Ethics Essay

Ethical Decision-Making Essay Grading Rubric

Name: _________________________Course/Section Number: ______________ Grade: ______ / 10% of grade

NM = not met minimum NI= needs improvement A = average G = good E= excellent

Organization, Style, Mechanics, Idea Development, Content: See Comments on Graded Essay____ / %

	NM	NI	A	G	E
Introduction – purpose of the essay is clear to the audience; ethical dilemma is explained clearly; writer addresses why the dilemma calls for an ethical decision; relevant background information is given; thesis is restated and audience understands what will follow. Body Paragraphs/Organization – paragraphs start with a topic sentence; sentences support the paragraph’s main idea; paragraphs are unified and coherent supporting the thesis; logical progression of ideas with a clear structure and sequence; transitions effectively connect sentences and paragraph; conclusion provides closure and restates thesis. Writing Style and Mechanics – writing is smooth, skillful and coherent; variety in sentence structure; effective word choice; no repetition; academic tone and diction are appropriate for essay’s purpose and audience; minimal errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, and mechanics; no comma splices and run-on sentences. ______ / %
Idea Development · Ideas are fully developed, sufficiently supported and show critical thinking. · Facts are distinguished from opinions. · Opinions are supported and qualified. · Opposing views are represented fairly. · There is a clear voice and point of view. · The essay reflects a sense of audience. Content: Student is able to identify a situation in which an ethical decision is required, analyze the situation from more than one ethical perspective, explore the consequences of each decision, and analyze the situation from his or her own ethical perspective, clarifying their ethical values in the process. · Acknowledges the complexity of the ethical issues being analyzed. · Demonstrates an understanding of ethical theories and concepts. · Analyzes and evaluates the situation applying more than one ethical perspective. · Considers the implications and consequences of these actions to ethical decision-making in this setting. · Analyzes the issue from own ethical perspective and examines beliefs and values that inform ethical thinking, conduct, and decision-making. ______/%
Citations and Works Cited - Outside sources are integrated smoothly in the essay. The essay includes correctly formatted in-text citations and a correct Works Cited page. APA or MLA guidelines are followed. _____ / %
Format – Your name and section number on the top of the first page. Double-spaced; 12-point Times New Roman (no script or bold); 600-800 words total which is equivalent to 2 ½ - 3 ½ pages; correct spelling, syntax, and grammar _____/%

* Note on plagiarism: Add our own policy. This is Kent Polk’s policy: “If the essay is found, in whole, to be taken from the Internet or any other source besides the student, the student will receive a “0” for the project grade, and the student will be referred to the Vice President of Student Services for disciplinary action. If more than 30% of the content matches other sources, the student will receive a grade of “0” for the assignment, but the student will be allowed to revise and submit another essay for grading.”