Each paper presents you with a different rhetorical task or specific writing problem. The single most important component in terms of evaluating your paper is how well you meet the challenge of that task. For example, if the essay asks you to analyze the causes of a particular trend, and you analyze the effects instead, the paper will be unacceptable. Nor are they especially difficult. They do require considerable time and thought, however.
Good writing is as much about clear thinking as it is about anything else.
Rarely will such a hastily conceived and produced piece of writing be successful, especially when they require research. If you hope to make the most of this course and really improve as a writer, please allow yourself many hours of time to work on these assignments. Students who do invariably betray themselves in their writing and usually need to rewrite their papers. As in most things, it's better to invest the time and effort and do it right the first time. Follow the steps through the chapter.