Millenials Rubric
Problem and
Thesis (20%)
Exemplary (A)
Meets Requirements (C)
Doesn’t Meet Requirements
(F)
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Topic and argument are clearly stated.
Thesis clearly positions writer in the
argument and hints at implications of
this view on the argument.
Problem is contextualized effectively
for reader’s general understanding and
is done so objectively.

Topic is clear, but argument is not
stated clearly and is obscured by
language.
No implications addressed.
Problem/Argument is contextualized
poorly, or is explained subjectively.
Contextualization is largely objective
but does show some opinion.

Paper contains well-chosen evidence to
support and contrast argument.
Arguments are detailed and wellevidenced, clearly marked.
Both sides analyzed fairly, with no
unreasoned assumptions.
Conclusion briefly summarizes position
and then suggests greater significance
of writer’s viewpoint for this issue.
Tone is academic and sustained
throughout paper, adds to logos of
argument and ethos of writer.
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All topic sentences are clear and relate
back to thesis.
Paragraphs follow logically with
transitions and order of paragraphs
supports argument of topic.
Sources enhance argument and are used
to effectively counter opposition.
Opposing sources are incorporated as
points of contrast and are refuted.
Sources are effectively introduced and
contextualizes
Very few sentence level issues.
Formatting is correct and maintains
accurate MLA and APA guidelines

Evidence chosen sometimes seems
irrelevant. Argument is barely
contrasted.
Both sides fairly analyzed, with some
assumptions made about audience or
argument. Sources are sometimes
distorted for purpose of writer.
Conclusion summarizes position but
is repetitive, and does not suggest
greater significance.
Tone is often academic but is not
properly sustained throughout the
paper and detracts from logos.
Topic sentences don’t always relate
back to the thesis.
Paragraph order is difficult to follow
at times but mostly supports flow of
argument.
Paper either over-quotes or underquotes sources so that argument is not
supported.
Some attempt is made to introduce
and contextualize quotes
Many surface errors, but they do not
often obscure meaning.
MLA and APA citation is attempted
but does not always follow guidelines.
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Argument and
Support (20%)
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Organization
(20%)
Use of Sources
(20%)
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Mechanics and
Formatting
(20%)
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Reader must search outside of the
thesis and introduction for writer’s
stance on the argument OR stance
is not stated. Topic is obscured or
non-existent.
No implication addressed.
Problem/Argument is not
contextualized or is contextualized
completely subjectively.
Evidence chosen does not support
argument and is irrelevant. No
effort made to contrast opposing
arguments.
Sides unfairly analyzed with many
assumptions made about audience
and arguments. Sources’ views are
heavily distorted.
Conclusion barely summarizes
arguments and does not suggest
significance of stance.
Tone is not academic; colloquiums
interrupt logos.
There are no topic sentences or
they do not in any way relate back
to the thesis.
Paragraphs have no logical order.
Very few to no quotations have
been used to support argument.
Opposing sources are not used
Minimal effort employed to
contextualize quotes
Surface errors repeatedly obscure
meaning.
MLA and APA citation is not
attempted.
Millenials Rubric
“In the U.S., millenials are the children of baby boomers, who are also known as the Me
generation, who then produced the Me Me Me Generation, whose selfishness technology has
only exacerbated. Whereas the 1950s families displayed a wedding photo, a school photo
and maybe a military photo in their homes, the average Middle class American family today
walks amid 85 pictures of themselves and their pets. Millenials have come of age in the
era of the quantified self, recording their daily steps on FitBit, their whereabouts
every hour of every day on PlaceMe and their genetic data on 23 and Me. They have less
civic engagement and lower political participation than any previous group. This is a
generation that would have made Walt Whitman wonder if maybe they should try singing a
song of someone else.” – Joel Stein, “The Me Me Me Generation,” Time. May 20, 2013
Assignment: The quote above reflects the opinion of many current and future employers regarding the millennial generation. In this
assignment, you will defend or support Stein’s observations. In this paper, you need to 1) state your stance on this issue 2)
acknowledge the other side of the argument and 3) suggest three specific ways in which you could work to improve the reputation of
Millenials during your time at Alvernia.
Length: 1350 words (approximately 3 pages)
Format: Times New Roman, Double-Spaced, 1” margins, MLA citation
Sources: at least 3 outside academic sources
*Note: On the library website, you will find a list of sources already compiled for this assignment. You may use other sources but
please confirm the credibility of these other sources with your instructot.
Millenials Rubric