Before you panic - I am VERY open-minded. If it is clear to me that you know and believe what you are arguing, you will receive a decent grade whether I agree or not.
You can view a simple example of a 5-paragraph essay here.
Grades are calculated based on the following four factors:
If anyone is interested in a marked-up copy of their essay, complete with my grammatical suggestions, send me an email.
Content Up to 50 points are awarded based on how well I felt you researched your subject. Style Up to 50 points are awarded based on how well the 5-paragraph format was followed, and how well you supported your argument. Spelling 1 point is deducted for each spelling error. Naturally, I ignore any valid names or abbreviations that, for some strange reason, are not in my dictionary. Microsoft Word 2000 is used in evaluating spelling errors. Grammar 1 point is deducted for each grammar error. Microsoft Word 2000 and my own good sense are used in evaluating grammar errors.