proposal draft

TOPIC PROPOSAL RUBRIC

Exceptional

(A-level work)

Effective (B-level work)

Inconsistent (C-level work)

Inadequate (D/F-level work)

Concise discussion of subject

Provides a clear and sophisticated introduction to the topic; conversant with key terms/language relevant to the topic; draws on quality facts and stats to offer context and background

Provides an interesting, if more general, introduction to the topic; may leave readers with some questions after reading; provides facts and stats for context and background

Provides an introduction to the topic based on broad or popular knowledge; no outside sources used

Introduction lacks specificity and development; may be unclear or unfinished.

Clear statement of intended focus

Research questions are complex and clearly stated; direction of research is explicit and well designed.

Research questions are meaningful, though they may require further development; direction of research is presented, if vaguely.

Research questions lack development and do not demonstrate sufficient background research on the topic; direction of research is not clear.

Research questions are surface or missing altogether; little or no direction for research is outlined.

Rationale for choosing subject

Reasons for choosing this topic are clearly and articulately expressed, and suggest a thoughtful selection process.

Reasons for choosing this topic are clearly expressed.

Reasons for choosing the topic are unclear or need to be inferred from other parts of the proposal.

Rationale is missing or suggests only a surface interest in the topic.

Mention of key resources

Quality academic sources are discussed and demonstrate comprehensive background research.

Quality sources are discussed and demonstrate meaningful background research, if limited.

Sources are discussed, but they don’t reflect much academic research.

No sources are mentioned or are done so in a limited or superficial way.

Required elements

All elements of the assignment are covered in detail, including research questions, names and titles of possible interview subjects, and survey topics.

All elements of the assignment are present, but may lack detail and/or sufficient discussion of purpose.

One item missing entirely from the proposal.

More than one item missing entirely from the proposal.