Top of Form Bottom of Form Persuasive Essay: Peer Review Worksheet Part of your responsibility as a student in this course is to provide quality feedback to your peers to help them improve their writing skills. This worksheet will assist you in providing that feedback. Submit this review as an attachment to both your instructor within the assignment bin and into your reply to your peer’s post containing the assigned draft. Name of the Draft’s Author: Name of the Peer Reviewer: Summary After reading through the draft one time, write a summary (3–5 sentences) of the paper. This should include the stance and the three sub-topics used to support the position within the essay. Do not place your own critique of the essay within this space. Evaluate the Essay After a second, closer reading of the draft, evaluate the essay using the Persuasive Essay: Final Draft rubric below. Determine the level of achievement appropriate for each assignment criteria. (Level of achievement ranges from Unsatisfactory to Excellent and are found at the top of the rubric. Assignment criteria are found in the left column of the rubric.). Please use the highlighting tool to score your peer within each criteria. Then use the right hand side of the rubric to include a rationale with evidence and examples for the score. Topic 7 Rubric: Persuasive Essay: Final Draft Criteria 1 Unsatisfactory 2 Less Than Satisfactory 3 Satisfactory 4 Good 5 Excellent Why was this score determined for your peer’s essay? What evidence/examples do you have for this score? % Scaling 0% 65% 75% 85% 100% Content – 70% Objective Perspective and Position Addresses a single source or view of the argument and fails to clarify presented position relative to one’s own. Appropriately identifies one’s own position on the topic. Vague explanation of the position is given. Little reference to specific issues related to the topic is made. Position completely appeals to emotion instead of reason. Appropriately identifies one’s position on the topic. Explains the position taken in a coherent way. Sound reference to specific issues related to the topic is made. Position mostly appeals to emotion instead of reason. Formulates a clear and precise point of view of the topic. Clearly explains the position taken. Sound and detailed reference to specific issues related to the topic is made. Position appeals mostly to reason. Formulates a clear and precise point of view of the topic. Comprehensively explains the position taken. Specific issues related to the topic are fully presented in great detail. Position appeals to reason. Rationale for score: Word Count Word count is less than half the minimum or more than double the maximum. Body of essay is more than 100 words over or under the word count. Body of essay is more than 50 but less than 100 words over or under the word count. Body of essay is over or under the word count by 50 words or less. Within the appropriate word count. Ra ...

1. Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Persuasive Essay: Peer Review Worksheet
Part of your responsibility as a student in this course is to
provide quality feedback to your peers to help them improve
their writing skills. This worksheet will assist you in providing
that feedback. Submit this review as an attachment to both your
instructor within the assignment bin and into your reply to your
peer’s post containing the assigned draft.
Name of the Draft’s Author:
Name of the Peer Reviewer:
Summary
After reading through the draft one time, write a summary (3–5
sentences) of the paper. This should include the stance and the
three sub-topics used to support the position within the essay.
Do not place your own critique of the essay within this space.
Evaluate the Essay

2. After a second, closer reading of the draft, evaluate the essay
using the Persuasive Essay: Final Draft rubric below. Determine
the level of achievement appropriate for each assignment
criteria. (Level of achievement ranges from Unsatisfactory to
Excellent and are found at the top of the rubric. Assignment
criteria are found in the left column of the rubric.). Please use
the highlighting tool to score your peer within each criteria.
Then use the right hand side of the rubric to include a rationale
with evidence and examples for the score.
Topic 7 Rubric: Persuasive Essay: Final Draft
Criteria
1
Unsatisfactory
2
Less Than Satisfactory
3
Satisfactory
4
Good
5
Excellent
Why was this score determined for your peer’s essay? What
evidence/examples do you have for this score?
% Scaling
0%
65%
75%
85%
100%

