political science research paper

RUBRIC!!

CriteriaA1—ExcellentA2—Very GoodB—GoodC—AdequateD—Needs ImprovementF—Does Not Meet Criteria0—Missing EntirelyCriterion ScoreThesis/Statement of Purpose Transparency20 points

Includes a transparent thesis in relation to the essay/research question.

18 points

Includes a thesis, but needs to be adjusted somewhat.

16 points

Possesses transparent thesis, but could be clarified, centralized, or stronger.

14 points

Possesses adequate thesis, but needs to be centralized and more transparent.

12 points

Thesis needs to be clarified or strengthened significantly.

10 points

Does not include a transparent thesis or statement of purpose in relation or appropriate to the question.

0 points

Insufficient material to assess

Score of Thesis/Statement of Purpose Transparency,/ 20Organizational Structure & Formatting20 points

Includes a strong, balanced Introduction & Conclusion sections and a balanced paragraph structure.

18 points

Includes a structural framework as far as the Introduction & Conclusion sections; paragraph sizes run too long or too short.

16 points

Overall well-organized, but could be enhanced by more focused Introduction or Conclusion sections.

14 points

Exemplifies clear pattern of organization, but needs more balanced paragraph structure; some paragraphs are too long/short.

12 points

Introduction and/or Conclusion sections are missing; generally disorganized in formatting and structure.

10 points

Is not sufficiently organized; missing structural elements; lacking in structure for an academic paper.

0 points

Non-existent structure

Score of Organizational Structure & Formatting,/ 20Coherence of Narrative, Analyses, & Arguments20 points

Possesses coherent, ordered points throughout; consistent narrative patterns; stays on point; uses an appropriate third-person narrative.

18 points

Provides coherent narrative overall, but could be adjusted in places.

16 points

Original narrative, but needs more depth in terms of including other perspectives & evidence. 

14 points

Has original positions, but too much editorializing; uses first-person narrative. Arguments need more development & depth.

12 points

Original, but includes undeveloped arguments and points; relies too much on sources or quotes to establish narrative.

10 points

Ideas and arguments are not developed sufficiently. Possesses unoriginal or incoherent narrative.

0 points

Incoherent narrative and/or Plagiarism 

Score of Coherence of Narrative, Analyses, & Arguments,/ 20Grammar & Mechanics for Academic Writing20 points

Demonstrates mastery of diction, syntax, usage, grammar, and academic writing mechanics.

18 points

Displays mastery, but one or two careless mistakes that do not detract from the overall quality nor meaning.

16 points

Demonstrates competence, but some isolated mistakes or typos in places.

14 points

Demonstrates competence, but displays repetitive mistakes or patterns in flawed grammar.

12 points

Needs significant proofreading and editing; grammar problems throughout.

10 points

Does not meet academic writing standards.

0 points

Does meet college-level standards.

Score of Grammar & Mechanics for Academic Writing,/ 20Sourcing/Referencing for Academic Writing20 points

Incorporates appropriate sources, references, & citations. 

18 points

All sources are accounted for, but not all sources are relevant to the topic.

16 points

Shows care for sourcing apparent, but has some simple formatting mistakes or contextual issues with applying sources.

14 points

Uses sources properly formatted, but needs a broader range of sources; some misunderstood or inappropriately applied; has excessive quotations.

12 points

Needs much more development in using appropriate sources or formatting citations or references; over-relies on quoted material.

10 points

Appropriate sourcing is not evident; fails to use or cite references appropriately; inconsistent formatting.

0 points

No sources, citations, and/or references

Score of Sourcing/Referencing for Academic Writing,/ 20Rubric Total Score