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I believe that our humanity is defined by our priorities. We all consider different parts of our lives more important that others; our happiness, the happiness of those close to us, or the well being of people who are having a difficult time meeting even the basic needs of survival. I agree with Chris Abani when he says "There is no way for us to be human without other people." Who and what we put first in our lives is the defining aspect of humanity that differs one person from another. Whether you need to walk hundreds of miles to get water, or are simply getting on a bus, your humanity is in play. Would you share the water? Would you give up your seat? That is humanity. revised Total 16.5/18
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 * Introduction (Organization) ||  The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the discussion/blog. || The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the discussion/blog, but is not particularly inviting to the reader. || The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the discussion/blog nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. || There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the discussion/blog. ||
 * Word Choice || Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. || W riter uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. || Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. || Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 11pt;">Accuracy of Facts (Content) || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">All supportive facts are reported accurately. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> Almost all supportive facts are reported accurately. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Most supportive facts are reported accurately. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">NO facts are reported OR most are inaccurately reported. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 11pt;">Sources (Content) || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 11pt;">Grammar & Spelling (Conventions) || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.  || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 11pt;">Focus on Topic (Content) || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 11pt;">Sentence Length (Sentence Fluency) || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> Every paragraph has sentences that vary in length. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Almost all paragraphs have sentences that vary in length. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Some sentences vary in length. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Sentences rarely vary in length. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 11pt;">Transitions (Organization) || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Transitions clearly show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">Some transitions work well; but connections between other ideas are fuzzy. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">The transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistant. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 11pt;">Conclusion (Organization) || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"> The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at." || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends. || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,verdana,tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">There is no clear conclusion, the discussion/blog just ends. ||