Paper+Rubric


 * Grading Rubric for United States History Paper **

(Background on research topic) § establishes time period § identifies applicable events, trends, people, laws, etc. § introduces thesis … give it context ||  § Relevant and pertinent background information § Effectively introduces thesis ||  § Provides a mostly relevant and broad overview of historic background § Successfully introduces thesis ||  § Provides some relevant historic background, but excludes some key information § Hastily introduces thesis ||  § Unclear and ambiguous background § Lacks key information about time period § Fails to effectively introduce thesis || § ** Obvious ** judgment § Specific point(s) to analyze § Encompasses the breadth and depth of the topic ||  § Mostly clear & concise § Judgment **implied** § Specific point(s) to analyze § Encompasses majority of the topic. || § Unclear/awkward wording, but judgment is implied § Some specific point(s) to analyze are mentioned ||  § Vague & general thesis § A statement of fact rather than a judgment § No clear direction for analysis || (Evidence & Analysis to support thesis) || § Specific evidence from a variety of primary & secondary sources § Clear and effective analysis of evidence § ** Unquestioned ** overall support for thesis ||  § Specific evidence from __ to __ primary & secondary sources § Clear and mostly effective analysis of evidence § Strong overall support for thesis ||  § Some evidence, but with gaps § Vague & somewhat ineffective analysis of evidence § Thin overall support for thesis … leans heavily on reporting facts rather than analyzing evidence ||  § Significant gaps in evidence § Lacks analysis § Too much emphasis on reporting fact § Does not support thesis || § Smooth transitions from paragraph to paragraph § Topic sentences are **mini-thesis** statements § Body paragraphs clearly **connect** to thesis § No super-sized paragraphs (longer than ¾ of a page) ||  § Writing follows a mostly logical order § Mostly smooth transitions § 1-2 Topic sentences are not mini-thesis statements § Most body paragraphs clearly connect to thesis § No super-sized paragraphs ||  § Writing sometimes detracts from a logical order § Transitions are abrupt or awkward § Topic sentences are minimalist, but supported by paragraph § Some body paragraphs stray from thesis § One super-sized paragraph ||  § No clear logical order to writing § Lacks transitions from one paragraph to next § Topic sentences are minimalist and not relevant to content of paragraph § Body paragraphs have little to no connection to thesis § Two or more super-sized paragraphs || (spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity) || § X errors  ||  § Y errors. || § Z errors. || § Too many to count. || § Affirms strongest evidence  ||  § Restates thesis in a manner that supports evidence in the paper, but needs to be refined § Contains a piece of evidence that is questionable ||  § Restates thesis in a manner that only implies an argument or position § 2 or more pieces of evidence are questionable ||  § Contradicts thesis or copy and pasted original thesis § Utilizes irrelevant evidence in attempt to support thesis ||
 * Name _______________________ Topic _____________________________________ **
 * ** Category ** || ** Excellent ** || ** Good ** || ** Satisfactory ** || ** Needs Work ** ||
 * ** Introduction **
 * Thesis in ** BOLDFACE ** || § Clear & concise
 * ** Content **
 * ** Organization ** || § Writing follows a logical order
 * ** Mechanics **** / **** Proofreading **
 * ** Conclusion ** || § Restates thesis in a manner that supports evidence in the paper