3. Content – 70%
Objective Perspective and Position
Addresses a single source or view of the argument and fails to
clarify presented position relative to one’s own.
Appropriately identifies one’s own position on the topic. Vague
explanation of the position is given. Little reference to specific
issues related to the topic is made. Position completely appeals
to emotion instead of reason.
Appropriately identifies one’s position on the topic. Explains
the position taken in a coherent way. Sound reference to
specific issues related to the topic is made. Position mostly
appeals to emotion instead of reason.
Formulates a clear and precise point of view of the topic.
Clearly explains the position taken. Sound and detailed
reference to specific issues related to the topic is made. Position
appeals mostly to reason.
Formulates a clear and precise point of view of the topic.
Comprehensively explains the position taken. Specific issues
related to the topic are fully presented in great detail. Position
appeals to reason.
Rationale for score:
Word Count
Word count is less than half the minimum or more than double
the maximum.
Body of essay is more than 100 words over or under the word
count.
Body of essay is more than 50 but less than 100 words over or
under the word count.
Body of essay is over or under the word count by 50 words or
less.

4. Within the appropriate word count.
Rationale for score:
Argues to persuade
No real persuasive argument is made. No outside sources are
used.
Presents a vague argument relative to the topic and presents no
evidence to support the argument. Fewer than three outside
sources are used. No Peer Reviewed sources used.
Presents an argument relative to the topic and presents minimal
evidence to support the argument. Not all evidence is relevant
to the argument. At least three outside sources are used with at
least one peer-reviewed journal article.
Presents an argument relative to the topic and presents key
evidence to support the argument through a synthesis of
paraphrased and quoted material. Three sources are used. At
least two peer reviewed journal articles are used.
Presents an argument relative to the topic and presents key
evidence to support the argument through a synthesis of
paraphrased research. Identifies not only the main issues, but
also the embedded, implicit, or unspoken aspects of the topic.
At least three peer reviewed journal articles are used. Direct
quotes are minimal.
Rationale for score:
Adheres to principles of critical thinking
Manage emotions and avoid fallacies.
Logical reasoning is used within arguments
Upholds persuasive tone rather than manipulative
Acknowledge other perspectives and evaluate assumptions about
the topic.
Fails to adhere to almost all principles of critical thinking.
Adheres to few principles of critical thinking.
Adheres to some principles of critical thinking on a surface

5. level.
Adheres to many principles of critical thinking. Use of the
principles is clear to see.
Adheres to most of the principles of critical thinking. Attempts
to incorporate each one in a logical and fluid way
Rationale for score:
Organization and Effectiveness – 25%
Thesis Development and Purpose
Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.
Thesis is not stated in the conclusion.
Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or
vague; purpose is not clear. Thesis is not stated in the
conclusion.
Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to
purpose. Thesis is not stated in the conclusion.
Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development
of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments
and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis is stated within the
concluding paragraph
Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive; contained within
the thesis is the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes
the purpose of the paper clear. Thesis is clearly restated in the
conclusion.
Rationale for score:
Paragraph Development and Transitions
Paragraphs and transitions consistently lack unity and
coherence. No apparent connections between paragraphs are
established. Transitions are inappropriate to purpose and scope.

6. Organization is disjointed.
Some paragraphs and transitions may lack logical progression of
ideas, unity, coherence, and/or cohesiveness. Some degree of
organization is evident.
Paragraphs are generally competent, but ideas may show some
inconsistency in organization and/or in their relationships to
each other.
A logical progression of ideas between paragraphs is apparent.
Paragraphs exhibit a unity, coherence, and cohesiveness. Topic
sentences and concluding remarks are appropriate to purpose.
There is a sophisticated construction of paragraphs and
transitions. Includes topic sentences that are persuasive and
align with thesis statement. Includes details and rationale that
support the main points of each supporting paragraph. Ideas
progress and relate to each other. Paragraph and transition
construction guide the reader. Paragraph structure is seamless
with transition between paragraphs
Rationale for score:
Mechanics of Writing
(includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede
communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or
sentence construction are used.
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader.
Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence
structure, and/or word choice are present. Essay is primarily
written in first and second person
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly
distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and
audience-appropriate language are used. Essay is written with
third person voice with some instances of first or second person.
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may
be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective

