Here are some suggestions of what make's a successful FoundSF entry, according to their directors. (From FoundSF document)
The piece contains:
How to Create an Abstract for your Piece: (from FoundSF document)
Many entries in Foundsf are over 5 paragraphs long, sometimes much longer. We recognize that someone coming to these long entries might want to have a summary of what the article contains. For the abstract, please compose a 2-3 sentence (ideally around 130 words) blurb summarizing the article. We are looking for broad themes that invite the reader in to learn more about the piece. A couple tips: Please do not begin the abstract with, "This article says...", instead simply quickly summarize what the article has to say. Please also do not include commentary (whether yours or that of the author), but rather try to get at the heart of the topics covered in the piece without too much detail.
Write for a public audience that includes your peers
Exceeds Expectations | Meets Expectations | Needs improvement | |
---|---|---|---|
Thesis (6 pts) | Your post includes a concise argument that is within the topics assigned. It is thoughtful, specific, and provable. You state your thesis in or near the introduction of your post and reference it, directly or indirectly, throughout the post. | Includes a thesis statement that addresses the topics posed by the assignment, and it is in or near the introduction of your post, but your thesis |
Your thesis… |
Content, support and organization (6 pts) | You support your argument with specific and relevant examples and excellent analysis. Your paper has a logical organization, transitions between paragraphs, and a thoughtful introduction & conclusion. | You support your argument with specific examples and adequate analysis, but your paper…
|
Your paper…
|
Critical Edge / Innovation (6 pts) | Your paper has a “critical edge,” meaning that you pay attention to complexity, contradictions, and nuance. You challenge taken-for-granted assumptions, shed new light on old topics, and/or explore alternative viewpoints. | Your paper notes some complexity, contradictions, and nuance, but could move to the next level by challenging taken-for-granted assumptions, shedding new light on old topics, or exploring alternative viewpoints. | Your paper lacks attention to complexity, contradictions, and nuance, and instead focuses on a single perspective and/or generalizations. |
Use of sources (6 pts) | Your paper provides appropriate and thorough citations for all your sources. Your paper includes at least (if not more than) the required quantity of sources and makes excellent use of these sources in the paper. | Your paper uses the appropriate number of sources and generally cites them accurately, but your paper…
|
Your paper…
|
Professionalism and Style(6 points) | Your post follows the basic rules for clear writing. Your paper is thoroughly proofread, and is well-written in an appropriately professional tone using crisp language, vivid descriptions, active verbs, and unique phrases. Your personality is apparent in your writing. Your post meets all requirements (length, etc.). | Your post generally follows the basic rules for clear writing and is generally well-written, but it has a few proofreading errors . The tone is appropriately professional. Your post meets all or most requirements (length, etc.). Please pay attention to your use of A) unnecessary words / B) passive voice and/or C) unclear language. Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your writing. | Your post would be stronger if you invested more time in proofreading and revisions. You may be writing in too informal of a tone. Your post may not have met all of the requirements (length, etc.). Please pay attention to your use of A) unnecessary words / B) passive voice and/or C) unclear language. |