Term paper

Criteria

Mark

Level Descriptor

Mark Awarded

Paper lay-out

2

Paper layout correct and complete. Interesting, creative development.

Points possible 2-1.5

Layout complete and descriptive. Logical. Required information.

Points possible 1-0.5

Basic layout, without clarifying content. Distinct paragraphs introduce new idea.

Points possible 0.5-0.1

Poor layout without different sections. No main or sub-headings.

Points possible 0

Writing: Clarity of writing

2

Accurate sentence structure. Sequencing of ideas within paragraphs and transitions between paragraphs make the writer’s points easy to follow.

Points possible 1.5 - 2

Sequencing of ideas within paragraphs and transitions between paragraphs make the writer’s points easy to follow, even though some sentences not correctly structured.

Points possible 0.5 - 1

Sentence structure and/or word choice sometimes interfere with clarity. Needs to improve sequencing of ideas within paragraphs and transitions between paragraphs to make the writing easy to follow.

Points possible 0.5

Incorrect sentence structure and word choice. Lack of transitions and/or sequencing of ideas makes reading and understanding difficult. No coherence.

Points possible 0

Content/ Plagiarism

10

ALL content original OR cited correctly. Interpreted and commented on.

Points possible 10

-1 for each sentence taken from source and not properly cited (plagiarized) up to total 10.

Paper not according to student’s own writing style. (Check and compare quiz 1, 2 and MT). **

Critical thinking and creativity

2

Sources analysed and results synthesized correctly; presented in creative logical way.

Points possible 1.5 - 2

Sources analysed and synthesized correctly. Results presented in logical way.

Points possible 0.5 - 1

Sources analysed correctly but separate synthesis or presented in separate paragraphs. Little cohesion between analysis and synthesis.

Points possible 0 – 0.5

Sources not analysed, just reproduced given text.

Points possible 0

In-text referencing

6

Used sources correctly in text for EACH reference.

Points possible 5.5 - 6

Used sources in text.

Up to 50% deviation from APA referencing techniques.

Points possible 4.5 -5

More than 50% deviation from APA referencing techniques.

Points possible 3.5 - 4

Work fails to follow required report format.

Points possible 0 – 3

Use of Figures, Graphs, Charts, Tables & Drawings

4

All figures and tables are effectively interpreted and discussed in report; and labelled or titled correctly in accordance with department requirements.

Points possible 4-3.5

Minor departures from required format. Captions effectively communicate content. Figures and tables clearly interpreted and important features noted.

Points possible 3.4-2.5

Many departures from required format. Captions are ineffective in communicating content. Many figures not interpreted. Important features not communicated or understood.

Points possible 2.4-1

Work fails to follow required format. Captions, figures and tables are not used effectively or not included at all. Little understanding of important features or issues.

Points possible 0

Reference List

6

Reference section complete, comprehensive and follows required format. One or two errors.

Points possible 6-5

Minor inadequacies in references or inconsistencies in format.

Points possible 4-3

Inadequate list of references or failure to follow required format.

Points possible 2-1

Attempted reference list; incorrect format.

Points possible 1

No referencing system used. Points possible 0

Language Accuracy

(Spelling, Grammar, & Mechanics)

8

Academic language used.

NO contractions. Correct word choice. ONLY typographical errors.

Formal and correct tone and style.

Points possible 6.5 - 8

Mostly spelling errors. Acceptable tone and style.

Errors do not impede meaning.

Less than 10 major errors

Points possible 5 - 6

Errors indicative of poor grammar knowledge.

Incomplete sentences.

10 to 20 major errors

Points possible 3 – 5.5

Language almost incomprehensible

More than 20 errors

Points possible 0 -2.5

Overall Performance Total marks= /40

/20