| Criteria | 25 Points | 20 Points | 15 Points | 10 Points | 0 Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction/Topic | Exceptional introduction that grabs the interest of the reader and clearly states the topic. | Proficient introduction that is interesting and clearly states the topic. | Basic introduction that states the topic but lacks interest. | Weak or no introduction of the topic. | No introduction present. |
| Thesis | Thesis/topic is exceptionally clear, well-developed, and a definitive statement. | Thesis/topic is clear and arguable statement of position. | Thesis/topic is somewhat clear and arguable. | Paper’s purpose is unclear. Thesis/topic is weak or missing. | No thesis statement present. |
| Credible Sources | Paper is exceptionally researched, contains 7 sources total (including 3 peer-reviewed articles); the sources logically support the thesis argument. References are correctly cited. | Paper is well-researched in detail and from 7 good sources (including 3 peer-reviewed articles). References are correctly cited. | Information relates to the main topic, but few details and/or examples are given. Shows a limited variety of sources. References are not cited correctly. | Information has little or nothing to do with the thesis. References are not cited correctly. | No credible sources used or cited. |
| Critical Analysis | Exceptionally critical, relevant, and consistent connections made between evidence and thesis. Excellent analysis. | Consistent connections are made between evidence and thesis. | Some connections made between evidence and thesis. | Limited or no connections made between evidence and thesis. | No analysis present. |
| Conclusion | Excellent summary of thesis argument with concluding ideas that impact the reader. | Good summary of topic with clear concluding ideas. | Basic summary of topic with some final concluding ideas. | Lack of summary of topic. | No conclusion present. |
| Writing | Writing is clear and relevant, with no grammatical and/or spelling errors – polished and professional. References, citations, and images are properly formatted. | Most ideas are stated clearly and are related to the topic, with only minor grammatical and/or spelling errors. References, citations, and images are adequate. | Many ideas require clarification, are off-topic, or have little relevance to the assignment. Many grammatical and/or spelling errors; very challenging to read, poor writing flow. Improper references and/or citations section. | Paper does not meet the criteria for the assignment (too short or incomplete, too long, and/or completely off-topic). Reference, citations, and images section is missing. | No writing present. |