Introduction to Macroeconomics Paper 1
Choose one of the prompts below and write a 1400-word essay (just under 3 pages single spaced). This is a minimum word count, you may go over.
The final paper will be graded on two main domains, structure and content. See the grading rubric below for more detail on these two domains. A good paper will have a central argument, articulate evidence, and a graph or chart. I care less for the format and a specific style guideline.
As part of your final grade on this assignment you will need to submit an introduction/thesis and an outline prior to submitting the final paper. Each will count as 25% of your Paper 1 grade and the final paper will be 50% of the grade.
I encourage you to use outside sources, particularly from “think tanks” I will post links to some good ones on all ends of the political spectrum. Keep in mind that there might not be a lot of published work on your topic, but that’s ok, I will help you on identifying sources. Newspapers and news media, are generally not good sources. If you are comfortable with a style/citation guideline, I encourage you to use it, but you are not restricted. At the very least, use footnotes/endnotes and include a link to the source.
Introduction to Macroeconomics Paper 1
Essay Prompts:
Essay prompts that will be graded lightly:
For these prompts I will grade you a little more lightly on content, since we won’t have covered much of this by the time you start to put together your paper.
A | B | C – D | F | |
Structure · Organization · Flow of thought · Transition | · Logically organized. · Easily followed · Effective, smooth, and logical transitions. | · Paper has a clear organizational structure with some ambiguities. · Easily followed · Basic/structured transitions. | · Some level of organization though there are too many digressions, ambiguities, irrelevances. · Difficult to follow. · Rambling style and ineffective transition. | · No apparent organization. · Difficult to follow. · No or poor transitions. |
Content/Information · Clarity of purpose · Critical and original thought · Use of examples/graphs | · Central idea is well developed and clarity of purpose is exhibited. · Abundance of evidence critical, careful thought and analysis and/or insight. · Includes graphs, vivid and specific examples. | · Central idea and clarity of purpose are generally evident throughout the essay. · Evidence of critical, careful thought and analysis. · There are good, relevant examples and graphs. | · The central idea is expressed though it may be vague or too broad. Some sense of purpose is maintained. · Some evidence of critical, careful thought and analysis. | · Central idea and clarity of purpose are absent or incompletely expressed and maintained. · Little or no evidence of critical, careful thought or analysis. · No examples. |
Introduction to Macroeconomics Paper 1