History of Art Paper

Criteria

4

3

2

1

Transitions and Organization

(20 points)

The argument is well-organized and there are transitions between paragraphs. Paper has clear and engaging introduction and conclusion.

The research is mostly well organized but sometimes lacks transitions between paragraphs. It has somewhat clear and engaging introduction and conclusion.

The research is not well-organized and jumps between topics without transitions. It has an abrupt or general introduction and conclusion.

The research has no discernible organization or transitions. It either lacks an introduction and conclusion entirely or includes an exceptionally vague introduction and conclusion.

Focus at the paragraph level (20 points)

Each paragraph has a distinct focus and a clear topic sentence. It is clear how each paragraph relates to the main idea.

Most paragraphs have a distinct focus and a clear topic sentence. It is sometimes unclear how each paragraph relates to the main idea.

Some paragraphs have a distinct focus and a clear topic sentence. It is usually unclear how each paragraph relates to the

main idea.

None of the paragraphs has a distinct focus or a clear topic sentence. It is not clear how paragraphs relate to the main idea.

Purpose and focus

(20 points)

Establishes and maintains a clear focus, a distinctive voice and professional, academic tone.

Mostly focused on a purpose; fairly consistent voice.

An attempt to establish a purpose, communicate with the audience.

No evidence of purpose/audience.

Development of ideas/Inclusion of research (20 points)

Complex ideas supported by engaging, well-chosen details. Evidence of reflection and analysis.

Somewhat complex ideas, supported by elaborated and relevant details.

Author does not fully elaborate on ideas, includes irrelevant details.

Minimal/no idea development, limited/unrelated details.

Style & Technique

(20 points)

Author consistently uses precise, rich language and a variety of sentence structures.

Author uses effective language, and controlled sentence structure.

Author uses simplistic or awkward sentence structure and imprecise language.

Author uses incorrect/ineffective sentence structures and wording.

Format, Grammar

(20 points)

Paper is neatly presented, published in Chicago format and could be used as a model for others. Paper is error-free.

Paper is neatly presented and published in Chicago format. It contains minimal mistakes that do not interfere with meaning.

Format of paper may or may not be appropriate. It may or may not be neat. Numerous minor errors often make it difficult to read.

Format of research paper is not appropriate and piece is not published neatly. Many errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation often interfere with meaning.