Criminal Investigation

Criteria

Levels of Achievement

Content

(70%)

Advanced

90-100%

Proficient

70-89%

Developing

1-69%

Not present

Total

Introduction and Thesis Statement

17.5 to 19 points:

Provides a clear, overarching introduction to the paper topic. Demonstrates a clear and profound thesis statement (generally at the end of the introductory paragraph).

13 to 17 points:

The introduction paragraph contains a good overview of topic and student provides a acceptable thesis statement (generally at the end of the introductory paragraph).

1 to 12.5 points:

The thesis statement and introductory overview of the paper need substantial improvement; or student may have introduction paragraph without a thesis statement; or may have a thesis statement without a introductory paragraph.

0 points

Not present

Content and Substance

66 to 73 points:

The essay exhibits a clear and elevated understanding of a specific topic in criminal investigations; All key issues/topics have been expounded and substantiated; Student uses illuminating examples to support discussion; Shows an elevated level of analysis and critical thinking about the topic; Shows an elevated level of work and effort on the assignment. Sources are evaluated critically. Paper contains 7 full body pages of content.

52.5 to 65.5 points:

The essay exhibits a good understanding of a specific topic in criminal investigations; Most key issues/topics have been expounded and substantiated; Student uses acceptable examples to support discussion; Shows an appropriate level of analysis and critical thinking about the topic; Shows an appropriate level of work and effort on the assignment. Sources are evaluated. Paper contains 7 full body pages of content.

1 to 52 points:

The essay exhibits a satisfactory or developing understanding of a specific topic in criminal investigations; Some key issues/topics have been substantiated but improvement is needed; Student uses minimal examples to support discussion; Shows a developing level of analysis but critical thinking needs improvement; Work and effort on the assignment is questionable. Sources are not evaluated. Paper may not contain 7 full body pages of content.

0 points

Not present

Conclusion and Biblical Worldview

25 to 28 points:

The conclusion brackets the thesis statement and clearly summarizes the research presented in the body of the paper. Student thoroughly integrates a Christian worldview; Includes critical analysis of Scripture.

20 to 24.5 points:

The conclusion provides some summary of the research presented in the body of the paper. Student integrates a Christian worldview and provides some analysis of Scripture.

1 to 19.5 points:

The conclusion does not adequately summarize the research presented in the body of the paper. Student may not integrate a Christian worldview or simply provides Scripture quote without analysis.

0 points

Not present

Structure (30%)

Advanced

90-100%

Proficient

70-89%

Developing

1-69%

Not present

Total

Research Elements

28 to 32 points:

Peer-reviewed academic primary and secondary materials (5 or more) are used as the primary sources and include peer-reviewed academic materials (Journal articles or books). Research incorporates multiple viewpoints of complex issues. Arguments are correctly supported with research. Includes biblical and scripture support.

22 to 27.5 points:

Academic primary and secondary materials are used (5 or more) but student may include non-peer-reviewed, non-scholarly, or general website content as support. Arguments are supported and substantiated with research in most instances. Research is generally aware of different viewpoints of complex issues. Includes biblical and scripture support.

1 to 27 points:

Academic sources are used, though student may rely too heavily on non-peer reviewed literature or non-scholarly websites. Fewer than 5 sources may be used. Arguments incorporate some research, but often include personal opinion without appropriate support. Sources are, at times, not used appropriately. Research is not aware of multiple viewpoints of complex issues. May not include biblical and scripture support.

0 points

Appropriate sources are not used or sources are lacking entirely. Arguments are not supported with acceptable research sources. Opposing viewpoints are dismissed or ignored. Reference list is incomplete or missing. May not include biblical and scripture support.

Mechanics

7 to 8 points:

No grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used correctly and consistently. Writing is precise. Word choice is appropriate and coherent.

5 to 6.5 points:

Few grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used correctly. Writing style is sufficient. Word choice is adequate and mostly coherent.

1 to 4.5 points:

Several grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used inconsistently. Writing style is understandable but could be improved.

0 points

Numerous spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are misused. Writing style is difficult to understand. Word choice is poor.

APA Format Elements

12.5 to 15 points:

Citations and format are in current APA style with little to no errors (1-2 errors). APA formatting elements such as: Title page, abstract, running head, headings/subheadings, font type and size, line spacing, and margins with 1-2 errors.

APA format includes the proper application of in-text citations and a reference list.

Paper is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and written in 12 point Times New Roman font.

10 to 12 points:

Citations and format are in current APA style with few errors (3- 5 errors). APA formatting elements such as: Title page, abstract, running head, headings/subheadings, font type and size, line spacing, and margins are presented with few errors.

APA format includes the proper application of in-text citations and a reference list. Paper is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and written in 12 point Times New Roman font.

1 to 9.5 points:

Citations and format are in current APA style though several errors (5+) are present. APA formatting elements such as: Title page, abstract, running head, headings/subheadings, font type and size, line spacing, and margins

Reference list is included though several errors are present. Paper is double-spaced, but margins or fonts are incorrect.

0 points

Excessive APA errors. Minimal/no attempt to apply APA format correctly. APA formatting elements such as: Title page, abstract, running head, headings/subheadings are missing. Student may only use URLS in reference list or as in-text citations. Paper is not double-spaced, margins are incorrect, or font is incorrect.

Professor Comments:

Total:

/175