iRubric: Research Paper-Human Ecology rubric

Topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. An engaging and thought-provoking thesis statement or research question is included in the opening paragraph, and provides clear direction for the paper.

Topic is focused but lacks direction. A thesis statement or research question is provided in the opening paragraph, but does not provide clear direction for the paper.

Topic lacks focus and direction. The intended focus can be determined, but does not provide clear direction for the paper.

The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment.

The topic is not clearly defined.

Exceptionally clear explanation of the topic: ● Written language (spelling, grammar, sentence structure) has minimal errors
● Work is well organized (clear introduction, paragraph division, topic sentences, conclusion, sub-headings as necessary)
● Organization reinforces and clarifies main idea of the paper ● Draws upon relevant and compelling sources and examples to EVALUATE the subject ● The work follows the prompt and addresses the purpose of the assignment.

Clear explanation of the topic:
● Written language (spelling, grammar, sentence structure) has some errors
● The work is mostly organized (includes introduction, some paragraph division, some topic sentences, conclusion, may include subheadings)
● Organization mostly clarifies the main idea of the paper
● Draws upon some relevant sources and examples to ANALYZE the subject
● The work addresses the prompt and purpose of the assignment, but might require some further development

Topic is generic and lacks focus:
● Written language (sentence structure, spelling, grammar has errors and is inconsistent
● Could be better organized (missing some of the following: proper introduction, topic sentences, paragraph division, conclusion)
● Examples lack depth and APPLICATION of the associated ideas rely too heavily on quoted passages
● Attempts to address the prompt and purpose of the assignment, but lacks development.

Does not demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the prompt and purpose of the assignment:
● Written language (spelling, grammar, sentence structure) includes many errors, and requires extensive revising
● The work is missing many of the organizational elements (introduction, paragraph division, topic sentences, and conclusion)
● The work falls short in terms of word count and development

Does not understand the prompt or purpose of the assignment:
● Poorly written and difficult to read
● Poorly organized and extremely difficult to follow
● Work is incomplete

EVALUATES topic through at least 5 well chosen, quality sources, 3 of which should be from books, database articles, or academic/museum/professional websites or database articles.
• Sources must appear as in-text citations and on a works cited page
• ANNOTATIONS must include:
1. Author’s credentials
2. Description of type of source/audience
3. Discussion of purpose/point of view/bias
4. Discussion of currency of the source
5. Explain why the source is relevant to the assignment.

ANALYSIS of topic based on 4 quality sources, 3 of which should be from books, academic/museum/professional websites, or database articles.
• Sources must appear as in-text citations and on a works cited page.
• ANNOTATIONS must include 4 of the following:
1. Author’s credentials
2. Description of type of source/audience
3. Discussion of purpose/point of view/bias
4. Discussion of currency of the source
5. Explain why the source is relevant to the assignment.

UNDERSTANDS: 3 quality sources, 2 of which should be from books, database articles, or academic/museum/professional websites
• Sources must appear as in-text citations and on a works cited page.
• ANNOTATIONS must include all of the following:
1. Author’s credentials
2. Description of type of source/audience
3. Discussion of purpose/point of view/bias
4. Discussion of currency of the source
5. Explain why the source is relevant to the assignment.

Demonstrates difficulty in choosing and applying two annotated sources to develop paper topic. Falls short in any of the following:
• Includes only 1 annotation*
• The annotation may be incomplete
• The source(s) may be of low quality
• The sources do not appear as in-text citations and/or on a works cited page.

Does not satisfy the assignment for one or more of the following reasons:
• No bibliography or works cited page
• No annotations
• No quality sources