The document provides instructions for students to work on their second essay. It asks students to post at least two paragraphs of their essay in their initial response, including their thesis statement. It also asks if students have any questions about using MLA style or need help with any part of writing the essay. For responses to other students' posts, it provides a checklist of questions for students to answer to provide feedback and suggestions in complete sentences.

1. Class, this week we are working on essay two! Let’s try to help
each other out. Here are the instructions.
(For the title of your initial post, use the topic you chose from
the song. Example: Terror on the Airlines)
Part 1 (Essay 2--Paragraphs)
First (in your initial response), post at least two paragraphs of
essay two. You may post any paragraphs you wish, but please
tell us which paragraphs they are and also be sure to include
your thesis statement at the top of your post if you are not
sharing paragraph one. Please put your thesis in
bold
. Also include at least one citation and one Works Cited entry
(with the entire URL--not just the doi).
Part 2 (MLA or Essay Help)
Do you have any questions about MLA usage thus far? Is there
anything troubling you about this essay? Do you need help in
any specific area? Did you find any aspect of this essay
(research, outlining, drafting, etc.) particularly stressful? If so,
let us help!
***
For your
student replies
, answer some or all of the checklist questions below (enough to
reach the required word counts, please). Please do NOT copy
and paste the questions into your post, but please do include the
numbers, so we will know to which questions you are

2. responding. Answer in complete sentences. An example is
below.
4. I do not see a transition word in your topic sentence for
paragraph two. Perhaps you could add “furthermore” at the
beginning of the sentence.
Here are the questions.
Is the thesis statement one concise sentence (i.e., a statement,
not a question)? Is it the last sentence of the introduction? Does
it contain three clear parts? What are the three topics that will
be discussed in this essay?
Does the topic sentence of each paragraph coordinate with the
thesis statement and in the correct order (i.e., the same order
they are presented in the thesis statement)?
Do the supporting details of each paragraph support that
particular topic sentence? Are there any sentences that do not
belong? Why do they not belong?
Did the author use transitions? Which words are transitions and
where are they used? Can you suggest any other transition
words that would work well in this essay?
Did the author use third person only and avoid first and second
person? See the Grammar Review if you need examples of each.
Did the author use contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t, won’t)? If so,
where do you see these words? You may suggest a revision, if
you wish.
Did the author write enough words per paragraph (at least 100)?
Did the author write approximately 5-7 well developed

3. sentences per paragraph?
Do you see any misspelled words or other grammatical
problems? Use your grammar review handout, a dictionary, or a
previously recommended site.
Did the author use signal phrases and in-text citations within
the essay? Example: Critic John Smith indicates that “quote
from article” (page number).
Are the sources listed in alphabetical order and in MLA style on
the Works Cited page? Which APUS library search engines
were used, and are they listed in italics?(Hint: Sources should
be listed in alphabetical order according to the author’s last
name. If the author is unknown, alphabetize by the first
important word in the title.)
The grading rubric for this forum is attached below.
Please understand that no single rubric can cover every issue.
Your instructor will adjust the scores on the rubric and
elaborate on the categories as needed. (For example, additional
points might be deducted if you do not respond to those who
have responded to your initial post.) Read your instructor's
comments very carefully for clarification
regarding each deduction. Click on "View Full Description" to
be sure you have met all other forum requirements.
This week's initial post will not be submitted through Turnitin
since your essay will be submitted through Turnitin under
Assignments.