This document provides feedback on a student's pre-research map for an assignment. It evaluates the student's map based on several criteria using a yes, somewhat, no scale. Areas for improvement include searching more sources, including more terms and concepts from sources, and refining the topic to be more focused and researchable. The feedback provides next steps for the student to do additional search, revise their map, or potentially change topics before conferencing with instructors.

1. Element/Criteria Yes Somewhat No or
Unclear
You have shown evidence of searching
at least three sources
You have searched at least one
database
Your map is organized by source and
vocabulary/concepts/ideas related to
your search terms
You seem to have included sufficient
details with the
vocabulary/concepts/ideas (at least 3-4
solid ones per source)
 Try to focus on noting terms,
vocabulary, concepts instead
of facts to help you open up
and expand your search
 You may need to flesh out
more terms/concepts/voc.
from some sources.
You included a running list of search
terms (we’re looking for at least three
but encourage you to aim for 5-7)
Items for Revision and/or Further Action
Status Next Action Steps for Search and
Reflection for You
Your topic is focused and moving in the right
direction though it may need some additional
refinement. However, you are ready to move
forward with more search to help you craft a
revised thesis.
 MOVE FORWARD WITH ADDITIONAL
SEARCH AS WE PREPARE TO
REVISE THESIS STATEMENTS.
It looks like you may need to search more
sources and/or record more terms/concepts as
well as possibly try additional search terms to
get to a topic that is more focused and/or
researchable in order to make an argument that
your topic is or is not sustainable.
 DO ADDITIONAL SEARCH AND
COMPLETE or REVISE YOUR
PRESEARCH MAP;
 WE WILL CONFERENCE WITH YOU
DURING CLASS on Thursday and
Friday.
Your pre-search map doesn't reflect the level of
work/depth we expected today. Consequently,
your topic feels broad or not researchable
based on what we are seeing. More work is
needed for us to see if you are onto a focused
topic that you can develop for the paper.
 You will need to do additional pre-
search and resubmit or consider
changing topics and doing a new pre-
search map, please. WE WILL
CONFERENCE WITH YOU DURING
CLASS on Thursday and Friday
Name:____________________________________
Period: ___________________________________
Working Topic: ______________________________