Should nuclear weapon be outlawed worldwide?

Criteria

Unacceptable (0-7)

Developing (8-13)

Average (14-15)

Good (16-17)

Exemplary (18-20)

Topic/

Thesis/

Content

Lacks a debatable thesis. Topic is inappropriate for the assignment Represents a seemingly random collection of information.

A debatable claim is not evident. Analysis is vague or not evident and/or the paragraphs are not well developed. Reader is confused or may be misinformed. Topic may be inappropriate for the assignment

Thesis is focused on an appropriate topic and is adequately stated. Essay’s purpose is evident and paragraphs are well developed. Information supports an argument but sometimes may drift off point. Analysis is basic or general. Reader gains a few insights.

Thesis is clearly, logically, and effectively stated and developed. Essay achieves its purpose. Information provides reasonable support for an argument and displays evidence of a basic analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains some meaningful insights. Shows imagination in its approach to its topic.

Creatively, clearly, and logically states and develops its thesis and achieves its purpose. Presents clear, logical, and thought-provoking ideas. Balanced presentation of relevant and legitimate information that clearly the argument and shows a reasoned in-depth analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains important insights.

Organization

Illogically organized. The reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest.

The writing is not logically organized. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense together. Lacks transitions.

The writing is arranged logically and uses adequate transitions, although occasionally ideas may fail to make sense together. The reader is clear about what the writer intends.

Ideas are arranged logically and clearly linked to each other to support the argument so the reader can follow the line of reasoning. Consistently employs appropriate transitions.

The ideas are arranged logically to support the argument. They flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked to each other. The reader can follow the line of reasoning. Uses surprising but appropriate transitions.

Quality of References

There are virtually no sources that are professionally reliable. The reader seriously doubts the value of the material and stops reading.

Many of the sources are questionable or are incorrectly used. The reader questions the value of the material.

Some of the references are from sources that are not peer-reviewed and have uncertain reliability. The reader doubts the accuracy of some of the material presented.

Although most of the references are professionally legitimate, a few are questionable (e.g., trade books, popular magazines, etc.). The reader is uncertain of the reliability of some of the sources.

References are primarily peer- reviewed professional journals or other approved. The reader is confident that the information and ideas can be trusted.

Use of Sources/ MLA Documentation

References are missing or incorrectly used. Information is cited to the wrong source or is plagiarized. No adherence to MLA guidelines. No Work Cited page.

References are seldom cited to support statements. Attribution and quotation marks are missing where required. Inaccurate Work Cited page. Lack of adherence to MLA guidelines undermines integrity of essay.

Attribution usually given, but some statements may be undocumented causing confusion about the source of some information and ideas. Work/s Cited may contain inaccuracies which do not compromise the integrity of essay.

Professionally legitimate sources that support claims are generally present and attribution is, for the most part, clear and fairly represented. Consistent adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Works Cited page.

Compelling evidence from professionally legitimate sources supports claims. Attribution is clear. Consistent adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Work Cited page.

Grammar/ Mechanics

Contains errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar that interfere with understanding.

Contains distracting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar that reduce understanding.

Contains few errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Contains infrequent errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar.

Writing is free from distracting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.