CATEGORY | Unacceptable (Below Standards) | Acceptable (Meets Standards) | Good (Occasionally Exceeds) | Excellent (Exceeds Standards) | SCORE |
Introduction | Does not
adequately convey topic. Does not describe subtopics to be reviewed. Lacks adequate theses statement. |
Conveys topic, but not key question(s). Describes subtopics to be reviewed. General theses statement. | Conveys topic and key question(s). Clearly delineates subtopics to be reviewed. General thesis statement. | Strong introduction of topic’s key question(s), terms. Clearly delineates subtopics to be reviewed. Specific thesis statement. | 5 points |
Focus & Sequencing | Little evidence material is logically organized into topic, subtopics or related to topic. Many transitions are unclear or nonexistent. | Most material clearly related to subtopic, main topic. Material may not be organized within subtopics. Attempts to provide variety of transitions | All material clearly related to subtopic, main topic and logically organized within subtopics. Clear, varied transitions linking subtopics, and main topic. | All material clearly related to subtopic, main topic. Strong organization and integration of material within subtopics. Strong transitions linking subtopics, and main topic. | 15 points |
Support | Few sources supporting thesis. Sources insignificant or unsubstantiated. | Sources generally acceptable but not peer-reviewed research (evidence) based. | Sources well selected to support thesis with some research in support of thesis. | Strong peer- reviewed research based support for thesis.2 articles | 15 points |
Conclusion | Does not summarize evidence with respect to thesis statement.
Does not discuss the impact of researched material on topic. |
Review of key conclusions. Some integration with thesis statement. Discusses impact of researched material on topic. | Strong review of key conclusions. Strong integration with thesis statement. Discusses impact of researched material on topic. | Strong review of key conclusions. Strong integration with thesis statement. Insightful discussion of impact of the researched material on topic. | 5 points |
Grammar & Mechanics | Grammatical errors or spelling & punctuation substantially detract from the paper. | Very few grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors interfere with reading the paper. | Grammatical errors or spelling & punctuation are rare and do not detract from the paper. | The paper is free of grammatical errors and spelling & punctuation. | 20 points |
APA Style & Communication | Errors in APA style detract substantially from the paper.
Word choice is informal in tone. Writing is choppy, with many awkward or unclear passages. |
Errors in APA style are noticeable. Word choice occasionally informal in tone. Writing has a few awkward or unclear passages. | Rare errors in APA style that do not detract from the paper. Scholarly style. Writing has minimal awkward of unclear passages. | No errors in APA style. Scholarly style. Writing is flowing and easy to follow. | 20 points |
Citations & References | Reference and citation errors detract significantly from paper. |