Q Instructions Midterm Exam Essay (250 points/25% of final grade) - Due Tuesday, June 14 by 11:59 pm ET. Instructions: Write an essay that answers this question: What was the cause of the American Civil War? Your interpretive analysis of this vital question must: 1. Have 1500-1700 words (5-7 double-spaced pages). 2. Use Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1-inch margins. 3. Follow the Chicago Manual of Style (Turabian is fine). 4. Include footnotes. 5. Reference at least two primary sources. 6. Reference at least three secondary sources. 7. Be submitted by Tuesday of Week Four at 11:59 PM EST. 8. Be free of errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling and syntax. 9. Definitively and effectively answer the question posed. 10. Defend against possible counter arguments. Grading Guidelines To earn an A: The student writes a strong, analytical essay that demonstrates a clear thesis and a solid understanding of the historical context, effective and consistent use of the minimum required primary and secondary sources. The essay offers an original interpretation. The structure and organization of the essay contributes to the effectiveness of the argument. Footnotes are used correctly; the bibliography is accurate; and any historical illustrations and maps used are relevant. Sentences are well-constructed, with clear transitions between paragraphs. Spelling and grammar are excellent. To earn a B: The student writes a clear thesis, however, the essay is more descriptive than analytical. The essay demonstrates an understanding of the historical context. The interpretation is not original, but clearly expressed. The essay shows a consistent and effective use of the minimum required primary and secondary sources. The organization is mostly logical, but could use improvement. Sources are generally correct and the historical illustrations and maps, if used, are accurate. The sentences and transitions are mostly well-constructed. Spelling and grammar may contain a few errors. To earn a C: The student’s thesis is only descriptive and the interpretation relies heavily on the works of others. There are errors in historical context. The essay incorporates the minimum or fewer of the required number of primary and secondary sources. The organization needs improving. Sentences are often unclear; word choice is often poor. There are errors in citations. Grammar, sentence structure, and spelling need improvement. To earn a D: The thesis is unclear and the essay simply describes events inaccurately. The essay evidences a lack of understanding of the historical context. The essay does not include the required minimum number of primary and secondary sources. The organization is poor; sentences are unclear; word choice is poor. Sources are used incorrectly. Grammar, sentence structure, and spelling are below standard. To earn an F: The essay lacks a thesis, shows no interpretation, and demonstrates a misunderstanding of the historical context. No primary sources are used. The essay relies solely on secondary sources. The organization is illogical; sentences are often unintelligible; and few, if any citations are given. The essay is missing a bibliography. Grammar, sentence structure, and spelling are far below standard. Further, papers not submitted will receive a zero, which is an F. ________________________________________