Bio

Novice

Competent

Proficient

Spelling and Grammar

Multiple misspellings and grammatical errors.

Spelling checked. Grammar needs improvement.

Spelling and grammar is accurate and polished.

Formatting

Formatting has not been done. No organization

Writing is haphazard and disorganized.

Citations are not in a standard format or are not consistent in formatting.

Clear format and organization followed in the writing.

Citations are in a consistent format (APA, MLA…etc)

Citations

Where are they?

Partial citation, citations are hearsay or little scientific backing

Statements are cited with valid sources.

A Hook, a broad observation

No fish will ever be caught with this paper (no hook)

A hook, but does not logically connect to the topic.

The introduction uses a “hook” to grab the reader’s attention, and it logically connects to the topic.

Background information

Little or no background information. Reader is not sure what the history of the topic is

Background information is not cited. One or two sources. Not clear what the key issue or concept that will be researched.

Key issues, concepts, terms, and definitions are stated. Multiple sources are cited to support your topic’s history.

Rationale

No rationale or rationale stated does not match the topic.

Purpose is not clear and assumptions not stated.

Gives a purpose. What is known and what is unknown? Explains what new information your research will contribute. Gives the assumptions of what you expect your research to be true.

Question

None

Question is not testable.

Testable question give based on rationale and background information.

Hypothesis

None

Hypothesis is a question, not a statement. Hypothesis is worded to be testable (no variable mentioned)

Clear, testable hypothesis.