| Category | Scoring Rubric |
|---|---|
| Mechanical (Sentence Level) |
Inadequate (1 pt.): Sentences and paragraphs are difficult to read and understand due to poor grammar or mechanics. Needs Improvement (2 pts.): The paper contains numerous grammatical and mechanical errors. Adequate (3 pts.): The paper contains minimal grammatical or mechanical errors. Excellent: (4 pts.): The paper is clear and concise and the grader found no grammatical or mechanical errors. |
| Clarity (Paragraph Level) |
Inadequate (1 pt.): There appears to be no organization of the paper’s contents. Needs Improvement (2 pts.): Organization of the paper is difficult to follow due to a combination of inadequate transitions and a rambling format. Adequate (3 pts.): The paper can easily be followed. A combination of the following is apparent: Basic transitions are used. A structured format is used. Excellent: (4 pts.): The paper can easily be followed. A combination of the following is apparent: Effective transitions are used. A polished format is used. |
| Organization (Whole paper) |
Inadequate (1 pt.): Thoughts in the writing do not appear organized or logical. No organization visible. Needs Improvement (2 pts.): Some thoughts are discernible, but the paper confuses the reader. It is unclear the direction the paper will take. Adequate (3 pts.): Most thoughts appear logically, but the paper is listless, flat, or slightly muddled. Excellent (4 pts.): The paper presents its ideas eloquently, logically, and clearly. Writer leads the reader gracefully. |
| Followed Assignment Directions | Inadequate (2 pts.): The paper has no apparent relation to the directions of the assignment. Needs Improvement (4 pts.): Some of the paper follows the directions. Adequate (6 pts.): Most of the paper follows the directions. Excellent: (8 pts.): The paper follows the directions precisely. |
| Explains the Author's Principle Ideas and Conclusions | Inadequate (2 pts.): Doen't identify both. Needs Improvement (4 pts.): Identifies both, but doesn't explain both. Adequate (6 pts.): Identifies both, but the explanations are incomplete, rambling, or unclear. Excellent: (8 pts.): Both explanations are concise and complete. |
| Identifies and Justifies Points the Student Supports or Opposes | Inadequate (2 pts.): Fails to identify any. Needs Improvement (4 pts.): Identifies them, but doesn't justify position. Adequate (6 pts.): Identifies them, but justification is incomplete or rambling. Excellent: (8 pts.): Explanations are concise and complete. |