Excellent – A

Identifies and understands all of the main elements in the assignment. Insightful and thorough analysis of all the elements.

Above Average – B

Identifies and understands most of the main elements in the assignment. Thorough analysis of most of the elements.

Average – C

Identifies and understands some of the elements in the assignment. Superficial analysis of some of the elements.

Near Failing – D

Identifies and understands few of the elements in the assignment. Incomplete analysis of the elements.

Failing – F

Identifies and understands very little of the elements in the assignment. No analysis of the elements.

Excellent – A

Uses a logical structure appropriate to paper’s subject, purpose, audience, and disciplinary field. Sophisticated transitional sentences often develop one idea from the previous one or identify their logical relations. It guides the reader through the chain of reasoning or progression of ideas.

Above Average – B

Shows a logical progression of ideas and uses fairly sophisticated transitional devices; e.g., may move from a least to a more important idea. Some logical links may be faulty, but each paragraph clearly relates to paper’s central idea.

Average – C

May list ideas or arrange them randomly rather than using any evident logical structure. May use transitions, but they are likely to be sequential (first, second, third) rather than logic-based. While each paragraph may relate to central idea, logic is not always clear.

Near Failing – D

May have random organization, lacking internal paragraph coherence and using few or inappropriate transitions. Paragraphs may lack topic sentences or main ideas, or may be too general or too specific to be effective. Paragraphs may not all relate to paper’s central elements.

Failing – F

Absent of any kind of organization. Lacks paragraph topic sentence and transitions between paragraphs. Paragraphs do not relate to the paper’s central elements.

Excellent – A

Excellent research into the issues with clearly documented links to class (and/or outside) readings. Much more than the minimum references required; effort to explore topic exceeds expectations; use of primary and secondary sources; all information meets quality criteria. Sources interspersed with writer’s own analysis or synthesis; quotes are less than 10% of paper; good use of summary and paraphrase; all sources are documented.

Above Average – B

Good research and documented links to the material read. Slightly more than the minimum references required; effort to ensure breadth and depth; possibly no primary sources; all information meets quality criteria. Sources interspersed with writer’s own work; quotes are less than 20% of paper; good use of summary and paraphrase; all sources are documented.

Average – C

Limited research and documented links to any readings. At least the minimum references required; reasonable breadth and depth of exploration; 1-2 sources lack quality criteria (i.e., Wikipedia). 1-2 instances of stringing source references together with little of the writer’s own work; quotes are 25% or more of paper.

Near Failing – D

Incomplete research and links to any readings. Less than the minimum references required; or providing only surface coverage; most sources lack quality criteria. More than 2 instances of stringing source references; quotes are 40% or more of paper; OR paper includes few references to sources.

Failing – F

Provided no references or support of analysis. Very few sources; no attempt to explore various points of view; all sources lack quality criteria total. No references to sources; OR there is evidence of plagiarism.

Excellent – A

Chooses words for their precise meaning and uses an appropriate level of specificity. Sentence style fits audience and purpose. Sentences clearly structured and carefully focused. Almost entirely free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Accurately use APA formatting style and proper referencing. 1- 3 minor errors (such as incorrect punctuation). Paper exceeds minimum page length, while still staying relevant.

Above Average – B

Generally uses words accurately and effectively, but may be too general. Sentences generally clear, structured, and focused, though some may be awkward or ineffective. May contain a few errors, which may annoy the reader but not impede understanding. Accurately use APA formatting style and proper referencing. 4- 6 minor errors (such as incorrect punctuation). Paper slightly longer than minimum page length.

Average – C

Uses relatively vague and general words, may use some inappropriate language. Sentence’s structure generally correct, but sentences may be wordy, unfocused, repetitive, or confusing. Usually contains several mechanical errors, which may temporarily confuse the reader but not impede the overall understanding. Accurately use APA formatting style and proper referencing with several exceptions. Meets minimum page length.

Near Failing – D

Tends to be vague and abstract, or very personal and specific. Usually contains several awkward or ungrammatical sentences; sentence structure is simple or monotonous. Usually contains either many mechanical errors or a few important errors that block the reader’s understanding and ability to see connections between thoughts. Accurately use APA formatting style and proper referencing with many exceptions. Slightly short of minimum page length.

Failing – F

Misuse of words throughout. Awkward sentences throughout. Difficult to attach a thought process. Poorly punctuated, misspelled words, grammatically abusive. Fail to use APA formatting style and proper referencing. Well short of minimum page length.