7. figures of speech are used. Essay is mostly written with third
person voice.
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic
English. Essay is written with third person voice.
Rationale for score:
Format – 5%
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and
assignment)
GCU template is not used appropriately or documentation
format is rarely followed correctly.
GCU template is used, but some elements are missing or
mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent.
GCU template is used, and formatting is correct, although some
minor errors may be present.
GCU template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in
formatting style.
All format elements are correct.
Rationale for score:
Research Citations
(In-text citations for paraphrasing and direct quotes, and
reference page listing and formatting, as appropriate to
assignment and style)
No reference page is included. No citations are used.
Reference page is present. Citations are inconsistently used.
Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper.
Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors
may be present.
Reference page is present and fully inclusive of all cited
sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is

8. usually correct.
In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct.
The documentation of cited sources is free of error.
Rationale for score:
Overall Feedback
Feedback to your peer should be objective and useful.
Three strengths of the paper are:
1)
2)
3)
Three things that could be improved are:
1)
2)
3)
© 2016. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
Article Analysis and Evaluation of Research Ethics
Article Citation and Permalink
(APA format)
Article 1
Point

9. Description
Broad Topic Area/Title
Problem Statement
(What is the problem research is addressing?)
Purpose Statement
(What is the purpose of the study?)
Research Questions
(What questions does the research seek to answer?)
Define Hypothesis
(Or state the correct hypothesis based upon variables used)
Identify Dependent and Independent Variables and Type of Data
for the Variables
Population of Interest for Study
Sample
Sampling Method
Identify Data Collection
Identify how data were collected
Summarize Data Collection Approach
Discuss Data Analysis
Include what types of statistical tests were used for the
variables.
Summarize Results of Study
Summary of Assumptions and Limitations

10. Identify the assumptions and limitations from the article.
Report other potential assumptions and limitations of your
review not listed by the author.
Ethical Considerations
Evaluate the article and identify potential ethical considerations
that may have occurred when sampling, collecting data,
analyzing data, or publishing results. Summarize your findings
below in 250-500 words. Provide rationale and support for your
evaluation.
© 2019. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
3
Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized
Drugs use has recently spiked within the last decade as a long-
time prohibited drug, marijuana, has recently been legalized and
used in addition to other intoxicating substances contributing to
the drug use epidemic. As this recreational drug becomes
frequently used throughout the United States the new generation
of children will now also face the temptation of this drug along
with other legalized drugs. With the current epidemic of drug
use and health issues the legalization of marijuana should be
reviewed on thorough health level as other drugs are reviewed
by the Food and Drug Administration. Marijuana use and
respiratory issues, increased traffic accidents, increased drug
use among teenagers. Marijuana should remain illegal because it
brings on long-term health problems, increased traffic accident
due cognitive impairment and its use can lead to addictive drug
behaviors among teenagers.
Lung disease and cancer have taken the lives of many

