in explaining a psychological/philosophical concept or one historical event/background and you would like to explain it thoroughly with clear reasoning. The main focus lies in how you explain the theory/event/background based on your library research. But you should write on the materials we covered in class.

You usually start with a WHY question, for example: why did the Chinese tend to live in a multigenerational family? Or How and why does meditation enhance our mindfulness?

You will not list the fact that the Chinese do it because it is an obvious fact. Your job is to explore the reason behind it.

• Also read the handout of “grading grid” to make sure you fulfill all the qualities of a good paper.
• In addition, each paper needs to have four research sources, one book, three articles from the internet. The length of your paper ranges from five to six pages, double-spaced.
• Professor suggestion: Just remember that your paper should have a research focus, rather than covering everything about kites. Try to go into details of some aspects of the kite to make it interesting to read. (My topic is kite)

                                  Grading Grid for Your Essay: 100 points in total

A: Ability to Compare two Cultural Concepts/ or to Elaborate on a Major Cultural Phenomenon 0-30 points

Excellent (20-30) Comparison/Elaboration is interesting, appropriate, and supported by excellent reasoning.

Good (15-20) Comparison/Elaboration is appropriate and supported by good reasoning.

Acceptable (10-15) Comparison/Elaboration is appropriate but not supported by good reasoning well.

Unacceptable (0-10) Comparison/Elaboration is inappropriate or no Comparison/Elaboration at all.

B: Your ideas, reasoning, and illustration 0-50 points

Excellent (45-50) Exceptionally thorough and original ideas/arguments presented with clear supportive reasoning and illustrations displaying completely mastery of material. One main thesis is creatively developed throughout the paper and engages and intrigues the reader.

Good (30-45) Thorough and original ideas/arguments with clear supportive reasoning and illustrations displaying good understanding of the material. One main focus or thesis is developed throughout the paper and engages the reader.

Acceptable (15-30) Ideas/arguments are unclear and/or not supported well with reasoning or illustrations displaying some understanding of the material. One main focus is recognizable to the reader.

Unacceptable (0-15) Ideas/arguments are unclear and/or not supported well with reasoning or illustrations indicating a misunderstanding of the material. Focus of paper is unclear to the reader

C: Mechanics of your writing 0-20 points

Excellent (15-20) are exceptionally good. Sentences are clear, logical and enjoyable to read. Word choices are precise, interesting and mature.

Good (10-15) are good. Sentences are clear, logical and readable. Problems in grammar, spelling and punctuation do not interfere with communication.

Acceptable (5-10) are basic. Sentences tend to be choppy or structurally repetitive. Problems in grammar, spelling and punctuation occasionally interfere with communication.

Unacceptable (0-5) need to visit the writing center for help in revising and editing.

Good (3-4) Helpful visual aid(s) are used to make explanation more clear.

Acceptable (1-2) Visual aid(s) are used but not very helpful.

Unacceptable (0) No visual aid