AMH 2020 Primary Source Essay

AMH 2020 Essay Rubric

Possible points: 100

Score the

Standard (1-4)

Standard Comments/Criteria

Thesis: clearly states

the

interpretation/argument.

Create a well-developed thesis that can be supported by the

evidence.

Context: clearly

considers context of

time and place

Demonstrates understanding of an event, person, or idea within

historical context; matter at hand is considered and connected to

the broader picture.

Clear: understandable,

concrete

Understandable, meaning can be grasped. Present information

clearly and accurately through the effective selection,

organization, and analysis of content.

Precise: specific, exact

to the necessary level of

detail

Evidence is used to support the main idea or argument. Identify

the most significant and relevant facts, definitions, and concrete

details for the purpose at hand. Use examples, specifics, or

detailed accounts.

Relevant: clearly

connected to the matter

at hand

The parts of the paper relate to one another. Every line relates to

the whole. Writing clarifies the relationships between claims and

reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claims and

counterclaims

Source Analysis

Need to know who wrote the source, or what organization is

behind the source. Identify author, time, place, and purpose to

determine credibility and context. Recognize how time, place,

and perspective influence standards of evidence, objectives, and

methods of thinking and communicating.

Breadth: consider

multiple perspectives

In the research phase, a variety of sources and viewpoints are

collected and considered. Synthesize information from a range of

sources into a coherent understanding of an event, person, place,

and/or concept. Resolve conflicting information by considering

the value, truth, validity of available sources, when possible.

Fair: not merely self-

serving or one-sided

Various perspectives are considered. The paper is not trying to

prove a point that is unfairly biased or that is not supported by

evidence.

Correct: free from

grammar, punctuation,

spelling, and usage

errors

Are grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage correct? Appropriate

for audience? Are guidelines followed?

Creative Thinking Is the work significant? Is it original?

9-10

Mastery Work is exemplary, skilled, marked by excellence in clarity, precision, and

relevance

7-8 Competent Work is effective, relevant, and clear, but lacks the exemplary depth,

precision, and insight of mastering

4-6 Developing Work is inconsistent, ineffective; shows a lack of consistence competence: is

often unclear, imprecise, inaccurate, and superficial

1-3

Emerging Work is insufficient; marked by lack of clarity, superficiality, and inaccuracy