0points

Paper badly misrepresents the authors’ arguments, evidence, and/or conclusions.

25points

Paper represents the authors’ arguments, evidence and conclusions accurately though not sufficiently clearly.

30points

Paper represents the author’s arguments, evidence and conclusions accurately.

35points

Paper represents the authors’ arguments, evidence and conclusions accurately, fairly and eloquently. Demonstrates a firm understanding of the implications of the author’s arguments.

40points

Element is missing

0points

Thesis paragraph does not have a discernable central argument (and/or…) the argument is not demonstratable.

10points

Thesis paragraph identifies a central argument that is demonstrable, though not stated sufficiently clearly.Does not guide the reader into the body of the paper.

12points

Thesis paragraph clearly identifies a demonstrable central argument. Gives the reader a reasonably good sense of the nature of evidence that will follow.

16points

Clearly and eloquently identifies a demonstrable and nuanced central argument. Provides the reader with a clear sense of the nature of evidence that will follow. Reveals the organizational structure of the paper. Guides the reader smoothly and logically into the body of the paper.

20points

Element is missing

0points

Evidence used does not clearly support the main argument. (Where applicable) Important opposing evidence is ignored, thereby weakening the central argument.

69points

Connection between argument and evidence is not clearly articulated in all cases. (Where applicable) Consideration of opposing evidence is cursory or the evidence is not convincingly refuted.

79points

Evidence used to support the central point is well chosen, though not particularly rich or detailed. The connection between argument and evidence is clearly articulated. (Where applicable) Some opposing evidence is considered and refuted.

89points

Evidence used to support the central point is rich, detailed and well chosen. Evidence sections employ appropriate illustrations and/or quotations.The connection between argument and evidence is clearly and compellingly articulated in all cases. (Where applicable) Important opposing evidence (i.e. evidence that might seem to contradict your argument) is considered and convincingly refuted.

100points

Element is missing

0points

Is missing or cursory. Repeats the topic paragraph more-or-less verbatim.

10points

Restates the same points as the topic paragraph without reframing them. Introduces new material rather than new perspectives.

12points

Synthesizes and brings closure but does not examine new perspectives or questions.

16points

Elegantly synthesizes and reframes key points from the paper. Suggests new perspectives or questions relevant to the central argument, and brings closure.

20points

Element is missing

0points

Throughout the paper, wording is imprecise or ambiguous. Sentence structure is consistently confusing. Paper is unacceptably sloppy. Quotes are frequently not attributed or improperly cited.

10points

Wording is imprecise or ambiguous fairly often. Sentence structure is often confusing. Quotations are not framed effectively in the text. There are a number of spelling and grammatical errors. In at least one place, quotes are not attributed and cited.

12points

Paper is for the most part precisely worded and unambiguous.Sentence structure is mostly clear. Quotations are framed effectively in the text. There are a few minor spelling or grammatical errors. Quotes are all properly attributed and cited.

16points

Throughout the paper, wording is precise and unambiguous. Sentence structure is consistently clear and lucid. Quotations are all framed effectively in the text (i.e. integrated properly in terms of both grammar and meaning) and explicated where necessary. Paper is clean and appropriately formatted. There are no incomplete or run-on sentences. Quotes are all properly attributed and cited. There are virtually no spelling or grammatical errors.

20points