Article Review...

Unacceptable (F)

Minimally Adequate (D) -- Acceptable (C)

Good (B)

Excellent (A)

Thesis/main point or argument

Points Range:0 (0%) - 8 (8%)

(A score below 'Minimally Adequate' indicates the paper is incomplete or otherwise extensively flawed and in the “unacceptable” or “F” category)

Points Range:9 (9%) - 11 (11%)

The paper lacks a clear thesis/main point or argument, or the thesis/main point does not properly address the assignment. The paper exhibits only a basic understanding of the subject matter and fails to effectively use, or misrepresents, course reading assignments and ideas.

Points Range:12 (12%) - 13 (13%)

The paper has a general thesis/main point, but it should be more clear, compelling, or specific. The paper adequately addresses the requirements of the assignment and shows a basic command of the course content, learning objectives, and disciplinary methods.

Points Range:14 (14%) - 15 (15%)

The paper’s thesis/main point is clear, well-developed, and compelling. The paper is an appropriate response to the assignment. The paper builds on, as opposed to simply repeating, ideas from class readings and discussion, and shows a masterful command of the course content, learning objectives, and disciplinary methods.

Awareness of audience and effectiveness of writing strategy

Points Range:0 (0%) - 8 (8%)

(A score below 'Minimally Adequate' indicates the paper is incomplete or otherwise extensively flawed and in the “unacceptable” or “F” category)

Points Range:9 (9%) - 11 (11%)

The paper shows a limited awareness of, or an inability to write for, the intended audience. The tone and point of view are not consistently appropriate for the assignment and audience. The paper does not sufficiently meet the reader’s need for explanation and supporting information. Writing and stylistic choices tend to obscure, as opposed to facilitate, the reader’s understanding of thesis and purpose and/or fail to keep the reader interested.

Points Range:12 (12%) - 13 (13%)

The paper shows a basic awareness of the needs of the intended audience. The tone or point of view are generally appropriate and consistent. The paper meets most, but not all, of the reader’s needs for explanation and supporting information. Writing and stylistic choices sufficiently hold the reader’s interest.

Points Range:14 (14%) - 15 (15%)

The paper shows excellent awareness of the needs of the intended audience. The tone and point of view are appropriate for the assignment and audience. The paper meets the reader’s needs for explanation and supporting information. Writing and stylistic choices help the reader not only understand the paper’s main point and purpose, but hold the reader’s interest so he or she is continually engaged with and invested in the topic.

Development and support of ideas

Points Range:0 (0%) - 11 (11%)

(A score below 'Minimally Adequate' indicates the paper is incomplete or otherwise extensively flawed and in the “unacceptable” or “F” category)

Points Range:12 (12%) - 15 (15%)

The paper relies on ideas that may be unclear, outdated, or superficial. The paper’s main points may rely on misinformation or erroneous assumptions. The paper’s main points are not fully supported as required by the assignment--this may be because of a failure to develop ideas, provide examples or evidence, or utilize academic college-level research materials in the scope and depth required by the assignment.

Points Range:16 (16%) - 17 (17%)

The paper relies only on basic ideas, though they are valid, relevant, and do not contain excessive factual, interpretive, or conceptual errors. The paper’s main points are sufficiently supported by appropriate examples, evidence, or academic college-level research materials in the scope and depth required by the assignment.

Points Range:18 (18%) - 20 (20%)

The paper’s main and supporting ideas are original, insightful, and valid. The main and supporting ideas are developed and supported with specific examples, appropriate evidence, or (if required by the assignment) relevant, academic college-level research materials in the scope and depth required by the assignment.

Structure and organization

Points Range:0 (0%) - 8 (8%)

(A score below 'Minimally Adequate' indicates the paper is incomplete or otherwise extensively flawed and in the “unacceptable” or “F” category)

Points Range:9 (9%) - 11 (11%)

Some or all paragraphs are not presented in proper form. Some ideas may be presented in illogical order. Some or all paragraphs contain excessive unnecessary information or ideas that do not develop the thesis/main point. Some or all paragraphs do not have topic sentences. There are insufficient transitions between paragraphs (and ideas).

Points Range:12 (12%) - 13 (13%)

Paragraphs and ideas are adequately formed. Paragraphs are appropriately linked to each other. The ideas are presented in a logical order. Paragraphs generally focus on subtopics and do not contain excessive unnecessary information or ideas. Topic sentences and transitions generally help the reader navigate through the paper.

Points Range:14 (14%) - 15 (15%)

Paragraphs and ideas are appropriately and clearly formed. They are also linked and flow logically from one to the next, with new ideas building on those previously introduced. Paragraphs focus on subtopics and all serve to develop the thesis/main point in some way. Topic sentences introduce ideas and show how they relate to the paper’s thesis/main point. Transitions between paragraphs (and ideas) are clear.

Language and style

Points Range:0 (0%) - 8 (8%)

(A score below 'Minimally Adequate' indicates the paper is incomplete or otherwise extensively flawed and in the “unacceptable” or “F” category)

Points Range:9 (9%) - 11 (11%)

Sentence structure is very basic or ineffective, due to wordiness, awkwardness, or lack of clarity. The language used may be overly simplistic, technical, informal, or in some other way inappropriate for the assignment and audience. Word choices are imprecise and/or erroneous and obscure the ideas presented. Lack of sentence variety and/or improper sentence lengths impedes the reader.

Points Range:12 (12%) - 13 (13%)

Sentence structure is adequate for the assignment and audience, without excessive errors related to wordiness, awkwardness, or lack of clarity. The use of language is generally appropriate for the assignment and audience. Word choice conveys general meanings but should be more precise. Sentence style and variety generally facilitates the reading process.

Points Range:14 (14%) - 15 (15%)

Sentences are structured effectively. The use of language is rich, compelling, engaging, and appropriate for the assignment and audience. Word choice precisely conveys the meanings intended. Sentence style and variety help facilitate the reading process.

Grammar, mechanics, and format

Points Range:0 (0%) - 11 (11%)

(A score below 'Minimally Adequate' indicates the paper is incomplete or otherwise extensively flawed and in the “unacceptable” or “F” category)

Points Range:12 (12%) - 15 (15%)

Paper is not written in the appropriate format for the assignment as set out in the “Adult Education Written Assignment Sheet.” Source materials are not cited, and paraphrases and quotations are not credited to their sources, which could lead to the appearance of plagiarism. The paper contains excessive grammatical, punctuation, and/or spelling errors, which distract or confuse the reader to the point where the paper’s thesis/purpose is unclear.

Points Range:16 (16%) - 17 (17%)

Paper is written in the appropriate format for the assignment, and generally follows the guidelines set out in the “Adult Education Written Assignment Sheet.” Sources are cited and paraphrases and quotations are included, but may not be presented correctly. The paper contains a minimally acceptable level of grammatical, punctuation, and/or spelling errors.

Points Range:18 (18%) - 20 (20%)

Paper is written in the appropriate format for the assignment and follows the guidelines set out in the “Adult Education Written Assignment Sheet.” All sources are properly cited and any paraphrases or quotations are presented correctly, according to the format required by the assignment. The paper is free of grammatical, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and other errors.