Purpose

4 points

The writer’s central purpose or argument is readily apparent to the reader; clear thesis sentence.

3.2 points

The writing has a clear purpose or argument but may sometimes digress from it.

2.4 points

The central purpose or argument is not consistently clear throughout the paper.

2 points

The purpose or argument is generally unclear.

Score of Purpose,

/ 4

Content

4 points

Balanced presentation of relevant and legitimate information that clearly supports a central purpose or argument and shows a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of a significant topic; content is specific, accurate, interesting and appropriate.

3.2 points

Information provides reasonable support for a central purpose or argument and displays evidence of a basic analysis of a significant topic.

2.4 points

Information supports a central purpose or argument at times but often strays from purpose. Analysis is basic or general.

2 points

Central purpose or argument is not clearly identified. Analysis is vague or not evident.

Score of Content,

/ 4

grid.row2.label

4 points

The ideas are arranged logically to support the purpose or argument. Ideas flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked to each other. The reader can follow the line of reasoning.

3.2 points

The ideas are arranged logically to support the central purpose or argument. Ideas are usually clearly linked to each other. For the most part, the reader can follow the line of reasoning.

2.4 points

In general, the writing is arranged logically, although occasionally ideas fail to make sense together. The reader is fairly clear about what the writer intends.

2 points

The writing is not logically organized. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense together. The reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest.

Score of grid.row2.label,

/ 4

APA

4 points

APA format is used accurately and consistently in the paper and on the “References” section; follows APA guidelines with regard to mechanics, sentence structure, and word choice.

3.2 points

APA format is used with minor errors; follows APA guidelines with regard to mechanics, sentence structure, and word choice with few minor errors.

2.4 points

There are frequent errors in APA format.

2 points

Format of the document is not recognizable as APA.

Score of APA,

/ 4

Grammar & Spelling

4 points

All grammar and spelling are correct.

3.2 points

Only one or two errors in spelling/grammar.

2.4 points

A few grammar and/or spelling errors.

2 points

Very frequent grammar and/or spelling errors.

Score of Grammar & Spelling,

/ 4