Rubrics: Research Paper and Presentation
The paper will be graded through the rubric marking sheet as listed below:
Expert
Proficient
Apprentice
Novice
Integration of Knowledge
The paper demonstrates that the author fully understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Concepts are integrated into the writer’s own insights. The writer provides concluding remarks that show analysis and synthesis of ideas.
The paper demonstrates that the author, for the most part, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Some of the conclusions, however, are not supported in the body of the paper.
The paper demonstrates that the author, to a certain extent, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course.
The paper does not demonstrate that the author has fully understood and applied concepts learned in the course.
Topic focus
The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by statement of a position or hypothesis.
The topic is focused but lacks direction. The paper is about a specific topic but the writer has not established a position.
The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment.
The topic is not clearly defined.
Depth of discussion
In-depth discussion & elaboration in all sections of the paper.
In-depth discussion & elaboration in most sections of the paper.
The writer has omitted pertinent content or content runs-on excessively. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively.
Cursory discussion in all the sections of the paper or brief discussion in only a few sections.
Cohesiveness
Ties together information from all sources. Paper flows from one issue to the next without the need for headings. Author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.
For the most part, ties together information from all sources. Paper flows with only some disjointedness. Author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.
Sometimes ties together information from all sources. Paper does not flow – disjointedness is apparent. Author’s writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.
Does not tie together information. Paper does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues. Headings are necessary to link concepts. Writing does not demonstrate understanding any relationships
Spelling and grammar
No spelling &/or grammar mistakes.
Minimal spelling &/or grammar mistakes.
Noticeable spelling & grammar mistakes.
Unacceptable number of spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
Sources
More than 5 current sources, of which at least 3 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. Sources include both general background sources and specialized sources. Special-interest sources and popular literature are acknowledged as such if they are cited. All web sites utilized are authoritative.
5 current sources, of which at least 2 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are authoritative.
Fewer than 5 current sources, or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are credible.
Fewer than 5 current sources, or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. Not all web sites utilized are credible, and/or sources are not current.
Citations
Cites all data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.
Cites most data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.
Cites some data obtained from other sources. Citation style is either inconsistent or incorrect.
Does not cite sources.
CRITERIA
Excellent
4
Good
Acceptable
Does not meet
Expectations
Score
Structure
Structure is clear and enhances readability; titles and paragraphs used convincingly to support the structure of the text
Structure is mostly clear; titles and paragraphs used appropriately
Structure mostly clear but less convincing; some titles and paragraphs used
Unclear structure; little or no use of titles and paragraphs
Sources
Excellent and varied use of appropriate materials and sources including other sources than the textbook
Appropriate materials and sources used; less creativity in selection of materials and sources
Less use of materials and sources; concerns about quality of sources used
Little or insecure use of materials and sources; use of inappropriate materials and sources
Writing
Well written and organized; clear; easy to follow
Writing is mostly clear and understandable; reasonably easy to follow
Adequately written and organized but less secure; less easy to follow
Poorly written and organized; unclear; hard to follow
Content
Answers all aspects of assignment given in a convincing manner; topic adequately covered in depth; convincing arguments made and innovative conclusions drawn
Adequately answers all aspects of assignment given; good arguments presented and conclusions drawn
Adequate answers to some but not all aspects of the assignment; less secure argumentation and less convincing conclusions made
Superficial treatment of one or more aspects of the assignment; incorrect information presented
Style and presentation
Reasonable length (between 1,000-1,500 words); fluently written throughout; adequate punctuation and spelling; correct in-text referencing and citation style followed
Reasonable length (between 1,000-1,500 words); fluently written overall; adequate punctuation and spelling; secure in-text referencing and citation style
Reasonable length (between 1,000-1,500 words); less fluently written; some mistakes in punctuation and spelling; some mistakes in-text referencing and citation style
Too short (1,500 words); difficult to read, incorrect punctuation and spelling; no references or incorrect in-text referencing and citation style
TOTAL POINTS (OUT OF 10):