Description
Please attach is the essay you wrote that you will be using for touchstone 3.1 and the grading remarks plus essay
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Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material,
help you to refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a
Touchstone anytime, but you can’t submit it for grading until you have completed the
unit’s Challenges. After you’ve submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted
towards your final course score.
Touchstone 3: Informative Essay Revision
BEFORE YOU START
Consider revisiting the Unit 3 tutorial The Purpose of Revising. You might find it
helpful to use the revising strategies to manage your time, to catch mistakes by
reading aloud, to revise by asking questions about your own writing, and to make
final revisions by printing out your paper and making revision notes.
ASSIGNMENT: Review the rubric comments and summary feedback you
received on your Touchstone 2.2 draft to deepen and extend your analysis of
your topic. Submit a revision of your Touchstone 2.2 draft that reflects the
feedback. Include a copy of your Touchstone 2.2 draft below the “Think About
Your Writing” questions for this unit.
Sample Revised Image Analysis Essay
Sample Revised Extended Definition Essay
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly
written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a
Plagiarism Detected alert. Review this tutorial for more about plagiarism and the
Plagiarism Detected alert: Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines. For
guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and
Appropriate Use of AI.
A. Directions
Step 1: Revise the Informative Essay
All writers revise their work as part of the writing process. For Touchstone 3,
submit a revised version of your Touchstone 2.2 informative essay. The process of
revising involves “re-thinking” your essay. Your revision should reflect your
attention to the following:
•
•
•
•
Rhetorical situation
Focus
Organization
Flow
•
Style
• Clarity
As you review the grader’s suggestions and feedback of your draft, evaluate how
your essay can be improved in each of the areas above. Focus your attention on the
areas that would benefit most from revision. You can add, delete, or move text as
you revise your essay.
Note the following revision guidelines:
• Do not draft a new essay on a new topic. You must revise your
Touchstone 2.2 draft using the feedback provided.
• Allow time between drafts so that you can see your original work from a
new perspective.
• Revision is different from editing and proofreading; however, be sure to
edit and proofread your revised essay before you submit it.
BIG IDEA
Revise your Touchstone 2.2 essay using the revision strategies you
learned in Unit 3. This revision should reflect significant changes from your
first draft, and should incorporate the feedback you received on
Touchstone 2.2.
Step 2. Think About Your Writing
Include answers to all of the following reflection questions below your completed
revision.
1. How much time did you spend revising your draft? Which revision
strategies did you use, and which of them worked best for you? (2-3
sentences) Sophia says: A good revision takes time. This is your opportunity
to re-think, rearrange, and re-evaluate your writing. Which revision
strategies did you use? Do you still agree with your thesis? Do you believe
that your evidence supports your thesis and that you have met the
requirements of the assignment?
2. How did the revision process improve your essay? (2-3
sentences) Sophia says: Compare your draft to your revision. Have you
added relevant details or removed irrelevant ones? Have you changed the
order of details or paragraphs? Have you added transitions for better flow?
In which ways is your revision better than your draft?
3. What did you learn about your writing process or yourself as a writer?
(2-3 sentences) Sophia says: Think about the entire process of drafting and
revising this essay. Did any part of the process surprise you or reveal
something unexpected?
Step 3. Review Rubric and Checklist
Your essay and reflection will be scored according to the Informative Rubric, which
considers your revision and edits, effectiveness in addressing the writing prompt for
either the advertisement image analysis essay OR the extended definition essay, the
working thesis, organization, style and tone, focus, conventions and proofreading,
and your responses to the “Think About Your Writing” questions.
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your
Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
Editing and Revising
❒ Have you significantly revised your essay, making adjustments in areas that
include organization, focus, and clarity?
❒ Have you made comprehensive changes in word choice, sentence variety, and
style?
❒ Have you made revisions that are based on the feedback provided by your
evaluator?
Essay Prompt: Image Analysis
❒ If you chose the image analysis prompt, have you revisited your analysis and
interpretation of the image’s use of design components to ensure that you’ve done
more than describe the ad?
❒ Have you revisited your conclusions about the audience and effectiveness of the
ad?
❒ Did you include the image in your essay?
❒ Is your draft 800-1300 words long?
Essay Prompt: Extended Definition
❒ If you chose the extended definition prompt, did you make sure that your
definition extends the definition and doesn’t rely too heavily on the traditional
definition?
