Writing Rubric

Interpolation between categories may be used.

Advanced Writer

20/10 Points

Practicing Writer

10/5 points

Beginning Writer

0 Points

Notes/

Points

Introduction and Thesis Statement

Explains question or problem to be addressed; provides necessary background; ends with thesis statement, thesis answers question or provides problem solution.

Problem statement or question missing; problem poorly focused, thesis unclear and or does not fully answer question or provide problem solution

Begins without context or background, lacks thesis statement, is confusing about what author is attempting to accomplish.

Quality of Ideas and Argument

Strong insights; remains focused on question or problem; effectively links course materials and/or outside research materials to question or problem.

Some good insights, loses focus on question or problem or has gaps in argument; connections between question and course materials vague, unsupported generalizations or opinions.

Fails to adequately answer question or provide problem solution; contains no clear argument; descriptive rather than analytical; tends to just summarize course materials or outside research materials.

Use of Evidence

Excellent use of different course materials or outside research materials to support argument; effectively provides relevant examples, evidence and appropriate quotes.

Uneven use of evidence and examples; evidence not always directly relevant; over reliance on a single source; significance of quotes not readily apparent.

Lack of evidence and examples; evidence, if provided, not related to overall argument; limited reference to course materials or outside research materials.

Organization and Clarity

Clear, well organized text; paragraphs begin with topic sentences related to thesis; topic sentences fully developed in each paragraph; paper flows logically so reader does not get lost.

Generally sound organization, some topic sentences strong, others weak; some paragraphs not fully developed; reader occasionally confused by awkward organization, unclear sentences, fuzzy ideas.

Poor organization, lacks clarity; paper not organized around coherent paragraphs; paragraphs lack topic sentences; text is hard to follow and understand.

Writing Skills & Length

No distracting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, in-text citations, or reference citations; meets recommended page/word limits.

Several distracting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, in-text citations, or reference citations; slightly less than recommended page/word limits.

Numerous distracting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, in-text citations, or reference citations; significantly less than recommended page/word limits.

Total Points of 50 (drafts)

100 (final papers)