University of Virginia



M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction OnlineWriting Sample Requirement for Admissions An alternative to the GRE for admission to the Online Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. is the submission of transcripts for two program-required courses indicating a B or better grade and a writing sample. The writing sample is designed for you to demonstrate your ability to work in an academic graduate program. The writing sample is a 3-4 page essay that discusses your position on an issue in one of the following areas (1) Curriculum and Instruction; (2) Instructional Technology; (3) Reading; (4) Gifted Education; or (5) English Language Learners. You may choose any idea that you want to explore in the essay as long as it fits under one of these categories. The writing sample must comply with all specifications including the requirement that this be your own original work. You may adapt your sample essay from work that you have already written. Remember however that submitted a sample that does not follow the specifications and requirements will not result in admission. The writing sample should clearly espouse a point of view about a current issue. You must support your viewpoint with appropriate vocabulary, details, and sources. Your essay will be evaluated with the following rubric and your adherence to the listed specifications.Writing Sample SpecificationsAPA style (6th edition): typed, double-spaced, 8.5 x 11 paper, 1 inch margins on all sides, 12 point Times New Roman font.Title pageNo abstractIn-text citations (minimum of four)Reference list (minimum of three)Writing Sample RubricApplicants must score above a 2.0 on each of the criteria for admissionCriteria3 Exceeds Expectations2 Meets Expectations1 Needs Improvement0 InadequateStructure/OrganizationEngaging introduction Main idea and overview of paper providedA significant and compelling position is presentedArgument is easily followedEffective, smooth transitionsA strong conclusion Introduction clearly states main idea and provides an overviewA clearly articulated position is presented and easily followedSome ambiguities and /or irrelevancies observedBasic transitionsA conclusion is includedIntroduction states main idea, may lack detailsIneffective transitionsDifficult to follow; some ramblingA conclusion is includedNo apparent organizationDifficult to followRandom collection of information with no clear introduction, structure, or conclusionGrammar/MechanicsWell-constructed and complex sentences with varied structure and lengthNo errors in grammar, mechanics, or spellingMost sentences well constructed and complexA few errors in grammar, mechanics, and spelling but the errors do not impede understandingCompound sentencesToo many grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling errorsSimple sentencesExcessive grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling errorsLanguageSophisticated and accurate vocabularyVivid words and phrasesSubject specific vocabulary used to good effectClear, consistent, and appropriate tone throughoutVaried, accurate, and specific vocabularyVivid words and phrasesSubject specific vocabulary used correctlyClear, consistent, and appropriate tone used through most of the essayVocabulary used simply and appropriatelyWriting lacks varietyInfrequent or inaccurate use of subject specific vocabularyWriter’s tone appropriate for taskUnsophisticated and/or inaccurate vocabularyLittle or no use of subject specific vocabularyRiddled with jargon and trite commentsContent/InformationWell developed, appropriate main idea representing strong critical thinkingTight and consistent viewpoint Abundant and accurate supporting evidenceAccurate, appropriate citations Developed appropriate main ideaConsistent viewpointEvidence of critical thinkingAccurate and detailed supporting evidenceAppropriate citations with some style errorsCentral idea vague or too broadA sense of purpose throughoutSome evidence of critical thinkingFew examples, citations, and/or some errors in citation styleCentral idea is inaccurate, lacks clarity, or is absentLittle evidence of critical thoughtTo few details, examples, and citationsInaccurate citation style ................
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