❒ Did you revisit the examples and explanations that support your definition?
❒ Is your essay 800-1300 words in length?
Thesis
❒ Have you revised your thesis statement?
❒ Did you make sure that your thesis states the overall claim of the essay?
❒ Is your thesis one sentence that is located toward the end of the introductory
paragraph?
Focus and Organization
❒ Have you reviewed your body paragraphs and made sure that each one has a
clear topic sentence restating the subject and main point covered in that body
paragraph?
❒ Have you revisited your conclusion paragraph and final thoughts?
❒ Have you reviewed the sequence of your ideas?
❒ Have you improved your transitions to connect ideas between sentences and
paragraphs?
❒ Have you improved the flow of your essay?
❒ Does your revision have a clear focus?
❒ Have you maintained a clear focus and included only relevant details?
Style and Tone
❒ Have you ensured that the tone of your essay is unbiased and informative?
❒ Have you informed the reader about your topic avoiding the first person and/or
framing personal examples in an objective way?
❒ Have you reconsidered your word choices?
Conventions
❒ Have you checked your draft for grammatical errors?
❒ Have you used spell-check or another method to check spelling?
❒ Have you punctuated your essay correctly?
Before You Submit
❒ Have you included your name, date, and course at the top left of the page?
❒ Have you completed the “Think About Your Writing” questions?
❒ Is your essay between three and five pages (approximately 800-1300 words) in
length?
B. Rubric
Advanced (100%)
Proficient (85%)
Acceptable (75%)
Demonstrate
comprehensive “revisioning” and
sentence-level edits.
There is evidence of
comprehensive re-visioning of
the draft essay, including
adjustments to organization,
focus and clarity where needed
or appropriate. There is
evidence of comprehensive
edits to the draft essay,
including adjustments to word
choice, sentence completeness,
sentence variety, and/or style
where needed or appropriate.
There is evidence of significant
re-visioning of the draft essay,
including adjustments to
organization, focus, and clarity
where needed or appropriate.
There is evidence of
substantial edits to the draft
essay, including adjustments
to word choice, sentence
completeness, sentence
variety, and/or style where
needed or appropriate.
There is evidence of some revisioning of the draft essay,
including adjustments to
organization, focus and clarity
where needed or appropriate;
however, a few areas need
additional revision. There is
evidence of some edits to the draf
essay, including adjustments to
word choice, sentence
completeness, sentence variety,
and/or style where
needed/appropriate; however,
some issues were overlooked.
Image Analysis /
Extended
Definition Essay
(10 points)
Prompt A: Consistently goes
beyond description to analyze
the design choices made in the
advertisement, including
Prompt A: Primarily goes
beyond description to analyze
the design choices made in the
advertisement, including
Prompt A: Includes some analysis
of the design choices made in the
advertisement (i.e., layout, color
schemes, text, and/or other design
Revising and
Editing (20
points)
Advanced (100%)
Proficient (85%)
Acceptable (75%)
Prompt A: Analyze
an advertisement
using parts to draw
conclusions. Prompt
B – Define a
meaningful word or
concept in a unique
or compelling way.
layout, color schemes, text,
and/or other design
components. Effectively draws
conclusions about the intended
audience, and the likely impact
and effectiveness of the
advertisement. Prompt B:
Defines a meaningful and
nuanced word or concept in a
coherent and compelling way,
consistently using critical
thinking and thoughtful
discussion to explore the
definition. Consistently goes
beyond traditional definitions
to define the word in a new and
unique way.
layout, color schemes, text,
and/or other design
components. Draws
conclusions about the
intended audience, and the
likely impact and effectiveness
of the advertisement. Prompt
B: Defines a meaningful and
nuanced word or concept in a
coherent way, primarily using
critical thinking and thoughtful
discussion to explore the
definition. Primarily goes
beyond traditional definitions
to define the word in a new
and unique way.
components), but focuses primari
on description. Somewhat
effectively draws conclusions
about the intended audience, and
the likely impact and effectiveness
of the advertisement. Prompt B:
Defines a meaningful and nuanced
word or concept adequately, but
only sometimes uses critical
thinking and thoughtful discussion
to explore the definition. Only
sometimes goes beyond traditiona
definitions to define the word in a
new and unique way.
Thesis Statement
(5 points)
Has a clear, focused, and
detailed working thesis that is
expressed in a single sentence
that states the central claim of
the essay.
