Grading Rubric for Final Paper



Criterion

4

A-level qualities
(90–100)

3

B-level qualities
(80–89)

2

C-level qualities
(70–79)

1 or 0

D- or F-level qualities
(60–69 or below 60)



Score

Purpose Introduces and presents topic effectively and clearly; central argument is readily apparent to the reader Introduces and presents topic adequately; central argument is not consistently clear throughout the paper Introduces and presents topic somewhat effectively; writing has a clear argument but may sometimes digress from it Introduces and presents topic poorly; argument is generally unclear  
Development and content Develops topic with effective supportive examples; provides a balanced presentation of relevant information and shows a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of a significant topic; reader gains insights Develops topic with adequate supportive examples; information displays evidence of a basic analysis of a significant topic; reader gains some insights Does not fully develop topic and lacks proper supportive examples; analysis is basic or general; reader gains few insights Topic is undeveloped or has no supportive examples; analysis is vague or not evident; reader is confused or may be misinformed  
Documentation and support Topic is supported effectively with legitimate sources that are clearly attributed Topic is generally supported with legitimate sources; attribution is mainly clear Although attribution is present and many sources seem to be legitimate, some statements are unsubstantiated and the source of some ideas is unclear Attribution is missing, or sources given are poorly chosen  
Organization Arranges ideas clearly and logically to support the purpose or argument; ideas flow smoothly and are effectively linked; reader can follow the line of reasoning Arranges ideas adequately to support the purpose or argument; links between ideas are generally clear; reader can follow the line of reasoning for the most part Arranges ideas adequately, in general, although ideas sometimes fail to make sense together; reader remains fairly clear about what writer intends Arranges ideas illogically; ideas frequently fail to make sense together; reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and becomes frustrated or loses interest  
Writing mechanics Writing demonstrates a sophisticated clarity, conciseness, and correctness Writing is accomplished in terms of clarity and conciseness and contains only a few errors Writing lacks clarity or conciseness and contains numerous errors Writing is unfocused, rambling, or contains serious errors  
APA format Uses APA format accurately and consistently Uses APA format with minor violations Reflects incomplete knowledge of APA format Does not use APA format  

Total:

 

Note: Criteria are evaluated on a 4-3-2-1 basis. Total rubric points are converted first to a letter grade and then to a numerical equivalent based on a 0–100 scale: 21–24 = A (93–100); 19–20 = A– (90–92); 18 = B+ (88–89); 15–17 = B (83–87); 13–14 = B– (80–82); 12 = C+ (78–79); 9–11 = C (73–77); 7–8 = C– (70–72); 3–6 = D (60–69); 0–2 = F (below 60).