Position Paper RUBRIC

6

5

4

3

2

1

Total

Thesis Statement

Developed a strong thesis and included it in the appropriate place in the paper. The thesis was the focal point of the paper and was both strongly and thoroughly supported throughout the paper.

Developed a strong thesis and included it in the appropriate place in the paper. The thesis was the focal point of the paper and supported throughout the paper.

Developed a strong thesis and included it in the appropriate place in the paper. Most of the information supported the thesis statement.

Developed a thesis statement and included it in the paper. Some of the information supported the thesis statement.

Thesis statement needs to be developed further or is not included in the paper. The thesis is not fully supported in the paper.

A clear position is not present throughout the paper.

Strong Reasons

Position is supported with well developed and thought out reasons (minimum of three). Reasons show strong analysis and conclusions based on the information researched.

Position is supported with well developed and thought out reasons (minimum of three). Reasons are well developed, but analysis and conclusions need to be strengthened.

Position is supported with a minimum of three distinct reasons. Reasons are developed, but more analysis and conclusions are needed.

Position is supported with a minimum of three distinct reasons. Reasons are developed, but are more general and need to be developed further.

Reasons are weak and/or repetitive. They need to be developed and explained further.

Reasons are not developed or are repetitive. Ideas can be difficult to understand.

Depth and Variety of Evidence

Position is supported in depth with a variety of sources. Substantial valid and accurate information in the form of expert opinion, statistics, research studies, etc. has been used throughout the paper. Information is relevant and supports the writer’s ideas.

Position is supported with a variety of sources. Adequate valid and accurate information has been used throughout the paper. Information is relevant and supports the writer’s ideas.

Position is supported with a variety of sources. Valid and accurate information has been used throughout the paper. Most of the information is relevant and supports the writer’s ideas. A mix of general and specific information is used.

Position needs to be supported with more valid and accurate information. Some of the information may not be relevant and/or does not support the thesis.

Paper lacks valid and accurate information. Some of the information is not relevant and does not support the position.

Little to no support from researched information is present in the paper.

Organization

Ideas are well organized.

Most ideas are well organized.

Organization of the paper needs to be strengthened.

Paper has some organization but some diversions or abrupt shifts in purpose are present.

Paper has little organization and many diversions, often shifting in purpose.

Paper lacks organization.

Mechanics/Conventions

No more than2 grammatical errors per page (for the minimum page length).

No more than 3 grammatical errors per page (for the minimum page length).

No more than 4 grammatical errors per page (for the minimum page length).

No more than 5 grammatical errors per page (for the minimum page length).

Many grammatical errors are present.

Numerous grammatical errors are present and make comprehension of the paper difficult.

Transitions

Transitional words and phrases are used to connect ideas and maintain coherence between paragraphs.

Some transitional words and phrases are used to connect ideas and maintain coherence between paragraphs.

Too few transitions used, or used correctly.

Too few transitions used.

Attempts made to use appropriate transitions.

Lack of transitions.

Sources

A minimum of five sources are present and documentation is correct.

A minimum of five sources are present with minor problems in documentation.

A minimum of five sources are present.  There are several problems with documentation.

Only four sources are present, but documentation is correct.

Only four sources are present and there are problems with documentation.

Less than four sources are present.

Parenthetical Citations

Parenthetical citations are present throughout the paper.  All documented sources are correctly cited within parenthetical citations. 

Parenthetical citations are present throughout the paper.  All documented sources are cited within the paper, but there are minor errors in the parenthetical citations.

Parenthetical citations are present throughout the paper.  All documented sources are cited within the paper, but there are several errors in the parenthetical citations.

Parenthetical citations are present throughout the paper.  Errors in the citations make it difficult to verify information.

Length

Length requirement is met.

Paper is within ¼ page of meeting requirement.

Paper is within ½ page of meeting requirement.

Length requirement not met.

Position Paper Score Out of a Possible 54 points: