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JRP Skill Builder 2 (Theriault): Rubric

Reading Complex Text

Rubric JRP 2

Researched Writing Rubric

 

Complex Thinker

Creates understanding through analysis and synthesis of research

Skilled Information Processor

Accurately assesses the value of information

Comments

 

4   Exceeds Expectations- WOW

  • Clear, focused thesis lays out a well-focused yet complex argument (highly debatable but with strong evidence).
  • In-depth analysis proves the thesis.
  • Each point of essay is necessary to and deepens, a complex, focused argument.
  • Essay demonstrates synthesis of the information and ideas at hand, creating a unified, well-supported argument.

4  Exceeds Expectations--WOW

  • In-depth understanding of information seen by clear descriptions and direct reference.
  • Information is concise and not repetitive.
  • Strong supporting evidence advances and clarifies the argument.
  • Factual information is detailed and clearly explained in all its complexity.
  • Strategically chooses to quote, paraphrase and summarize with great effect.
  • Sources are highly credible and varied.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3  Meets Expectations

§  Essay contains a focused thesis that is both arguable and defendable.

  • Analysis supports thesis.
  • Each point is necessary to the argument being made.

3 Meets Expectations

·         Essay shows clear understanding as seen by clear descriptions and direct reference.

  • Information is focused on important issues.
  • All evidence is used to prove the thesis.
  • Factual information is substantially correct.
  • Sources are credible and varied.
  • Effectively quotes, paraphrases and summarizes.
  • Sources are correctly cited using MLA format (in-text and Works Consulted).

 

2       Approaches Expectations

  • Identifiable thesis, but argument is not strong (either not very arguable or not very defendable).
  • Analysis is limited or weak, but supports thesis.
  • Essay has good ideas but they do not come together into a cohesive argument.

Approaches Expectations

  • Essay shows understanding of the topic, though complex issues are simplified.
  • Some unnecessary factual information.
  • Supporting evidence present, but might not advance argument.
  • Factual errors weaken the essay.
  • Sources lack credibility for one or more reasons, and/or sources are not varied.
  • Decisions about when to quote, paraphrase and summarize could be improved.
  • Some minor or infrequent errors in MLA formatting.

 

1  Does Not Meet Expectations

  • Thesis is not arguable or defendable.
  • Analysis is lacking.
  • Writer does not craft an argument.

1  Does Not Meet Expectations

  • Essay does not demonstrate understanding of factual information.
  • Presentation of complex issues is confusing.
  • Little or no supporting evidence present.
  • Writer has either not read or not absorbed the material.
  • Does not cite sources.
  • Does not use enough source material; does not quote, paraphrase or summarize source material.
  • Significant errors in MLA formatting mar essay.

 

 

                   Effective Communicator

Content/structure: Expresses ideas clearly

Effective Communicator

Writing Skills: Creates Quality Product

Comments

4   Exceeds Expectations--WOW

  • Intro. captures the reader’s attention and connects to the thesis.
  • Conclusion flows naturally from the evidence and argument provided.
  • Argument is organized to highlight main ideas and builds in a logical, powerful way.
  • Coherent transitions tie paragraphs to each other and thesis.
  • There is a logical flow within paragraphs.

4  Exceeds Expectations--WOW

The writer conveys conviction and enthusiasm for topic. One or more of these may be present:

  • Sentences are well-built with a strong and varied structure.
  • Formal language demonstrates writer’s knowledge,
  • Writer’s voice is blended with appropriate material from sources.
  • Powerful well-chosen and accurate word choice enhances argument.
  • Writing has a smooth flow and rhythm.
  • Writer uses conventions for stylistic effect.

 

 

3        Meets Expectations

  • Paper contains an introduction that forecasts the content.
  • Conclusion pulls argument together.
  • The argument is the focus of the essay.
  • There are transitions between paragraphs.
  • Every paragraph is correctly structured.

3 Meets Expectations

  • Sentences are well-constructed.
  • Formal language is consistent throughout.
  • Writer’s voice is evident.
  • Word choice and usage are consistently correct.
  • Writing is clear.
  • Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are generally correct with few errors to distract the reader.

 

2  Approaches Expectations

  • The intro needs revision.
  • Conclusion needs revision.
  • Argument is not the focus of the essay.
  • Transitions may be weak or missing.
  • Paragraph structure is disorganized, repetitive, or confusing.

Approaches Expectations

  • Writing is basically clear, but sentences may have awkward construction and little variety.
  • Language may be unsophisticated or lack authority; use of personal pronouns  (i.e., he, she, it, they) weakens argument.
  • Writer’s voice is inconsistently presented, or is too dependent on source material.
  • Spelling, grammatical, and/or punctuation errors need to be addressed because they distract the reader.

 

Does Not Meet Expectations

  • Essay has no logical flow.
  • Writing has listed facts in random fashion.

1  Does Not Meet Expectations

  • Writing appears indifferent to both topic and audience.
  • Paper is over-paraphrased and/or over-quoted.
  • Tone may be flat or inappropriate.
  • Numerous errors make reading this paper very difficult.