Rubric for Paper #1: Summary and the Natural Sciences

Name: ______

Content / 10 / 8 / 6 / 4
Focus on Topic / There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information on the topic’s 2 opposing views. The paper is completely objective and the author’s opinion is not evident anywhere. / Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general information on the topic’s 2 opposing views. The paper is mostly objective, with 1-2 sentences showing a bias. / Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information on the topic’s 2 opposing views. The paper is slightly subjective, with at least 1 paragraph showing bias. / The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information on the topic’s 2 opposing views. The paper is written as a persuasive or argumentative essay and mostly lacks objectivity.
8 / 6 / 4 / 2
Introduction / The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper. / The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader. / The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. / There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper.
Paragraphs
(Sentence Sequencing and Transitions) / Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.
A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected. / Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting.
Transitions clearly show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety. / Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.
Some transitions work well; but connections between other ideas are fuzzy. / Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized.
The transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistent.
Conclusion / The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer was summarizing. / The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends. / The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends. / There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.
Sources / Both sources used for quotes and facts are cited correctly—both within the paper and on the works cited page. / Both sources used for quotes and facts are cited with 1-2 errors both within the paper and on the works cited page. / Most sources used for quotes and facts are cited with 3-4 errors both within the paper and on the works cited page. / Many sources used for quotes and facts are not cited correctly, with more than 4 errors.
4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Sentence Flow and Structure / All sentences have varied structure, sound natural, and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear, well-constructed, and has an obvious emphasis. / Almost all sentences have varied structure, sound natural, and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand. / Most sentences have varied structure, sound natural, and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but several are stiff and awkward or are difficult to understand. / The sentences lack structure, appearing incomplete or rambling. They are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand.
Mechanics of Writing / Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. / Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. / Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. / Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Comments:

Subtotal (out of 50):

Total out of 100:

Letter Grade: