Rubric Detail

Presents little to no coherent information on the topic to engage the reader in the paper. Components of the thesis and/or summary of main points may be missing. The point of view may be unclear or too general. Provides no road map for the paper or provides one that does not accurately reflect the paper’s content.

Fails to provide enough background to truly engage the reader in the topic. Presents the essay’s thesis and a summary of main points so that the writer’s point of view or interpretation is fairly clear, but several components may be missing. Provides a road map for the paper that may require a lot of work.

Somewhat engages the reader with background information on the paper topic. Presents the essay’s thesis and a summary of main points so that the writer’s point of view or interpretation is somewhat clear, but a few components may be missing. Provides a road map for the paper that may need some work.

Mostly engages the reader with some form of creative “hook” and basic background information on the paper topic. Presents the essay’s thesis and a summary of the main points, mostly clarifying the writer’s point of view or interpretation, but a component may be lacking or need work. Provides a fairly clear road map for the paper either in the thesis statement or body of the introduction.

Engages the reader in the topic with some form of creative “hook” (such as a story, quote, example, etc.) and provides a clear background for the topic so that readers can gain an understanding of the purpose of the paper. Clearly presents the essay’s thesis and a summary of the main points that clarify the writer’s point of view. Provides a clear road map for the paper either in the thesis statement or body of introduction.

The thesis statement is descriptive and may not reflect analysis leading to interpretation, point of view, insight, or argument. It may contain numerous generalizations and universalizing statements.

The thesis statement includes a point of view, argument, interpretation, and/or insight, but these may not be significant. The thesis shows an attempt at analysis but may be mostly descriptive. It may contain four or more broad generalizations and/or universalizing statements.

The thesis statement includes a fairly focused and substantial point of view, argument, interpretation, and/or insight, but one or two of these may lack real significance. The thesis appears to be derived from analysis, but may contain two-three fairly broad generalizations and/or universalizing statements.

The thesis statement includes a mostly focused and substantial point of view, argument, interpretation, and/or insight, which is generally significant. The thesis is derived from analysis, but may contain a somewhat broad generalization or universalizing statement.

The thesis statement includes a novel or sophisticated insight, point of view, argument or interpretation, which is highly significant. The thesis is derived from analysis and does not contain broad generalizations or universalizing statements.

Unclear, often because thesis is weak or nonexistent. Few to no topic sentences. Little or no evidence of critical thinking. Transitions are weak and often confusing.

Generally unclear, often wanders or jumps around. Little critical thinking is evident. Some transitions may be missing or weak. Several paragraphs may lack strong topic sentences.

Fairly clear and appropriate, although may wander occasionally. Shows an effort to think critically. Some transitions may be weak. A few paragraphs may lack strong topic sentences.

Mostly clear and appropriate, although may wander occasionally. Provides evidence of critical thinking. Transitions are adequate. One or two paragraphs may lack strong topic sentences.

Clear and appropriate. Provides strong evidence of critical thinking. Makes use of excellent transitions. Paragraphs contain strong topic sentences.

Arrangement is haphazard, illogical, and difficult to follow, and/or paper often strays substantially off-topic, making the essay difficult to understand.

Arrangement may be fairly unorganized and illogical, making it rather difficult to follow, or organization may be fairly clear, but there may be several instances where it strays off-topic.

Arrangement is generally well-organized and logical, but a few digressions may interfere somewhat with understanding the discussion of the topic.

Arrangement is mostly well-organized and logical. May need minor work on cohesion and/or slight digressions to improve clarity and understanding.

Arrangement is very well-organized, and flow is logical, resulting in clarity and easy understanding.

Writing lacks clarity and conciseness. Contains serious problems with sentence structure and grammar. Numerous major and/or minor errors in punctuation and spelling.

Writing lacks clarity or conciseness. Contains minor problems with sentence structure and some grammatical errors. Several minor errors in punctuation and spelling.

Writing is mostly clear and concise. Sentence structure and grammar may be weak and/or contain several errors. May also contain minor errors in punctuation and/or spelling.

Writing is fairly clear and concise. May contain one -three minor errors in sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and/or spelling.

Writing is clear and concise. Sentence structure and grammar are excellent. Correct use of punctuation and spelling.

Most citations and/or references are incomplete or missing.

Some references and in-text citations are provided, but several may be missing or contain major formatting errors.

Most or all references and in-text citations are provided, but several contain formatting errors.

All references and citations are provided, but two-three may contain minor errors in formatting.

All references and citations are provided and are presented in correct APA format; one may contain minor errors in formatting.