Research Paper

Criteria

Levels of Achievement

Content

(70%)

Advanced

92-100%

Proficient

84-91%

Developing

1-83%

Not Present

Total

Abstract

4.75 to 5 points

No more than a page – typically between 150 and 250 words; concise summary of the key points of the paper.

4.25 to 4.5 points

Fewer than 150 words; concise summary of the key points of the paper.

1 to 4 points

Abstract is not clear or does not summarize the key points of the paper.

0 points

Not present

Thesis and Introduction

23 to 25 points

The thesis or research statement is well constructed; introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.

21 to 22.75 points

A thesis statement is introduced, conveys a biblical worldview, and aligns with the title and body of the paper.

1 to 20.75 points

The thesis and/or introduction are poorly written or do not align with the title and/or body of the paper.

0 points

Not present

Content and Focus

36.75 to 40 points

The content is comprehensive, accurate, and is related to assignment prompt.

33.5 to 36.5 points

The content is either: not comprehensive, not accurate, or is not related to the assignment prompt.

1 to 33.25 points

The content is not comprehensive, not accurate, and is not related to assignment prompt.

0 points

Not present

Major Points and Support

32.25 to 35 points

The major points are stated clearly; are supported by specific details, examples or analysis; and are organized logically.

29.5 to 32 points

The major points are not stated clearly but are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis.

1 to 29.25 points

The major points are not stated clearly and are not supported by specific details, examples, or analysis.

0 points

Not present

Christian Worldview

18.5 to 20 points

Dedicated Christian Worldview section exists or is woven throughout the paper; showing the integration of the subject matter, critical thinking, and Christian Worldview.

17.25 to 18.25 points

General tenets of a biblical worldview are introduced and convey a basic understanding of supporting literature.

1 to 17 points

Some biblical concepts are presented but may be narrow in scope, not representing the most essential principles, or may not be congruent with supporting literature.

0 points

Not present

Conclusion

13.75 to 15 points

The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points.

12.75 to 13.5 points

Conclusion is either: not logical, does not flow from the body of the paper, or does not review the major points.

1 to 12.5 points

Conclusion is not logical, does not flow from the body of the paper, and does not review the major points.

0 points

Not present

Structure (30%)

Advanced

92-100%

Proficient

84-91%

Developing

1-83%

Not Present

Total

Grammar, Spelling, and Page Count

23 to 25 points

Correct spelling and grammar are used throughout the outline. There are 0–2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Paper is 16-18 pages (3-4-page introduction, followed by a 11-14-page analysis).

21 to 22.75 points

There are 3–5 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Paper is not 16-18 pages.

1 to 20.75 points

There are 6–10 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Paper is not 16-18 pages.

0 points

Not present

Current APA Format Compliance

18.5 to 20 points

There are 0–1 minor citation errors in current APA format in the required items.

16.75 to 18.25 points

There are 2–3 minor citation errors in current APA format in the required items.

1 to 16.5 points

There are more than 3 citation errors in current APA format in the required items.

0 points

Not present

Format Structure and Sources

13.75 to 15 points

Overall paper is structured per APA: running head, page numbers, title page, spacing, indentions, margins, and headings. At least 15-20 sources, including the Holy Bible and no more than 2 books, are used.

12.75 to 13.5 points

Few errors in paper structure per APA: running head, page numbers, title page, spacing, indentions, margins, and headings. Less than 15-20 sources, including the Holy Bible and no more than 2 books, are used.

1 to 12.5 points

Multiple errors in paper structure per APA: running head, page numbers, title page, spacing, indentions, margins, and headings. Less than 15-20 sources, including the Holy Bible and no more than 2 books, are used.

0 points

Not present

Professor Comments:

Total:

/200