Criteria/Qualities

Poor

Good

Excellent

Point Value

Introducing the idea: Problem statement

Neither implicit nor explicit reference is made to the topic that is to be examined.

Readers are aware of the overall problem, challenge, or topic that is to be examined.

The topic is introduced, and groundwork is laid as to the direction of the report.

Up to 5 points

Body:
Flow of the report

The report appears to have no direction, with subtopics appearing disjointed.

There is a basic flow from one section to the next, but not all sections or paragraphs follow in a natural or logical order.

The report goes from general ideas to specific conclusions. Transitions tie sections together, as well as adjacent paragraphs.

Up to 10 points

Coverage of content 

Major sections of pertinent content have been omitted or greatly run-on. The topic is of little significance to the educational/training field.

All major sections of the pertinent content are included, but not covered in as much depth, or as explicit, as expected. Significance to educational/training field is evident.

The appropriate content in consideration is covered in depth without being redundant. Sources are cited when specific statements are made. Significance is unquestionable. The report is between 1,000 and 2,000 words.

Up to 10 points

Clarity of writing and writing technique

It is hard to know what the writer is trying to express. Writing is convoluted. Misspelled words, incorrect grammar, and improper punctuation are evident.

Writing is generally clear, but unnecessary words are occasionally used. Meaning is sometimes hidden. Paragraph or sentence structure is too repetitive.

Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer incorporates the active voice when appropriate. The use of pronouns, modifiers, parallel construction, and non-sexist language are appropriate.

Up to 10 points

Conclusion:
A synthesis of ideas and hypothesis or research question

There is no indication the author tried to synthesize the information or make a conclusion based on the literature under review. No hypothesis or research question is provided.

The author provides concluding remarks that show an analysis and synthesis of ideas occurred. Some of the conclusions, however, were not supported in the body of the report. The hypothesis or research question is stated.

The author was able to make succinct and precise conclusions based on the review. Insights into the problem are appropriate. Conclusions and the hypothesis or research question are strongly supported in the report.

Up to 5 points

Citations/References:
Proper APA format

Citations for statements included in the report were not present, or references which were included were not found in the text.

Citations within the body of the report and a corresponding reference list were presented. Some formatting problems exist.

All needed citations were included in the report. References matched the citations, and all were encoded in APA format.

Up to 5 points

Timeliness

Material was submitted more than one class late.

Material was submitted up to one class late.

Material is submitted on time.

Up to 5 points

CRITERIA/QUALITIES

Expert

Proficient

Apprentice

Novice

Topic

Focus

Points

The topic is tightly focused and its significance persuasively established. The conclusion promises to take the topic in an exciting new direction.

4

The topic is appropriately focused but its significance somewhat unclear. The proposed research agenda in the conclusion is a clear step forward from the topic established in the introduction.

3

The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment. Its significance is discussed in a vague manner. The proposed research agenda in the conclusion is only tenuously related to the paper's topic.

2

The topic is not clearly defined; its significance is not established. Little attempt has been made to establish a credible and relevant research agenda in the conclusion.

1

Depth and

Usefulness

of Discussion

Points

In-depth and useful discussion and elaboration of ideas in all sections of the paper.

4

In-depth and useful discussion and elaboration of ideas in most sections of the paper.

3

The writers have neglected pertinent content or content runs on excessively. Material is quoted for no clear rhetorical purpose.

2 

Cursory and/or irrelevant discussion in almost all the sections of the paper.

1

Cohesiveness

Points

Paper flows easily from one issue to the next. The author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

 4

Paper flows with only occasional disjointedness. The author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all or almost sources.

 3 

Paper flows with only occasional disjointedness. The author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all or almost sources.

2

The paper does not flow and is apparently disjointed. Although the author has tied together information derived from some sources, this is done sporadically.

 
1

Sources

 Points

More than five relevant and authoritative sources. Included are both general background and specialized sources. Special-interest sources and popular literature are acknowledged as such and used appropriately. All web sites used are authoritative.

4 

Six relevant and authoritative sources, but all are from the same medium. All web sites used are authoritative. General-background sources have been neglected and popular literature has not been acknowledged as such.