11. Americans, recent studies have now included the use of
marijuana linked to these life terminating health issues,
therefore marijuana should be illegal. Some of the recent
studies that have been done by Academic Medical Centers
around the country including clinical oncology trials on long
term health problems include lung cancer and related
respiratory issues. Studies conducted by the University of
California, Los Angeles, “showed, overexpression in marijuana
users of Ki-67 (a cell proliferation marker), epidermal growth
factor receptor, and p53 a gene suggesting a biologic basis for
increased risk of lung cancer” (Weiss, P. A. 2008). Since
studies found that heavy marijuana use throughout early
adulthood leads to harmful health concerns. Also, with
recreational marijuana legalization, this can cause more worry
to individuals who use marijuana at an early age increasing
their risk for mental and physical health problems such as
anxiety, depression, and over all substance abuse. Unlike
cigarettes which contain nicotine, the addictive substance in
marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The smoke produced
by burnt marijuana contains many substances which are also
present in cigarette smoke (Grzywa-Celińska1, 2019). With the
addictive behavior now seen frequently within teenagers, recent
surveys of traffic accidents have been connected with teenagers
being under the influence of marijuana.
Marijuana in addition to carrying 50 percent more benzoprene
and 75 percent more benzanthracene than an actual cigarette
may have increased the chances for lung cancer within the adult
years, the contents within marijuana have impaired judgment of
young drivers. Being under the influence of marijuana affects
the reactive parts of the brain therefore the reaction time of a
human can be up to 90 seconds delayed, this significant within a
person that is conducting a vehicle. Recently the state of
Washington and Colorado released a High Patrol reporting
stating the following, “subsequent changes in motor vehicle
crash fatality rates in the first 3 years after recreational
marijuana legalization” (Aydelotte, J. D., Brown, 2017). In

12. addition to delayed reaction on a person on the under the
influence of marijuana the cognitive behavior also demonstrates
the sedative effect on the body where it can lead to falling
asleep behind the wheel of an automobile leading to deadly
accidents. Legalization of marijuana has affected the toll
numbers of car crashes throughout the last five years adding an
additional 12% to the total crash accidents under the influence
of any type of drug. Furthermore, as legalization of marijuana
continues throughout the United States many issues as described
with car crashes will be seen as some of these events have
already been seen and analyzed for root causes.
The amount of marijuana is now easily accessible to teens just
as alcohol has been for many years creating a drug addiction
epidemic. As the teenage lung develops, the exposure to
marijuana smoke and use of marijuana has shown inflammation
within the airway of the lungs.
The reports from the FDA have also connected several
marijuana vaping teenagers to recent deaths, however the
addictive behavior has now been seen with middle school
students that have used vaping tools to help mask the smell of
marijuana on campus. Teenagers addictive behaviors with the
legalization of marijuana also have led to the exposure of other
drugs with similar psychedelic affects leading to adulthood
problems. In addition, as stated within an Epidemiology article,
“With the addictive behavior now seen frequently within
teenagers, recent surveys of traffic accidents have been
connected with teenagers being under the influence of
marijuana” ( Novak, 2015).
Although many debate over the legalization of marijuana within
the United States many have failed to research the facts and
details of this recreational drug. Smoking marijuana has led to
lung cancer, Teenagers have increased their drug abuse due to
marijuana, and more importantly Marijuana effects have
impaired those conducting vehicles leading to increase in car
crashes. As other drugs are legal within the United States, the

13. country already faces a strong drug addiction epidemic, and
with the legalization of highly abused drug, the known effects
of the drug continue to affect and take lives away every year.
Therefore the legalization of Marijuana should not be
implemented within the United States.
References
Anna Grzywa-Celińska, Izabella Drogoń, Justyna Emeryk-
Maksymiuk, Izabela Chmielewska, & Janusz Milanowski.
(2019). Not only cigarettes – other culprits of lung cancer.
Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 4, 661.
https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.26444/aaem/109688
Aydelotte, J. D., Brown, L. H., Luftman, K. M., Mardock, A. L.,
Teixeira, P. G. R., Coopwood, B., & Brown, C. V. R. (2017).
Crash Fatality Rates After Recreational Marijuana Legalization
in Washington and Colorado. American Journal of Public
Health, 107(8), 1329–1331. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.303848
Novak, S. P., Peiper, N. C., & Zarkin, G. A. (2016).
Nonmedical prescription pain reliever and alcohol consumption
among cannabis users. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 159,
101–108. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.11.039
Weiss, P. A. (2008). Does Smoking Marijuana Contribute to the
Risk of Developing Lung Cancer? Clinical Journal of Oncology
Nursing, 12(3), 517–519. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1188/08.CJON.517-519