Essay

Essay Rubric

Criteria Rating Points

Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Does Not Meet Expectations

Organization & Structure

Introduction

Thesis position is clearly stated, adequately describes the structure of the essay, and invites reader's attention.

(18-20)

Some weakness related to the presentation of structure of the essay.

(15-17)

No attempt is made to state the thesis or position is vagu, and/or there is no description the structure of the essay.

(0-14)

20

Body

Body includes strong and relevant supporting details that logically align with the position of the author. Essay body is logically sequenced and cohesive with the essay thesis. Each body paragraph presents complete ideas/ supporting details.

(36-40)

Body includes relevant supporting details that logically align with the position of the author. Some weakness in logic, organization, or paragraph structure.

(30-35)

Body fails to include relevant supporting details with the author’s position. Essay body lacks coherence and does not align with the essay thesis. Body paragraphs present incomplete and/or incoherent ideas/supporting details. Position is difficult to articulate.

(1-29)

40

Grammar and Usage

Essay is free of grammatical and spelling errors. Technical terminology, words from other languages, and words from other historical periods are explained and used correctly. Sentences are clearly written and free of run-ons. Reader is able to fully comprehend the meaning of the narrative.

(27-30)

Essay contains a few minor grammatical and/or spelling errors. Paragraphs contain minor errors such as word misusage, run- on sentences, and wordy sentences. Sentences are generally clearly written. Contains no more than a few minor errors, which do not adversely affect the reader’s ability to understand the essay.

(22-26)

Paper contains numerous grammatical and spelling errors, and misused words. Paragraphs are wordy, contain multiple run-on sentences, and are unclear. Reader has a difficult time understanding the essay because of errors and poor sentence structure.

(0-21)

30

Conclusion

Conclusion clearly and effectively summarizes main points mentioned in the essay body, presents new information to the reader, and closes with supporting details mentioned in the essay body.

(9-10)

Some weakness in summarizing main points of essay and/or there is presentation of new material.

(7-8)

Conclusion is vague, does not summarize topics mentioned in the essay body, does not present new information to the reader, and/or fails to effectively close the essay with supporting details from the essay body.

(0-7)

10

Content Quality

Research Sources

Presents a variety of reputable and relevant sources to support author’s position. Cites all sources of information referred to in essay. All sources are properly formatted according to APA style (7th edition).

(27-30)

Sources may lack variety and/or may be of poor quality. Some citations may be missing or minor errors in use of APA style (7th edition).

(22-26)

Essay does not utilize reputable sources to support author’s position. Sources referred to in the essay are not cited. Sources are not properly cited according to APA style (7th edition).

(0-21)

30

Analysis

*Descriptive ethics paper: Assessment of the conditions and factors that contributed to unethical behavior in the organization. *Normative ethics paper: Clear link to ethical frameworks presented in the course. Multiple perspective offered on ethical issue addressed.

(27-30)

Some weakness in either assessment of factors contributing to unethical behavior or in linkage to framework to the course.

(22-26)

Underlying logic has major flaws; connection to position is not clear. Connections to position are incorrect or unclear or just a repetition of the events without explanation.

(0-21)

30

Compliance

Word Length

Essay is within required word length.

(9-10)

Essay is with 20 percent of word requirement.

(7-8)

Essay is more than 20 percent outside of word limit.

(0-6)

10

In-Text Citation

In-text citations, footnotes, and bibliography correctly follows APA style (7th edition) format.

(9-10)

In-text citations, footnotes, and bibliography generally follows APA style (7th edition) format; essay contains a few minor errors.

(7-8)

Fails to include in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliography.

(0-6)

10

Proper Formatting

Essay follows formatting requirements stated in assignment instructions posted on Canvas.

(9-10)

Essay generally follows formatting requirements stated in assignment instructions posted on Canvas; essay contains a few minor errors.

(7-8)

Essay does not follow formatting requirements stated in assignment instructions posted on Canvas.

(0-6)

10

On-Time Submission

Submitted by required due date.

(9-10)

Submitted more than three days late.

(7-8)

Not submitted by required due date.

(0-6)

10