Writing sample

Outstanding 24 points

Very Good 18 points

Good 12 Points

Unacceptable 6 points

Integration of Knowledge

12.5%

The paper demonstrates that the author understands and has applied concepts learned in the course.

Concepts are integrated into the writer’s own insights.

The writer provides concluding remarks that show analysis and synthesis of ideas

The paper demonstrates that the author, mostly, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course.

Some conclusions, however, are not supported in the body of the paper

The paper demonstrates that the author, to a certain extent, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course

The paper does not demonstrate that the author has understood, and applied concepts learned in the course.

Topic Focus

12.5%

The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment.

A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by a statement of a position or hypothesis

The topic is focused but lacks direction.

The paper is about a specific topic, but the writer has not established a position.

The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment.

The topic is not clearly defined

Depth of Discussion

12.5 %

In-depth discussion and elaboration in all sections of the paper.

In-depth discussion and elaboration in most sections of the paper.

The writer has omitted content.

Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively.

Cursory discussion in all the sections of the paper or brief discussion in only a few sections

Cohesiveness

12.5%

Ties together information from all sources.

Paper flows from one issue to the next with no headings.

Author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources

Mostly, it ties together information from all sources.

Paper flows with only some disjointedness.

The author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Sometimes ties together information from all sources.

Paper does not flow.

Disjointedness is apparent.

The author’s writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

It does not tie together information.

Paper does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues.

Headings are necessary to link concepts.

Writing does not demonstrate understanding any relationship

Spelling and Grammar 12.5%

Minimal spelling and/or grammar mistakes

Some spelling and or grammar mistakes.

Noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes.

An unacceptable number of spelling and/or grammar mistakes

Sources

12.5%

Over 5 current sources, of which at least 3 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books.

Sources include both general background sources and specialized sources.

Special-interest sources and popular literature and acknowledged as such if they are cited.

All web sites utilized are authoritative.

5 current sources, of which at least 2 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books.

All web sites utilized are authoritative.

Fewer than 5 current sources or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are credible.

Fewer than 5 current sources or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. Not all web sites utilized are credible, and/or sources are not current.

Citations

12.5%

Cites all data obtained from other sources.

APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography

Cites most data obtained from other sources.

APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.

Cites some data obtained from other sources.

Citation style is inconsistent or incorrect.

Does not cite sources.