Has a clear and focused
working thesis that is
expressed in a single sentence
that states the central claim of
the essay.
Has an acceptable working thesis
that states a claim, but it may be
somewhat unclear or unfocused, o
composed of more than one
sentence.
Includes all required
components of an essay,
including an introduction with
a thesis; an adequate number
of body paragraphs (3-6,) each
with a topic sentence; and a
conclusion with final thoughts.
The sequence of sentences and
paragraphs is logical and flows
well.
Essay includes an introductory
paragraph, a concluding
paragraph, and an appropriate
number of body paragraphs.
The sequence of sentences and
paragraphs is logical.
The sequence of sentences and
paragraphs is predominantly
logical.
Demonstrates thoughtful and
effective word choices, avoids
redundancy, and uses a wide
variety of sentence structures.
Establishes a consistently
unbiased and impersonal tone
that is appropriate to an
informative essay.
Demonstrates effective word
choices, primarily avoids
redundancy, and uses a variety
of sentence structures.
Establishes an unbiased and
impersonal tone that is
appropriate to an informative
essay, with occasional minor
exceptions.
Demonstrates generally effective
style choices, but may include
occasional redundancies, poor
word choices, and/or repetitive
sentence structures. Primarily
establishes an unbiased and
impersonal tone that is appropria
to an informative essay; however
some sections express bias or
include personal observations.
Details are relevant and
support the purpose of the
essay. The writer consistently
Details are relevant and
support the purpose of the
essay. The writer makes some
Details are predominantly relevan
and generally support the purpose
of the essay, though some details
State the focused
central claim of the
essay.
Organization (5
points)
Exhibit competent
organization, flow,
and writing
techniques.
Style and Tone (5
points)
Establish a
consistent,
informative tone and
make thoughtful
choices.
Focus (5 points)
Advanced (100%)
Proficient (85%)
Acceptable (75%)
Include relevant
details, effective
connections.
makes effective connections
between the supporting details
and the working thesis.
effective connections between
the supporting details and the
working thesis.
may be irrelevant and/or
distracting.
Conventions and
Proofreading (5
points)
There may be a few negligible
errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, formatting, and
usage.
There are occasional minor
errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, formatting, and
usage.
There are some significant errors
in grammar, punctuation, spelling
capitalization, formatting, and
usage.
Demonstrates thoughtful
reflection; consistently includes
insights, observations, and/or
examples in all responses.
Answers all reflection
questions effectively, following
or exceeding response length
guidelines.
Demonstrates thoughtful
reflection; includes multiple
insights, observations, and/or
examples. Answers all
reflection questions effectively,
following response length
guidelines.
Primarily demonstrates thoughtfu
reflection, but some responses lac
detail or insight. Answers all
reflection questions, primarily
following response length
guidelines.
Demonstrate
command of
standard English
grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, and
usage.
Think About
Your Writing (5
points)
Answer reflection
questions thoroughly
and thoughtfully.
C. Requirements
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Your essay revision should be 3-5 pages (approximately 800-1300
words), double-spaced, with one-inch margins.
Informative essay revision and topic selection guidelines must be
followed or your submission will not be graded.
Use a readable 12-point font.
Composition must be original and written for this assignment and all
writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
Use of generative chatbot artificial intelligence tools (ChatGPT, Bing
Chat, Bard) in place of original writing is strictly prohibited for this
assignment.
Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Submission should include your name, the name of the course, the date,
and the title of your revision.
Submission must include, in the following order: your revised informative
essay, your answers to the “Think About Your Writing” questions, and a
copy of your original informative draft essay (from Touchstone 2.2).
•
Include all of the assignment components in a single .doc or .docx file.
1
Extended Definition of Family
Joyce Nketiah
Sophia Online Learning
English Composition
January 4, 2024
2
Extended Definition of Family
The dictionary and society typically define the word “family” as a group of people
connected by blood, legal ties, sharing common living space as well as responsibilities.
Nonetheless, the extended definition of family expands beyond these traditional boundaries to
include a broader range of relationships, such as close friends, mentors, and many other
individuals. In this discussion, I will assert that assert that the concept of family should evolve
include different relationships that play an important role in providing love, support, and a sense
of belonging.
One unique example of the extended definition of family involves the idea of “chosen
family.” In traditional definitions, family is normally confined to biological connected people.
