Writing Assignment #2: Human Gender Roles and Socialization
Corresponding Course Goal:
 to increase awareness of the role of social and cultural contexts on human behavior
Audience:
 The reader of this paper is an alien who recently landed on earth for the first time. On the
alien’s planet, there is no such thing as gender, gender norms, or gender-related behavior.
Due Date:
 Friday, October 3rd, in class
Resources:
 Textbook Module 6
 General Guidelines for Papers on RamCT (see the Out-of-Class Writing Assignments link)
 CSU Writing Center: http://writing.colostate.edu
 Section 5 Graduate Teaching Assistants (contact them at least two days before the due date of the
paper):
o Last names A-J: Janean Anderson, janean.anderson@colostate.edu
o Last names K-Z: Kacey Oiness, koiness@simla.colostate.edu
Assignment Description:
 After hearing about the two sexes, the alien said, “I think I understand what males and females
are, but do they act the same way?”
o Convey to the reader that certain behaviors are typically associated with either males
or females, and that socialization accounts for at least some of those differences.
(Note: This assertion will be the thesis of your paper.)
o Provide examples of gender-related behavior. Help the reader understand what
behaviors are usually associated with females on our planet, and what behaviors are
usually associated with males.
o Describe typical sources of gender socialization. Where do humans get information
about how to act, related to whether they are male or female?
o Say what you think is most important for the reader to know about gender-related
behavior and gender socialization.
o Relate your conclusion back to your original thesis statement.
Helpful Hints:
 For this paper, do not discuss the physical differences between men and women, as the reader
already understands those differences. Instead, focus on behaviors that may be influenced by
socialization practices. Think like a psychologist!
 Outline your thoughts before you start writing. This will help you to organize your ideas and
write with a logical flow, which will make your paper much easier to read.
(From Prof. Karla Gingerich, Colorado State University. Available at http://writing.colostate.edu/gtpathways/assignmentbank.cfm)
Persuasive Essay : Human Gender Roles
Teacher Name: R McEachern
Student Name:
________________________________________
4321CATEGORY Above Standards Meets Standards Approaching Standards Below Standards Score
The thesis statement outlines
some or all of the main points to
be discussed but does not
name the topic.
The thesis statement
does not name the
topic AND does not
preview what will be
discussed.
(facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences) that
support the position
statement.
Includes 3 or more
pieces of evidence
(facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences) that
support the position
statement.
Includes 2 pieces of evidence
(facts, statistics, examples,
real-life experiences) that
support the position statement.
Includes 1 or fewer
pieces of evidence
(facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences).
Evidence
and
Examples
All of the evidence and
examples are specific,
relevant and
explanations are given
that show how each
piece of evidence
supports the author's
position.
Most of the evidence
and examples are
specific, relevant and
explanations are given
that show how each
piece of evidence
supports the author's
position.
At least one of the pieces of
evidence and examples is
relevant and has an explanation
that shows how that piece of
evidence supports the author's
position.
Evidence and
examples are NOT
relevant AND/OR are
not explained.
Sources
All sources used for
quotes, statistics and
facts are credible and
cited correctly.
All sources used for
quotes, statistics and
facts are credible and
most are cited
correctly.
Most sources used for quotes,
statistics and facts are credible
and cited correctly.
Many sources are
suspect (not credible)
AND/OR are not cited
correctly.
Author makes 1-2
errors in grammar or
spelling that distract
the reader from the
content.
Author makes 3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Author makes more
than 4 errors in
grammar or spelling
that distract the reader
from the content.
Demonstrates a
general understanding
of the potential reader
and uses vocabulary
and arguments
appropriate for that
audience.
Demonstrates some
understanding of the potential
reader and uses arguments
appropriate for that audience.
It is not clear who the
author is writing for.
Focus or
Thesis
Statement
The thesis statement
The thesis statement
names the topic of the names the topic of the
essay and outlines the essay.
main points to be
discussed.
Support for Includes 3 or more
pieces of evidence
Position
Grammar & Author makes no
errors in grammar or
Spelling
spelling that distract
the reader from the
content.
Audience
Demonstrates a clear
understanding of the
potential reader and
uses appropriate
vocabulary and
arguments. Anticipates
reader's questions and
provides thorough
answers appropriate
for that audience.
(Source: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/)