Research topic his-

Criteria

Early Thinker

Beginning Thinker

Practicing Thinker

Advancing Thinker

Points

Paper Format

2 points

Wrote less than 3 pages for the actual body of the paper.

Did not use APA template.

Template has more than 4 formatting errors.

5 points

Wrote between 4 pages for the actual body of the paper.

Used APA Template, but has less than 4 formatting errors.

8 points

Wrote between 5 pages for the actual body of the paper.

Used APA Template, but has less than 2 formatting errors.

10 points

Wrote 6 full pages for the actual body of the paper.

Used APA Template.

Template has no formatting errors: correct title page, fonts, margins, double-spacing, correct header, title page, abstract, and reference page.

10

Abstract

Explanation of Issues

Student Position (thesis and perspective)

2 points

Missing or incomplete.

5 points

Vague and leaves out relevant sub-topics for full understanding of the topic.

8 points

Covers most of the relevant information for understanding of the topic.

10 points

Comprehensively covers all relevant information for full understanding of the topic.

10

Introduction

Context & Purpose of Writing

2 points

Specific position is not stated in the thesis.

Omits introductory paragraph.

5 points

In the introductory paragraph, specific position is not clearly stated in the thesis or is too simplistic.

8 points

In the introductory paragraph, specific position is stated in the thesis, not fully taking into account the complexities of the issue.

10 points

In the introductory paragraph, specific position is stated in the thesis, taking into account the complexities of the issue.

10

Paper Content

Explanation of Issues

Existing Knowledge, Research & Views Included

Analysis

20 points

Varieties of perspectives are not presented or the presentation is inaccurate.

Few concepts and explanations addressed in a context-rich manner.

Paper exceeds more than 30% direct quotes.

Topic viewpoints and issues are stated without clarification.

Little analysis to compare and contrast primary and secondary source information.

Interpretation of visual source.

Missing interpretation of visual source in making historical argument.

30 points

Varieties of perspectives are acknowledged and accurate, but presentation is shallow and simplistic.

Some key concepts and explanations are addressed in a somewhat organized, context-rich manner.

Paper contains no more than 30% direct quotes.

Topic viewpoints and issues are stated but descriptions are ambiguous and vague.

Some analysis to compare and contrast primary and secondary source information.

Brief, shallow acknowledgement of visual source in making historical argument, but little interpretation.

40 points

Varieties of perspectives are acknowledged, but details are not fully presented.

Most key concepts and explanations are addressed in an organized, context-rich manner.

Paper contains no more than 20% direct quotes.

Topic viewpoints and issues are stated and defined so that understanding is not seriously impeded by omissions.

Adequate analysis to compare and contrast primary and secondary source information.

Some interpretation of visual source in making historical argument.

50 points

Variety of perspectives are acknowledged and presented accurately with full, detailed information.

Key concepts and explanations are addressed in a comprehensive, organized, context-rich manner.

Paper contains no more than 20% direct quotes.

Topic viewpoints and issues are clearly stated and defined with all relevant information necessary for full understanding.

Complete analysis to compare and contrast primary and secondary source information.

Complete interpretation of visual source in making historical argument.

50

Conclusion

Limitations & Implications

Influence of Context & Assumptions

2 points

Poor summary of information.

Conclusion is inconsistently tied to the information presented.

Identifies some assumptions within contexts of own and other viewpoints.

Limits of position are not acknowledged.

Fails to acknowledge points of view.

5 points

Shallow summary of information.

Conclusion is tied to information presented but does not elaborate on implications from a variety of viewpoints.

Identifies other assumptions but is not as aware of own assumptions.

Limits of position are acknowledged simplistically.

Acknowledge some points of view.

8 points

Good summary of information.

Conclusion and related outcomes are logical and relate to a variety of viewpoints, but are weakly tied to evidence presented in the paper.

Identifies own and other assumptions and several relevant contexts.

A limit of position are acknowledged, but does not raise further questions.

Other points of view are acknowledged.

10 points

Excellent summary of information.

Conclusion and related outcomes are logical and reflect student’s informed evaluation of information based on evidence and perspectives included in the paper.

Thoroughly analyzes own and other assumptions and carefully evaluates the relevance of contexts.

Limits of position are acknowledged that includes counter-evidence and raising further questions.

Other points of views are synthesized within position.

10

Evidence

(References)

2 points

Complete, accurate APA citations for a minimum of 2 sources that meet assignment criteria.

Less than 70% of the in-text citations are complete and accurate.

5 points

Complete, accurate APA citations for a minimum of 3 sources that meet assignment criteria.

70% of the in-text citations are complete and accurate.

8 points

Complete, accurate APA citations for a minimum of 4 sources that meet assignment criteria.

80% of the in-text citations are complete and accurate.

10 points

Complete, accurate APA citations for a minimum of 5 sources that meet assignment criteria.

All in-text citations are complete and accurate.

10

30 points

55 points

80 points

100 points

Total

100