 3 

Fewer than six relevant and authoritative sources, or fewer than two of the sources are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are credible.

 2 

Two or more of the sources are irrelevant or not authoritative. Peer-reviewed articles and scholarly books have not been utilized. Some of the web sites cited are not credible.

 1 

Citations

Points

Cites all data obtained from other sources. All quotes are effectively integrated. APA citation style is used in both the text and the bibliography with very few punctuation errors.

4

Cites all data obtained from other sources, but not all quotes are effectively integrated. APA citation style is used in both the text and the bibliography but with some punctuation errors.

3

Cites most data obtained from other sources. Citation style is inconsistent or incorrect. There are numerous punctuation errors in in-text and bibliography citations.

2

Does not cite sources.

 1

Language

Usage

Points

Precise use of terminology; effective and appropriate style; no spelling and/or grammar mistakes.

4

Generally correct use of terminology; appropriate, but not very effective style; minimal spelling and/or grammar mistakes.

3

Errors in word usage; inappropriate style use; spelling and/or grammar mistakes occasionally obscure meaning.

2 

Marked by inappropriate stylistic choices; poor use of terminology; spelling and/or grammar mistakes frequently obscure meaning.

1

Criteria

Beginning

Competent

Proficient

Research

POINTS

Provides minor facts about the topic; some inaccuracies; uses only textbook information

1

Relates major facts to the topic with fair degree of accuracy

2

Offers accurate analysis of major and minor issues related to the topic

3

Knowledge

POINTS

Lacks understanding of the topic; uses basic information

1

Demonstrates general understanding of topic; uses some of the information with fair degree of accuracy

2

Demonstrates in-depth understanding of topic; uses information accurately
 

3

Communication

 
POINTS

Presentation is unorganized; message is difficult to follow and understand

 
1

Presentation is organized, however message is sometimes vague.

 

2

Makes a well-organized presentation; message is clear and easily understood.

3

Creativity

 POINTS

Lacks initiative in use of resources; no originality in presentation

 
1

Shows slight initiative in use of resources; somewhat original in presentation

 
2

Shows imagination in the use of findings and resources; inventive in presentation.

3

Completion of Task

POINTS

Task was not completed; little effort was expended

1

Task was completed with average effort

  

2

Exemplified responsible use of time and demonstrated positive approach to task; task was completed on time

3

Criteria

Emerging

Competent

Proficient

Professional

Organization

 
POINTS

Random list

 
1

Logic within paragraphs

2

Clear intro and conclusion

3

Flows smoothly

 
4

Ideas

 POINTS

Few; Superficial treatment; isolated concepts; no support

 
1

Some development; little connection between ideas; some support

2

More idea development; more theory & practice connection

3

Separate sections labeled with appropriate titles.

 
4

Word Choice

 POINTS

Slang, colloquialisms, contractions, inaccuracies, misuse of jargon

1

No unconventional English usage; Appropriate use of jargon.


 2

Fluent use of professional vocabulary.

 
 
3

Helpful use of appropriate titles to summarize sections.

 

4

Sentence Fluency

  
POINTS

Fragments, comma splices, run-ons; choppy or rambling.

 1

Mostly complete thoughts with some attention to variety for emphasis.

 2

Smooth transitions as ideas develop; no clichés or empty phrases.

3

Inspired turns of phrase.

 

4

Voice

 POINTS

Completely casual or extremely mechanical

1

Scholarly tone with consistent point of view

 2

Scholarly with personal point of view

3

Scholarly with personal point of view and experience

4

Conventions

POINTS

Trends of mistakes in mechanics and usage

 1

Few errors of mechanics or usage

  2

No errors of mechanics or usage; skilled use to improve meaning

3

Fluent, skilled mechanics and usage to improve reading.

 4

Presentation

POINTS

No title page or numbering, in consistent or distracting style choices

1

Mostly consistent, with adequate identification. Few distractions due to format.

2

Font and format enhances readability. No distractions of style.

3

Professional presentation: visually inspired, easy-to-read format.

4