Rural Soci essay

Rubric for the Essay in Rural Sociology (SOCI 4796)

ELEMENT

Exemplary

50

Proficient

40-49

Partially

Proficient

30-39

Unsatisfactory

Below 30

Introduction The

introduction

presents the

overall topic

and draws the

audience into

the article

/video/ or text

and to what

will follow

The

introduction is

clear and

coherent and

relates to the

topic, and to

what will

follow

The introduction

shows some

structure but

does not create a

strong sense of

what is to

follow. May be

incomplete and

is somewhat

appealing to the

audience.

The introduction

does not orient

the audience to

what the reading

is all about and

what will

follow.

The sequencing

is unclear and

does not appear

interesting or

relevant to the

readings.

Content The content is

written clearly

and concisely

with a logical

progression of

ideas and

supporting

information

from literature.

The project

includes

specific

question to be

answered, key

points, and

motivating

questions from

student . The

project gives

the audience a

clear sense of

the main idea.

Information is

The content is

written with a

logical

progression of

ideas and

supporting

information.

Includes

specific

questions, is

persuasive

information

from reliable

sources.

The content is

vague in

conveying a

point of view

and does not

create a strong

sense of purpose.

Includes some

persuasive

information with

few facts.

Some of the

information may

not seem to fit.

Sources used

appear

unreliable.

The content

lacks a clear

point of view

and logical

sequence of

information.

Includes little

persuasive

information and

only one or two

facts about the

topic.

Information is

incomplete,

based on

personal opinion

and/or incorrect.

Sequencing of

ideas is unclear.

accurate, and

comes mainly

from

appropriate

sources.

Thoroughly and

clearly

answered/

completed the

discussion

prompt

requirements.

Text The fonts are

easy-to-read

and point size

varies

appropriately

for headings

and text.

Use of italics,

bold, and

indentations

enhances

readability.

Text is

appropriate in

length ((1 page

1.5 spaced for

each week’s

readings) and

to the point.

The

background

and colors

enhance the

readability of

text.

Sometimes the

fonts are easy-

to-read, but in a

few places the

use of fonts,

italics, bold,

long

paragraphs,

color or busy

background

detracts and

does not

enhance

readability.

Overall

readability is

difficult with

lengthy

paragraphs, too

many different

fonts, dark or

busy

background,

overuse of bold

or lack of

appropriate

indentations of

text.

The text is

extremely

difficult to read

with long blocks

of text and small

point size of

fonts,

inappropriate

contrasting

colors, poor use

of headings,

subheadings,

indentations, or

bold formatting.

Layout The layout is

visually

pleasing and

contributes to

The layout uses

horizontal and

vertical white

space

The layout

shows some

structure, but

appears cluttered

The layout is

cluttered,

confusing, and

does not use

the overall

message with

appropriate use

of headings,

subheadings

and white

space.

appropriately. and busy or

distracting with

large gaps of

white space or

uses a distracting

background.

spacing,

headings and

subheadings to

enhance the

readability.

Citations Sources of

information are

properly cited

using APA

style and the

audience can

determine the

credibility and

authority of the

information

presented.

All sources of

information are

clearly

identified and

credited using

appropriate

citation format.

Most sources of

information use

proper citation

format, and

sources are

documented to

make it possible

to check on the

accuracy of

information.

Sometimes

copyright

guidelines are

followed and

some

information,

photos and

graphics do not

include proper

citation format.

No way to check

validity of

information.

Writing

Mechanics

The text is

written with no

errors in

grammar,

capitalization,

punctuation,

and spelling.

The text is

clearly written

with little or no

editing required

for grammar,

punctuation,

and spelling.

Spelling,

punctuation, and

grammar errors

distract or impair

readability.

(3 or more

errors)

Errors in

spelling,

capitalization,

punctuation,

usage and

grammar

repeatedly

distract the

reader and major

editing and

revision is

required. (more

than 5 errors)

TOTAL POINTS = 50

Reference: University of Wisconsin - Stout — Schedule of Online Courses, Online Certificate

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