Nonetheless, in the expanded understanding, family can also include people whom we have deep
emotional connections as well as shared life experiences. For example, consider an individual
who has been exposed to rejection as a result of disparities in beliefs, values and so on. In such
scenario, their chosen family could be made up close friends. These are individuals who have
stood by providing unwavering support and love. They have also provided a sense of belonging.
These friends become like siblings and caregivers. In this regard, they fill the void left by the
absence of traditional family ties. Such example plays an important role in illustrating the
significance of emotional bonds and selected connections in the extended definition of family. It
showcases that family is not solely determined by blood or legal relationships. Rather, it also
shows that it is equally defined by the meaningful connections people forge with individuals who
become a vital part of their lives.
3
The other unique example of the extended definition of family relates to mentorship as
well as the concept of “mentor family.” In traditional definitions, family is connected to
immediate relatives. However, in the broader understanding, family is also observed in the
context of including people who play an important role in serving as mentors and guides.
For example, consider a youth who has been exposed to challenging circumstances with limited
familial support. Such person may have been introduced to a mentor, like a teacher who assisted
in their development. The mentor might have also provided guidance and emotional support over
the years. This mentor becomes a vital figure in the person’s life, likewise to a parent who plays
pivotal role in helping shape their values and ambitions. In such context, the mentor has become
a part of the individual’s extended family. This shows that family can extend beyond traditional
blood ties. By identifying that mentorship is an important element of the extended definition of
family, people highlight the significance of chosen relationships. They also outline the different
ways in which individuals are exposed to love and support. This ultimately leads to a more
inclusive understanding of family in the society.
Another significant example of the extended definition of family centers around online
communities and how they form what is called a “virtual family.” In traditional definitions,
family is normally limited to physical connections. On the contrary, in the modern world, the
internet has played pivotal role in creating deep and meaningful connections that surpass
geographical boundaries. For instance, for a person who faces the problem of a particular health
condition, online communities might expose the individual to solace and support. This might
enable them to connect with people who share the same experiences as well as understand their
struggles intimately. Over time, these virtual connections introduce them to emotional support
and companionship. This is similar to what one might find within a traditional family. In this
4
context, the online community members form a virtual family, where shared experiences and a
sense of belonging are the defining factors. By acknowledging that virtual communities validly
represent the family, individuals outline the evolving nature of family in the contemporary age.
They also outline the significance of identifying the diverse ways in which people can build
meaningful connections, even when separated by physical distance.
The other example revolves around the concept of workplace family. In this regard, the
expanded understanding identifies that the connections formed within a professional setting can
further play an essential role in fulfilling the criteria of family. This concept can mainly be
applied to coworkers who spend an important portion of their lives working together on projects
and so on. Over time, these workers may develop deep bonds of trust and care. In addition, they
may develop mutual understanding that go beyond mere professional interactions. They may
celebrate each other’s successes and provide emotional support when exposed to difficult times.
In such context, the workplace colleagues can form a “workplace family” that plays an
imperative role in exemplifying the extended definition of family. It highlights the idea that
family can emerge in unexpected places. This emphasizes the significance of emotional bonds
and selected connections as vital elements of family relationships. Through recognizing the
workplace as a potential source of family-like connections, people acknowledge the evolving
nature of relationships in the modern society. They also recognize different ways in which
people are exposed to love and a sense of belonging in their lives beyond the boundaries of
traditional family structures.
In summary, the key aspect which has been explored in this discussion is the family. The
exploration of the extended definition of family played an important role in revealing the how
the concept of family has been evolving in the modern society. Whereas traditional definitions
5
often focus on blood ties as well as legal connections, this discussion has demonstrated that
family includes many relationships. This includes mentor families, virtual communities as well
as workplace families. The common aspect is the depth of emotional bonds, support, and a sense
of belonging that play an important role in defining family. Therefore, by embracing such
expanded definition, people promote inclusivity. They also recognize that love and connection
can surpass conventional boundaries. This reminds people that in an increasingly diverse world,
family can take on many forms. Such can eventually enrich their lives via meaningful
connections.
Reflection Questions
Question 1
The significance of such essay lies in its ability in a bid for challenging as well as
broadening people understanding of the concept of family. Readers should care about such essay
given that it encourages them to have a more open-minded perspective. This fosters empathy and
recognition for the diverse ways people find love and support.
