Rubric for Final Paper



Criterion

4

A-level qualities
(90–100)

3

B-level qualities
(80–89)

2

C-level qualities
(70–79)

1

F-level qualities
(below 70)



Score
Purpose Introduces and presents paper effectively and clearly; purpose is readily apparent to the reader Introduces and presents paper adequately; purpose is generally clear throughout the paper Introduces and presents paper somewhat effectively; writing has a clear purpose but may sometimes digress from it Introduces and presents paper poorly; purpose is generally unclear  

Application of concepts

 Applies the required number of course concepts and may apply additional concepts, relating them to the project accurately and thoroughly; discusses them with exceptional skill Applies at least the required number of course concepts, relating them to the project effectively and discusses them in a way that allows reader/audience to gain some insights Fails to cover the required number of course concepts as they relate to the project; discussion is basic or general; reader/audience gains few insights Fails to apply course concepts or completely misapplies them to the project; reader/audience is confused or may be misinformed  
Development and content Develops paper as assigned with effective supportive examples; provides a balanced presentation of relevant information and shows a thoughtful, in-depth analysis; reader gains insights Develops paper as assigned with adequate supportive examples; information displays evidence of a basic analysis; reader gains some insights Does not fully develop paper as assigned and may lack proper supportive examples; analysis is basic or general; reader gains few insights Paper is undeveloped or has no supportive examples; paper does not relate to the assignment; analysis is vague or not evident; reader is confused or may be misinformed  
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  
APA format Documents sources using APA format accurately and consistently Documents sources using APA format with minor violations Reflects incomplete knowledge of APA format Does not use APA format  

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  

Total:

  

Note: Criteria are evaluated on a 4-3-2-1-0 basis. Total rubric points are converted first to a letter grade and then to a numerical equivalent based on a 0–100 scale: 23–24 = A (93–100); 22 = A– (90–92); 21 = B+ (88–89); 17–20 = B (83–87); 16 = B– (80–82); 15 = C+ (78–79); 11–14 = C (73–77); 10 = C– (70–72); 5–9 = D (60–69); 0–4 = F (below 60).