Information Literacy and Database Search

Unsatisfactory

(1)

Emerging

(2)

Proficient

(3)

Exemplary

(4)

Student Level

Writing Criteria

Organization

Writing is unclear and vague with little to no coherence. Writing has limited or missing transitions. Writing frequently tangents and/or repeats ideas unnecessarily.

Writing lacks coherence between paragraphs and ideas. Writing has inconsistent or inappropriate transitions.

Writing is clear and coherent. Transitions are appropriate and consistently used between paragraphs and help move from one idea to the next.

Writing is clear, coherent, and, fluid. Writing also is recursive in that it links ideas back to previously mentioned ideas. Writing also contains appropriate, consistent transitions between paragraphs and ideas help reader see the relationship between ideas.

1 2 3 4

x2

____/8pts

Paragraph development is flawed: no clear topic sentences. Paragraphs frequently have multiple topics. The writing has a limited or missing introduction and/or conclusion or summary of argument.

Paragraph development is ineffective or inappropriate for the assignment: topic sentences are present but not well connected to the rest of the writing. The introduction paragraph is incomplete or underdeveloped. Conclusion argument does not go beyond a brief repetition of points.

Paragraph development is appropriate for the topic and assignment: topic sentences introduce or summarize the content of the paragraph. The introduction paragraph is appropriate and complete for the topic and assignment. Concluding argument appropriately synthesizes key points.

Paragraphs are well developed and appropriate: there are strong topic sentences, clear ideas that naturally lead reader through the writing. The written piece is structured in a logical fashion that supports the presentation of complex content, including in the introduction and conclusion.

Comments:

Writing Style

Writing style is unfocused, wordy, inconsistent, and does not support the purpose of the writing.

Writing style is inconsistent and/or wordy. It weakly supports the purpose of the writing.

Writing is focused, concise, and has a consistent style that supports the topic and purpose of the writing.

Writing style is concise, engaging, insightful, and focused. It has clarity, depth, coherence, which strongly support the purpose of the writing.

1 2 3 4

x2

____/8pts

Tone is inappropriate and inconsistent. Rhetoric is not developed with consideration of the audience.

Tone is too informal for academic writing. Rhetoric attempts to consider audience but is inconsistent or unclear.

Tone is almost always formal. Rhetoric reflects a good sense of the audience but does not directly appeal to audience by using appropriate terminology and background knowledge of the audience.

Tone is consistently formal. Rhetoric reflects a clear understanding of and directly appeals to audience by using appropriate terminology and background knowledge of the audience.

Comments:

Grammar and Mechanics

Writing contains numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and/or sentence structure that severely interferes with readability and comprehension.

Writing contains errors in spelling and grammar that somewhat interfere with readability and/or comprehension.

Writing follows conventions of spelling and grammar throughout. Errors do not interfere with readability or comprehension.

Writing is basically error free in terms of mechanics. Grammar and mechanics help establish a sound scholarly argument and aid the reader in following the writer’s logic.

1 2 3 4

X 1

____/4pts

Comments:

Comprehension and Analysis Criteria

Comprehension of subject matter

· Summarized key points

· Demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources

The discussion demonstrates limited understanding of subject matter. Little, if any, effort is made to critique information.

The discussion demonstrates poor understanding of subject matter. Information presented is flawed or accepted uncritically. Opinions, personal reflections, and biases dominant discussion.

The discussion demonstrates an appropriate understanding of subject matter. Information is discussed, and an evaluation is attempted, but thoughts are not fully fleshed out to convey the point adequately.

The discussion demonstrates a clear and scholarly understanding of subject matter. Information is discussed with clear and accurate definitions of unfamiliar terms and is thoroughly evaluated from all possible perspectives.

Score

1 2 3 4

x2

____/8pts

References from article are either inappropriately used to support argument or are missing in spots.

References from article are either inappropriately used to support argument or are missing in spots.

References from article are appropriately used to support argument.

References from article are used in an effective way to fully support the authenticity of the argument.

Comments:

Included reflection on the article, analyzing and explaining what was new in the article, views on the way the author conducted the research, and difficulties or frustrations faced in completing this assignment

Different perspectives are taken at face value, showing no reflection on or evaluation of sources.

Inappropriate or inaccurate conclusions are drawn from analysis.

Appropriate, but simple conclusions are drawn. Conclusions are based on single perspective; counter argument never addressed.

Conclusions clearly & accurately reflect & evaluate multiple perspectives of an issue, while taking a clear stance. Any evidence that may be contradictory to expected outcomes is used to present a thorough evaluation of the issue.

Score

1 2 3 4

x2

___/8pts

Comments:

APA Style

Unacceptable use of APA Style and format. Does not utilize proper citation formats pertinent to the article. Incorrect use of headings.

Uneven application of APA style and format. Utilizes citations and headings inconsistently.

Appropriate use of APA format, inclusive of citations, references, and headings.

Infrequent errors

Correct use of APA format, inclusive of citations, references, and correct levels of headings

Score

1 2 3 4

X 1

___/4 pts

Comments: