| Unsatisfactory 0% |
Less than Satisfactory 74% |
Satisfactory 79% |
Good 87% |
Excellent 100% |
|
| Content 70% | |||||
| Introduction 10% | An introduction is not present. | An introduction is present, but it does not relate to the body of the paper. | An introduction is present, and it relates to the body of the paper. There is nothing in the introduction to entice the reader to continue reading. | An introduction is present, and it relates to the body of the paper. Information presented in the introduction provides a weak incentive for the reader to continue reading. | An introduction is present, and it relates to the body of the paper. Information presented in the introduction is intriguing and encourages the reader to continue reading. |
Comparison of Research Questions 20% |
No comparison of research questions is presented. | A comparison of research questions is presented; however, the comparison is not valid. | A cursory though valid comparison of research questions is presented. | A moderately thorough and valid comparison of research questions is presented. | A reflective and insightful comparison of research questions is presented. |
Comparison of Sample Populations 20% |
No comparison of sample populations is presented. | A comparison of sample populations is presented; however, the comparison is not valid. | A cursory though valid comparison of sample populations is presented. | A moderately thorough and valid comparison of sample populations is presented. | A reflective and insightful comparison of sample populations is presented. |
Comparison of Limitations 20% |
No comparison of the limitations of the study is presented. | A comparison of the limitations of the study is presented; however, the comparison is not valid. | A cursory though valid comparison of the limitations of the study is presented. | A moderately thorough and valid comparison of the limitations of the study is presented. | A reflective and insightful comparison of the limitations of the study is presented. |
| Organization and Effectiveness 20% | |||||
Thesis Development and Purpose 7% |
Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. | Thesis and/or main claim are vague and/or developed insufficiently; purpose is not clear. | Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose. | Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. | Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive. The essence of the paper is contained within the thesis. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. |
| Argument Logic and Construction 8% | Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources. | Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. | Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument supports the purpose logically, but not thoroughly. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. | Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. | Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. |
Mechanics of Writing 5% (Includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) |
Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used. | Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice, sentence structure, and/or word choice are present. | Some mechanical errors or typos are present but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used. | 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. | Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. |
| Format 10% | |||||
APA Format 5% |
Format is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly. | Appropriate format is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. | Appropriate format is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. | Appropriate format is used fully. There are virtually no errors in formatting style. | All format elements are correct. |
Research Citations 5% (In-text citations, reference list and formatting) |
No reference page is included. No citations are used. | Reference page is present. Citations are used inconsistently. | Reference page lists sources used in the paper. Sources are documented appropriately, although some errors may be present. | Reference page is inclusive of all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style usually is correct. | In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error. |
| Total 100% | |||||