Question 2
I perceive that the organization and development of the body paragraphs could benefit
from some improvement. Whereas the examples provided are relevant and compelling,
reorganizing them could improve the essay’s flow. I struggled in a bid for finding unique
examples to support my extended definition of family. This problem was mainly witnessed
particularly when seeking different and compelling scenarios.
Question 3
One of the strengths of my writing in such draft was the ability to convey complex ideas
clearly and concisely. Nonetheless, I recognize a weakness in the organization of the body
6
paragraphs, as they could have been more seamlessly connected. To capitalize on my strengths, I
will continue to focus on clarity and conciseness in my future essays. To address the weakness in
organization, I will work on improving transitional element so that I can improve my essay’s
general flow.
32/40 that’s 80%
Based on the rubric, here’s how grader Michael White arrived at your
score.
Rubric Category
Image Analysis /
Extended Definition
(10 points)
Working Thesis (5
points)
Organization (5 points)
Style and Tone (5
point)
Points
7.5
3.9
3.9
3.9
Percentage
Result
25%
Acceptable (75%) – Prompt A: Includes
advertisement (e.g., layout, color schem
primarily on description; somewhat effec
and the likely impact and effectiveness o
nuanced word or concept adequately, b
discussion to explore the definition; only
or redefine the word in a new and uniqu
common knowledge without attempted c
Michael added: Good work writing this
of the writing on informing readers abou
traditional definition of “Success.” Essay
explains the definition but does not com
13%
Acceptable (75%) – Has an acceptable
or unfocused, or consist of more than on
Michael added: Nice set up to the essa
this topic. To improve, consider clarifyin
cover. Good start to a thesis. To strengt
and identify three distinguishing charact
allow you to better organize your essay
13%
Acceptable (75%) – Includes all of the r
introduction with a thesis; an adequate n
sentence; and a conclusion with a concl
ineffective; the sequence of sentences a
flow.
Michael added: Nice work organizing m
consider using topic sentences more co
statement.
13%
Acceptable (75%) – Demonstrates gene
choice, and/or repetitive sentence struct
tone that is appropriate for an informativ
personal observations.
Rubric Category
Points
Percentage
Result
Michael added: Good job remaining ob
consider avoiding argumentation or the
Focus (5 point)
3.6
12%
Acceptable (75%) – Details are predom
essay, though some details may be irrel
Michael added: Good focus for each b
ideas on track for this informative essay
family.” To strengthen, essay should foc
discuss how these elements support the
Conventions (5 point)
4.8
12%
Advanced (100%) – There are few, if an
capitalization, formatting, and usage.
Michael added: Impeccable editing for
12%
Advanced (100%) – Demonstrates thou
observations, and/or examples in all res
following or exceeding response length
Michael added: Thank you for your pe
Think About Your
Writing (5 point)
4.8
FEEDBACK:
This is a good start to an extended definition of “Family.” Your thesis should specifically state the m
points you intend to discuss in support of the main idea. Then, each of those three points should g
Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material,
help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a
Touchstone anytime, but you can’t submit it until you have completed the Unit’s
Challenges. Once you’ve submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward
your final course score.
Touchstone 4: Argumentative Essay
BEFORE YOU START
Consider revisiting the tutorial Supporting an Argumentative Thesis. Just like in
previous Touchstones, your stance needs to be stated in a thesis statement and
your evidence in body paragraphs should work to support your claim. For help
citing evidence in body paragraphs, revisit the tutorial Source and Quotation
Formatting in APA to learn how to quote and paraphrase sources using APA
style.
ASSIGNMENT: Write a 4-6 page (approximately 1000-1500 words)
argumentative essay arguing one side or stance of an academically appropriate
debate using the classical model supported by evidence and research. If the
writing exceeds the 1500 word maximum, it will be returned back for revision.
Sample Argumentative Essay
In order to foster learning and growth, all work you submit must be newly written
specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a
Plagiarism Detected alert. Review Touchstones: Academic Integrity
Guidelines for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert. For
guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and
Appropriate Use of AI.
CopyLeaks Originality Checker: All writing will be checked for originality. Ensure
that all references are credible and include page and paragraph numbers if the
source is longer than four pages. If a source cannot be accessed by a grader,
you might need to provide digital proof that you possess the source (for example,
a photo of the print book). Text from any third party source is prohibited, including
internet or chatbot searches, without proper APA-style citations. Focus on
developing your own ideas and use evidence sparingly to support your own
original claims, following the classical model of argumentation.
