Writing Rubric RC Rev Aug 2010

Writing Rubric – Roanoke College, August 2010

TRAITS Below Basic, Rating = Basic, Rating = Proficient, Rating = 3 Advanced, Rating = 4 1 2 Paper lacks focus and/or Thesis is weak, Focused thesis represents Focused thesis reflects a discernible thesis. simplistic, unclear, clear understanding of the complexity and a nuanced Focus and Thesis or too broad. topic. understanding of the topic.

Reasoning is uncritical, Reasoning is Reasoning is logical and Reasoning illogical, superficial, or logical in some consistent throughout. demonstrates simplistic. places but faulty sophistication of Reasoning or simplistic in thought, recognizing others. multiple dimensions and/or perspectives as appropriate. Little to no evidence, or Some evidence Evidence is accurate, well Evidence is relevant, evidence is but not enough to documented, and relevant, accurate, well inappropriate for the develop argument providing adequate support integrated, and well purpose of the essay. in unified way. for the purpose of the documented, Some evidence essay providing ample Evidence may be support for the inaccurate, purpose of the essay. irrelevant, or poorly documented. Lacks a sense of overall Contains an Effective structure and Rational, sensible, and structure; no sense of overall sense of arrangement of ideas. deliberate structure that beginning, middle, or beginning, middle, Order of paragraphs may, enhances and clarifies end. No paragraphs or and end, but occasionally, appear meaning. Transitions show division into paragraphs paragraph mechanical or awkward. relationships among ideas. lacks logic. Lacks sequence may be Order or balance of ideas Organization transitional words, confusing. The within paragraphs is phrases, and sentences order or balance of generally consistent and between or within ideas within cohesive. Transitions paragraphs. paragraphs is present but may be inconsistent. Little cumbersome or repetitive. or inappropriate use of transitions. Multiple and serious Sentences show Effective and varied Sentences structured errors of sentence some errors of sentences; only occasional effectively; rich, well- structure, grammar, structure, errors in sentence chosen variety of sentence spelling and grammar, construction, punctuation, styles and length; virtually Style and Mechanics capitalization, or punctuation, spelling and/or free of punctuation, punctuation such that spelling and/or capitalization. spelling, capitalization communication is capitalization. errors. hindered. Sentences exhibit little or no variety.