Guidelines for Career Paper Construction/Grading
I.
Introduction—15+ points (150+ words)
o
Career is named explicitly at the beginning of the introduction
o
Indicates “how” and “why” of student interest in the career
o
Appropriate length
II. Factual Information—30+ points (300+ words)
o
Covers the most important points about the career
o
Written in complete sentences
o
Written in student’s own words
o
Appropriate length
III. Interview—30+ points (300+ words)
o
Begins with the name, title, place and years of employment
o
Includes a variety of questions and thorough exploration of topic
o
Interview is informative to the career and experiences of the person interviewed
o
Uses reported speech rather than direct quotes
o
Appropriate length
IV. Topic (Research Option—30+points) (300+ words)
o
Explores one of the assigned or approved topics available
o
Implements two (2) resources
o
Contains in-text citations
o
Contains a Works Cited page
o
Appropriate length
V. Conclusion—15+ points (150+ words)
o
Contains reaction to the person, the career, and the interview
o
Discusses specific future plans based on response to interview
o
Expresses final thoughts about career
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Draws to a close with a closing statement
o
Appropriate length
VI. Organization, Format, Grammar and Mechanics
o
Written in appropriate register befitting research
o
Acceptable sentence structure
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Grammatical errors are minimal
o
Spelling is accurate
o
Proper diction—meaning is clear
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Uses recommended subheading for each section
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Paper is organized into paragraphs
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Paragraphs are topical and are organized around a stated central idea
o
Observes conventions of MLA style
-cover sheet
-title is centered on inside page
-right hand heading
-indention
-double spaced
-12 pt. font/Times New Roman or other clean font
-no extra space between paragraphs
-appropriate insertion of in-text citations (if required)
-appropriate format for Works Cited (if required)
VII. Included Attachments
o
Original notes from interview
o
Print-out from Occupational Outlook Handbook or Ferguson’s