A. Directions
Step 1. Choose a Topic
Today, there are many different debates being had all around the world about topics
that affect our personal, professional, civic, and/or academic lives. Some of these
debates have been such hot topics for so long that it has become very difficult to add
to the conversation with new and original ideas or stances to take. To move beyond
this trend, we have created a list of topics that may not be written about for this
Touchstone. This includes example topics that are used in Unit 4. Feel free to access
a tutor if you would like support choosing a topic for this essay.
Please AVOID choosing any of the following topics:
• Abortion Rights
• Animal Testing (Unit 4 example)
• Climate Change (Unit 4 example)
• Belief in God(s) or Afterlife(s)
• Death Penalty / Capital Punishment
• Euthanasia / Assisted Suicide
• Fad Diets (e.g., Keto, etc.)
• Funding/Defunding Law Enforcement
• Immigration
• Legal Alcohol/Tobacco Age
• Legalization of Marijuana
• Legalization of Sex Work
• Paying Student Athletes
• Second Amendment Rights (i.e., Gun Control)
• Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health
• Universal Healthcare
• Vaccines
Choosing to write about any of the above topics will result in a non-passing
score.
Step 2. Write an Argumentative Essay
Remember the word “argument” does not mean a fight in a writing context. An
academic argument is more like a thoughtful conversation between two people with
differing viewpoints on a debatable issue. However, you are required to take a
position on one side of a debatable issue that is informed by academically
appropriate evidence.
For the purposes of this assignment, expressing or relying on your personal opinion
of a debate is discouraged. Rather, the essay must argue one side or stance of the
debate using the rhetorical appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos) and be supported by
academic or scholarly sources. These include physical sources in public libraries,
digital sources in academic libraries, online sources (excludes unreliable sources
like procon.org and wikipedia.org, which are discouraged), and published expert
reports, preferably peer-reviewed by experts in the field to maintain utmost
credibility. Consider revisiting the tutorial Finding Sources for more information
on appropriate sources for argumentative writing.
Your submission must include an APA style in-text citations and a reference page
following the essay. In your research, you will need at least 2 and no more than 4
credible primary or secondary sources to use as support in your essay.
•
All sources cited in the writing submitted must be locatable by a grader;
include hyperlinks to the sources in the reference page.
• The use of any source that requires payment for access is strictly
prohibited for this assignment.
• Avoid using sources that exceed 20 pages in length, as they may be
overly extensive for the purposes of this assignment.
• Including more than four sources may cause delays, and you might be
asked to provide additional evidence of the credibility for each source.
The following resources will be helpful to you as you work on this assignment:
1. Purdue Online Writing Lab’s APA Formatting and Style Guide
1. This site includes a comprehensive overview of APA style, as well as
individual pages with guidelines for specific citation types.
2. Frequently Asked Questions About APA Style
1. This page on the official APA website addresses common questions
related to APA formatting. The “References,” “Punctuation,” and
“Grammar and Writing Style” sections will be the most useful to your
work in this course.
3. APA Style: Quick Answers—References
1. This page on the official APA Style website provides numerous
examples of reference list formatting for various source types.
Step 3. Think About Your Writing
On a separate page, below your reference page, include thoughtful answers to the
Think About Your Writing questions. References and Think About Your Writing
questions are NOT included in the word count for this essay.
Below your reference page, include answers to all of the following reflection
questions.
1. What have you learned about how to present a strong argument? How
could/will you apply this knowledge in your professional or everyday life
(3-4 sentences)? Sophia says: Think about the specific skills and techniques
that you used while developing and writing your essay. What tools will you
take with you from this experience?
2. Consider the English Composition I course as a whole. What have you
learned about yourself as a writer (5-6 sentences)? Sophia says: What did
you learn that surprised you? Is there anything that you have struggled with
in the past that you now feel more confident about?
Step 4. Review Rubric and Checklist
Your composition and reflection will be scored according to the Touchstone 4
Rubric, which evaluates the argumentative topic and thesis statement, argument
development and support, organization, flow, research, style, use of conventions
(grammar, punctuation, etc.), and your answers to the “Think About your Writing”
questions above.
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your
Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
Argumentative Topic and Thesis Statement
❒ Have you included a thesis that takes a clear, specific position on one side of an
academically appropriate, debatable issue?
Argument Developme
