Rubric for Brain Development Essay
(Length is at least 2 FULL pages to three full pages.)

Introductory paragraphs

·         Set the hook

·         Narrow the focus/provide needed background info

·         Clearly state the thesis

o   A thesis statement is NOT an announcement of intention

o   States the subject matter

o   Is unified

o   Clearly indicates the writer’s opinion

o   Contain the “key words” if possible

Body paragraph 1

• Documented paragraph summarizing the NHLP from Chapter 1
• Includes parenthetical citation at the end. It looks like this: (Zadina et al).
• States what each stage of the process is and what it means (a sentence or two explaining each stage)
• It is well edited  

Body paragraph 2

• Describes the biological process of learning (i.e., synaptic firing, which causes dendrite growth; the fuel for synaptic firing, etc.). It should contain biological terms such as endorphins, norepinephrine, synaptic gap, dendrites, axon, electrical-chemical impulse, and of course synaptic firing. Must be clear about how emotions affect synaptic firing.
• Begins with a good transition, which connects the topic of body paragraph 2 to the topic of body paragraph 1
• It is well edited

Body paragraph 3

• Begins with a good transition, which connects the topic of body paragraph 3 to the topic of body paragraphs 2 and 1
• Application of readings to personal goals: The third body describes a specific time when stress prevented you from achieving an academc success, focussing on the role that endorphins, noradrenaline and emotions played on the situation.
• It is well edited

Concluding paragraph

• Will describe what you will do differently in a similar learning situation now that you know that stress prevents learning or recall from taking place and WHY it prevents successful learning and recall.

Works cited section: Copy and paste from below into your essay, but use the hanging indent format.

Works Cited

The whole essay is spell-checked, grammar-checked, proofread, edited, ready for grading

• Use this page: Revision and Editing Checklist from the Guide to Grammar and Writing

Return to Communicating as a Pofessional essay lesson plan

Return to Mr. D's index page