Graphic Design History Midterm Paper

Paper Rubric, Dr. Arden Stern 6/14/16

Graphic Design History II: Midterm Paper Rubric

Masterful Skilled Needs Improvement Inadequate T H E S I S

The paper has a clear, thoughtful, well-developed thesis that responds directly to the assigned prompt. The thesis is logically sound, with the introduction and body of the paper offering ample context for the reader to understand the thesis and its significance.

The paper has a clear thesis that responds directly to the assigned prompt. The thesis is logically sound, with the introduction and body of the paper offering some context for the reader to understand the thesis and its significance.

Central thesis somewhat clear, though perhaps not directly responding to the assigned prompt. The body of the paper contextualizes and develops some, but not all, parts of the thesis.

No thesis or unclear thesis, and/or a thesis that does not respond to the assigned prompt. The body of the paper may not develop the stated thesis.

E V I D E N C E

The paper uses the sources designated in the prompt. The paper includes ample and relevant evidence for all claims, as well as careful explanation and analysis of all quotes/examples. All sources are cited correctly in MLA format. The paper makes clear distinctions between the writer’s voice and the voices of others.

The paper uses the sources designated in the prompt. The paper includes relevant evidence for all or most claims, as well as attempts to explain and analyze quotes/examples. All sources are cited correctly. The paper makes clear distinctions between the writer’s voice and the voices of others.

The paper does not use the sources designated in the prompt. Evidence for claims is not relevant and/or is not accompanied by explanation or analysis. Some, but not all, sources are cited correctly. The paper does not make clear distinctions between the writer’s voice and the voices of others.

The paper does not use the sources designated in the prompt, and does not offer sufficient evidence for its claims. Sources are not cited correctly. The paper makes little to no distinction between the writer’s voice and the voices of others.

S T R U C T U R E

Presents a coherent position on the topic, with sections building upon one another to organize ideas in a logical order. The paper makes clear transitions between sentences, as well as between paragraphs, to connect ideas.

Presents a coherent position on the topic. General structure is clear, but is missing some clear transitions between ideas.

Structure unclear; limited continuity between sections. Missing and/or weak transitions.

Little evidence of structure; no continuity between sections. Ideas do not seem to be organized around a central claim or claims. Argument missing and/or difficult to follow.

M E C H A N I C S

Demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary and skillful use of language (i.e. complete sentences, varied and appropriate word choice, correct punctuation and spelling).

Demonstrates skillful use of language, though with some errors (e.g. incomplete or run-on sentences, unclear pronoun references or modifiers, punctuation and spelling errors).

Prose contains some grammatical, syntactical, and/or vocabulary errors. Uses inappropriate vernacular terms and/or clichés.

Prose contains several grammatical, syntactical, and/or vocabulary errors. Uses several inappropriate vernacular terms and/or clichés.