Research Question and Research Writing
A | B | C | D | F | |
Introduction to Topic & Thesis |
a superbly written essay in which the author makes a clear, specific, and intelligent argument, supports the argument with exemplary evidence/quotes, and demonstrates mastery of the elements of writing | a clear essay in which the author makes an interesting argument, supports that argument with relevant evidence/quotes, and demonstrates strength in the elements of writing | a coherent essay in which the author makes a vague, obvious, or weak argument, supports that argument with mixed evidence/quotes, and demonstrates some control over the elements of writing | an intermittently coherent essay in which the author makes an announcement) with poor evidence/quotes, and demonstrates little control over the elements of writing | a largely incoherent essay in which the author makes an irrelevant (or no relevant/real) argument, offers few or no real ideas/evidence/quotes, and demonstrates incompetence with the elements of writing |
Organization |
perfect, with consistent and effective transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and/or ideas and excellent organization | coherent, with smooth and obvious transitions between most sentences, paragraphs, and ideas and/or good organization | uneven, with some abrupt or sketchy transitions between some sentences, paragraphs, and ideas and/or uneven organization | weak, with few transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and/or ideas; trouble with paragraph divisions | poor, with little continuity among sentences, paragraphs, and/or ideas; misunderstands paragraph divisions |
Evidence & Analysis |
thoroughly develops and convincingly supports arguments; logically compelling reasons are supported with evidence and relevant quotes | develops and supports arguments with relevant evidence & supporting detail, but opportunities for more/better quotes are clear | expands on main claim with details taken from the readings, but overlooks important evidence or details and generally needs more effective quotes | claim needs more relevant or logically compelling detail; gets story details wrong; few quotes to sustain arguments | claim not supported adequately with evidence; shows an overall misunderstanding of the text or of the assignment instructions; no quotes |
Control of Language & Mechanics |
effective and varied sentence structure with no sentence-level errors (fragments, run-ons, or comma splices); precise diction; mastery of spelling & punctuation | effective sentence structure with rare sentence-level errors (fragments, run-ons, or comma splices); good diction; very few errors in spelling & punctuation | some stylistic problems in sentences, or sentence- level errors (fragments, run-ons, or comma splices); minor errors in diction; minor errors in spelling & punctuation | frequent stylistic problems in sentences, or some sentence-level errors (fragments, run-ons, or comma splices); major errors in diction; major errors in spelling & punctuation | frequent stylistic problems in sentences, or frequent sentence-level errors (fragments, run-ons, or comma splices); major errors in diction, spelling or punctuation that impede comprehension |
Citations & Research (where relevant) |
chooses sources wisely & appropriately; seamlessly integrates sources/quotes/ paraphrases; follows MLA/APA conventions perfectly (quotation marks; in-text citations; Works Cited/Reference) | chooses sources appropriately; integrates sources, quotes, and paraphrases into argument; follows MLA/APA conventions (quotation marks; in-text citations; Works Cited/References) | awkwardly or inappropriately uses others’ ideas and materials to support its own claim; incomplete or inaccurate MLA/APA citations (quotation marks; in-text citations; Works Cited/References) | poor connections between research and primary sources; difficulty integrating quotations & paraphrases into body paragraphs; little attempt at MLA/APA format (quotation marks; in-text citations; Works Cited/References) | ignores scholarship; no quotes; no attempt at MLA/APA format (quotation marks; in-text citations; Works Cited/References) |
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