Assessment Description
Rubric
Introduction
33 points
Criteria Description
Introduction
5. 5: Excellent
33 points
An introduction is thoroughly presented and vividly contextualizes the topic.
4. 4: Good
30.03 points
An introduction is present and adequately contextualizes the topic.
3. 3: Satisfactory
27.06 points
An introduction is presented, but does not contextualize the topic well.
2. 2: Less Than Satisfactory
24.09 points
An introduction is present, but incomplete or illogical.
1. 1: Unsatisfactory
0 points
An introduction is either missing or not evident to the reader.
Support of Common Themes
44 points
Criteria Description
Support of Common Themes
5. 5: Excellent
44 points
Support of common themes is thoroughly presented with rich detail.
4. 4: Good
40.04 points
Support of common themes is present and thorough.
3. 3: Satisfactory
36.08 points
Support of common themes is presented, but is cursory and lacking in depth.
2. 2: Less Than Satisfactory
32.12 points
Support of common themes is present, but inaccurate or illogical.
1. 1: Unsatisfactory
0 points
Support of common themes is either missing or not evident to the reader.
Discussion of Conclusions
33 points
Criteria Description
Discussion of Conclusions
5. 5: Excellent
33 points
A discussion of the conclusions is thoroughly presented including an overall summary of themes found in the articles and is strongly connected to the thesis statement.
4. 4: Good
30.03 points
A discussion of the conclusions is presented and includes an overall summary of themes found in the articles and reasonably connects to the thesis statement.
3. 3: Satisfactory
27.06 points
A discussion of the conclusions is presented, but it does not include an overall summary of themes found in the articles or does not connect well to the thesis statement.
2. 2: Less Than Satisfactory
24.09 points
A discussion of the conclusions is presented, but inaccurate or illogical.
1. 1: Unsatisfactory
0 points
A discussion of the conclusions is not presented.
Synthesis and Argument
66 points
Criteria Description
Synthesis and Argument
5. 5: Excellent
66 points
Synthesis of source information is present and scholarly. Argument is clear and convincing, presenting a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
4. 4: Good
60.06 points
Synthesis of source information is present and meaningful. Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.
3. 3: Satisfactory
54.12 points
Synthesis of source information is present, but pedantic. Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.
2. 2: Less Than Satisfactory
48.18 points
Synthesis of source information is attempted, but is not successful. Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.
1. 1: Unsatisfactory
0 points
No synthesis of source information is evident. Statement of purpose is not followed to a justifiable conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses non-credible sources.
Thesis Development and Purpose
22 points
Mechanics of Writing
11 points
Criteria Description
Mechanics of Writing
5. 5: Excellent
11 points
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
4. 4: Good
10.01 points
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used.
3. 3: Satisfactory
9.02 points
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.
2. 2: Less Than Satisfactory
8.03 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, and/or word choice are present.
1. 1: Unsatisfactory
0 points
Mechanical errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used.
APA Format
11 points
Criteria Description
APA Format
5. 5: Excellent
11 points
The document is correctly formatted. In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error.
4. 4: Good
10.01 points
Required format is used, but minor errors are present (e.g. headings and direct quotes). Reference page is present and includes all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is usually correct.
3. 3: Satisfactory
9.02 points
Required format is generally correct. However, errors are present (e.g. font, cover page, margins, and in-text citations). Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented though some errors are present.
2. 2: Less Than Satisfactory
8.03 points
Required format elements are missing or incorrect. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. Reference page is present. However, in-text citations are inconsistently used.
1. 1: Unsatisfactory
0 points
Required format is rarely followed correctly. No reference page is included. No in-text citations are used.