Grading Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Critical Analysis presentation of argument, thesis statement

20 to >16.0 pts A paper demonstrates mastery of course concepts and materials thesis presents a clear, focused and compelling argument

16 to >12.0 pts B paper responds appropriately to assignment, demonstrates clear understanding of course concepts and materials; good argument, clearly articulated in thesis, though might need to be refined begins to acknowledge complexities of argument

12 to >8.0 pts C paper doesn't full respond to the assignment, demonstrates some misunderstanding of course concepts and materials; has weak arguments, thesis is too general; fails to acknowledge other points of view

8 to >4.0 pts D paper does not respond appropriately to the assignment; disconnected from course concepts and materials; argument is unclear, thesis is weak; thesis is too vague or general, lacks nuance

4 to >0 pts F paper does not respond to the assignment displays no familiarity 20 pts with course concepts no identifiable thesis or argument

Evidence

20 to >16.0 pts A paper argument is supported by strong, specific and appropriate evidence evidence is introduced clearly, analyzed and connected to the argument

16 to >12.0 pts B paper argument is supported by relevant evidence, though not always the strongest quotations analysis of evidence needs further development

12 to >8.0 pts C paper argument is supported by limited evidence that is only occasionally relevant; connections between arguments and evidence are unclear

8 to >4.0 pts D paper evidence is insufficient, misconstrued or misrepresented connection between evidence and argument is unclear

4 to >0 pts No Marks argument is based on little to no evidence connection between argument and evidence is absent or incorrect

Structure Organization

20 to >16.0 pts Full Marks paper flows logically and crafts a cohesive argument paragraphs guide the reader through a progression of ideas; uses transitional sentences to develop strong relationships between ideas

16 to >12.0 pts B paper generally well-constructed flow of ideas paragraphs are ordered thoughtfully, each paragraph relates to central argument transitional sentences create a logical progression of ideas

12 to >8.0 pts C paper paper jumps from one idea to the next, lacking clear structure occasional connection of ideas between paragraphs sequential rather than logical transitions

8 to >4.0 pts D paper paper wanders from one idea to the next, making it difficult to follow the argument; limited connection of ideas between paragraphs paragraphs lack topic sentences or connections of ideas

4 to >0 pts No Marks lacks organization and coherence no logical connection between paragraphs disjointed ideas

Style

20 to >16.0 pts A paper displays a unique critical voice style fits the paper's audience chooses words carefully demonstrates thorough and thoughtful editing and revision

16 to >12.0 pts B paper displays a clear critical voice; style is conscious of paper's audience; uses words effectively, if too generally at times; demonstrates revision and editing

12 to >8.0 pts C paper critical voice is generic or bland style only occasionally displays awareness of paper's audience; sentence structure and word choice frequently too unfocused, wordy, or confusing; minor revisions and editing

8 to >4.0 pts D paper Critical voice is unclear; style is not appropriate for paper's audience; simple, awkward or monotonous sentence structure and word choices; minimal revisions and editing

4 to >0 pts No Marks lacks a strong, critical voice; unaware of paper's audience; awkward sentences, misused words; no evidence of revision process or editing; pervasive spelling, grammar and punctuation errors

Writing mechanics

20 to >16.0 pts A paper almost entirely free of spelling, grammar and punctuation errors; sources cited correctly

16 to >12.0 pts B paper contains a few spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, but they do not impede understanding; sources cited correctly and completely

12 to >8.0 pts C paper several spelling, grammar or punctuation errors that distract the reader; minor citation errors

8 to >4.0 pts D paper

many spelling, grammar and punctuation errors incomplete citations

4 to >0 pts F paper pervasive spelling, grammar or punctuation erros missing citations