Module 4 Essay Rubric
Development
of Ideas 50%
Poor
1 Points: 25%
Response fails to
discuss or
discusses in
vague terms
structural
mobility and life
chances.
Response fails to
take a position or
takes a position
on whether most
Americans can
achieve the
American Dream
but fails to
support this
position or
supports it only
vaguely.
Fair
2 Points: 50%
Response discusses
the terms structural
mobility and life
chances in a way
that is somewhat
accurate: Structural
mobility –
downward or
upward mobility
resulting from
changes in the
economy. Life
chances are shaped
by our class and
status and include
opportunities
pertaining to
education, income,
health,
employment, and
leisure. Response
may take a position
on whether most
Americans can
achieve the
American Dream
and somewhat
supports this
position using the
concepts of
structural mobility
and life chances.
Identifies that social
mobility occurs
more often within
classes than
between classes
and is more related
to structural issues
such as upward and
downward mobility
resulting from
Average
3 Points: 75%
Response discusses
the terms structural
mobility and life
chances in a way
that is mostly
accurate: Structural
mobility –
downward or
upward mobility
resulting from
changes in the
economy. Life
chances are shaped
by our class and
status and include
opportunities
pertaining to
education, income,
health,
employment, and
leisure. Response
takes a position on
whether most
Americans can
achieve the
American Dream
and persuasively
argues for this
position using the
concepts of
structural mobility
and life chances.
Identifies that social
mobility occurs
more often within
classes than
between classes
and is more related
to structural issues
such as upward and
downward mobility
resulting from
Exemplary
4 Points: 100%
Response
thoroughly and
accurately discusses
the terms structural
mobility and life
chances. Structural
mobility –
downward or
upward mobility
resulting from
changes in the
economy. Life
chances are shaped
by our class and
status and include
opportunities
pertaining to
education, income,
health,
employment, and
leisure. Response
takes a clear, strong
position on
whether most
Americans can
achieve the
American Dream
and very
persuasively argues
for this position
using the concepts
of structural
mobility and life
chances.
Identifies that social
mobility occurs
more often within
classes than
between classes
and is more related
to structural issues
such as upward and
Organization
10%
Response lacks a
clear sense of
direction.
Transitions are
lacking or do not
help the reader
follow the essay.
Both the
introduction and
conclusion are
minimal and/or
absent.
Conventions
10%
Demonstrates a
lack of control
over basic
conventions.
Response may
contain a large
number of errors
in grammar,
spelling,
punctuation,
and/or sentence
structure OR the
errors are severe.
Errors interfere
with the reader’s
understanding
OR the response
is minimal with a
density of
errors.
changes in the
economy. Life
chances are a
better predictor of
social mobility than
hard work and selfdetermination.
changes in the
economy. Life
chances are a
better predictor of
social mobility than
hard work and selfdetermination.
Organization is
skeletal or
otherwise limited,
which may detract
from the reader’s
ability to follow the
response. Some
simple or basic
transitions are
used, but they do
not necessarily
support the
response. May
contain a minimal
introduction and/or
conclusion.
Although basic
conventions may be
mostly controlled,
overall the
response
demonstrates
inconsistent control
over conventions.
Response may not
use a variety of
conventions (or
only basic
conventions may be
used.) Response
may contain a
substantial number
of errors in
grammar, spelling,
punctuation,
and/or sentence
construction. Some
errors interfere
Organization is
clear and
appropriate.
Transitions
appropriately
connect concepts.
May contain an
appropriate
introduction and/or
conclusion.
Demonstrates
adequate control
over a variety of
conventions.
Response may
contain some errors
in grammar,
spelling,
punctuation,
and/or sentence
construction. Most
errors do not
interfere with the
reader’s
understanding.
downward mobility
resulting from
changes in the
economy. Life
chances are a
better predictor of
social mobility than
hard work and selfdetermination.
Organization is
effective and
supports the logical
flow of the
response.
Transitions
effectively connect
concepts. May
contain an effective
introduction and/or
conclusion.
Demonstrates
sophistication and
skill with a wide
variety of
conventions.
Response may
contain minor
editing errors in
grammar, spelling,
punctuation, or
sentence
construction. Errors
do not interfere
with the reader’s
understanding.
Voice 10%
Focus and
Coherence
20%
Voice may be
lacking or
inappropriate.
Original word
choices may be
simplistic, vague,
inappropriate, or
incorrect.
Sentences may
be limited in
variety or be
comprised of
awkward
fragments or runons which
produce a halting
voice.
Response
provides no
significant
justification for
its conclusions.
Logic, examples,
and illustrative
language are
absent,
inconsistent,
and/or
ineffective.
References to
theories,
concepts, etc.
effectively
demonstrate no
more than a
weak grasp of
sociology.
with the reader’s
understanding.
Voice may be
artificial or uneven.
Word choice may
be correct for the
subject matter, but
original material be
limited or may
demonstrate a
limited vocabulary
range. Sentences
may be choppy,
rambling, or
repetitive in a way
that limits fluency.
Response provides
some justification
for its conclusions.
Some combination
of logic, examples,
and illustrative
language are
present but are
inconsistent or
somewhat
ineffective.
References to
theories, concepts,
etc. effectively
demonstrate a
partial
understanding of
sociology.
Voice is appropriate
and clear. Word
choice is
appropriate to the
subject matter and
functional.
Sentences are
appropriate and
varied, making the
response easy to
read.
Voice is
appropriately
authoritative
indicating a high
level of comfort
with the material.
Words used are
precise and wellchosen. Sentences
are varied and have
a natural fluidity.
Response justifies
its conclusions
through some
combination of
logic, examples,
and illustrative
language.
References to
theories, concepts,
etc. effectively
demonstrate a
good command of
sociology.
Response
persuasively
justifies its
conclusions through
logic, examples,
and illustrative
language.
References to
theories, concepts,
etc. effectively
demonstrate a
strong command of
sociology.
Module 4 Essay
The American Dream is the belief that prosperity and success are available to all Americans who work
hard and are self-determined. The American Dream was a catalyst for the rapid economic and social
development of the United States. Most Americans define the American Dream as earning a college
degree, owning their own home, taking vacations and experiencing upward social mobility. Due to
changes in social structures such as the economy and corporate America, some argue the American
Dream is no longer available to all Americans. On the other hand, others still believe anyone can climb
the social ladder and experience social mobility. Think about whether you agree or disagree with the
idea that social mobility is achievable for most Americans.
Write an essay expressing your opinion about social mobility and the American Dream. Be sure to
explain the sociological terms structural mobility and life chances in your response. Integrate these
terms and concepts to discuss whether the American Dream is achievable for most Americans.
Purchase answer to see full
attachment