Rhetoric research paper

ENGL 143 Final Research Paper Rubric

Criteria Levels of Achievement

Proficient Satisfactory Poor

Introduction (5%) Provides context; includes thesis and provides a clear scope

4 (4%) to 5 (5%) Clearly provides all necessary information and sets expectations

2 (2%) to 3 (3%) Minor lack or excess of information; minor lack of clarity

0 (0%) to 1 (1%) Confusing, vague or lacking

Body Structure (5%) Paragraphs focus on one major idea each; transitions clearly show relationships among ideas

4 (4%) to 5 (5%) Paragraphs consistently meet expectations; transitions very clear

2 (2%) to 3 (3%) 1-3 lapses in paragraphs; 1-3 problems with transitions

0 (0%) to 1 (1%) So many lapses in paragraphs or problems with transitions that comprehension is difficult

Conclusion (5%) Decisively ends paper, provides reflection as the future of rhetoric in our electronic age

4 (4%) to 5 (5%) Ends paper with powerful impact; creates a fully satisfying sense of completion

2 (2%) to 3 (3%) Ending works, but may be weak or does not create a good sense of completion

0 (0%) to 1 (1%) Weak, confusing or missing ending

Content (30%) Paper provides a clear outline of the evolution of rhetoric and its influence on our post-modern discourse; speculates as to the future of rhetoric in our electronic age; adequately addresses the topic; source texts are referenced as required

25 (25%) to 30 (30%) Paper thoroughly discusses rhetoric’s evolution and its influence; provides a thought-provoking speculation as to the future of rhetoric; supports analysis with references to concepts discussed in source texts; demonstrates a solid understanding of the assignment

18 (18%) to 24 (24%) Paper adequately responds to the topic; length is adequate to address the topic; there is a reference to concepts discussed in source texts

0 (0%) to 17 (17%) Paper does not respond effectively to the topic; length is insufficient to adequately address the topic; reference to concepts discussed in source texts missing or incomplete

Vocabulary (10%) Appropriate; avoids jargon, slang, and overly emotionally charged words

9 (9%) to 10 (10%) Skillful word choice that is precise, purposeful and appropriate in formality

7 (7%) to 8 (8%) Relatively few minor errors

0 (0%) to 6 (6%) So many errors that writing is difficult to comprehend or offensive or irrelevant

Writing Style (10%) Variety of sentence constructions, appropriate brevity, use of parallelism, poetic effects (such as metaphor, simile, alliteration)

9 (9%) to 10 (10%) Pleasing variety of sentence constructions; always effective and appropriate brevity, use of parallelism and/or poetic effects

7 (7%) to 8 (8%) Relatively few minor errors

0 (0%) to 6 (6%) Errors detract significantly from comprehension or create significant distractions

Grammar (10%) Fragments, run-ons, tense, voice, agreement, spelling, punctuation

9 (9%) to 10 (10%) Few to no errors (1% or less of assignment word total)

7 (7%) to 8 (8%) Some errors (less than 5% of word total)

0 (0%) to 6 (6%) Errors detract significantly from comprehension

Sources – Number, Quality and Variety (10%) Sufficient (at least five), credible, unbiased sources show an in-depth exploration/points of view; draws on the course texts as primary sources

9 (9%) to 10 (10%) Significantly more than the minimum required; clearly credible and unbiased; effort beyond expectations; use of primary and secondary sources

7 (7%) to 8 (8%) At least the minimum required; most are credible and unbiased; effort made to ensure quality and depth

0 (0%) to 6 (6%) Less than the minimum required; most sources lack quality criteria (ex: Wikipedia); no attempt to explore various points of view

Sources – Integration and Citation (15%) Quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing; in-text citations and references adhere to required style

13 (13%) to 15 (15%) Sources interspersed with writer’s own analysis or synthesis; quotes are less than 10% of paper; 1-5 minor errors in documentation

10 (10%) to 12 (12%) Sources interspersed with writer’s own work; quotes are less than 20% of paper; more than 5 minor errors in documentation

0 (0%) to 9 (9%) Sources strung together with little of the writer’s own work; quotes are 50% or more of paper; citations missing or with major errors; plagiarism

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