A B C D F Content /30 24-30 Content is extremely well- researched, strong evidence is used to make a compelling argument. 21-23 Content is well- researched, evidence is used to make a persuasive argument. 18-20 Content is researched, some evidence is used to support an argument. 15-17 Content shows little research. Evidence is not well-integrated into argument or is irrelevant to main argument.

A B C D F Content

/30 24-30 Content is extremely well- researched, strong evidence is used to make a compelling argument.

21-23 Content is well- researched, evidence is used to make a persuasive argument.

18-20 Content is researched, some evidence is used to support an argument.

15-17 Content shows little research. Evidence is not well-integrated into argument or is irrelevant to main argument.

0-14 Content lacks research and supporting evidence. Argument is not clearly articulated or is based on subjective opinion.

Originality /10

8-10 Overall argument and use of sources show originality, creativity, and insight.

7 Overall argument and use of sources shows originality and creativity.

6 Overall argument and use of sources shows some originality and creativity.

5 Overall argument and use of sources shows little originality and creativity.

0-4 Overall argument lacks original thought and creativity.

Writing /20

16-20 Writing is clear and concise. Vocabulary is precise and used correctly. Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

14-15 Writing is clear and easy to understand. Vocabulary is less precise but used correctly. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors are rare and don’t impede understanding.

12-13 Writing is understandable. Vocabulary is general and sometimes used correctly. Some spelling, grammar and punctuation errors slow down the reader.

10-11 Writing is unclear and is difficult to understand. Use of vocabulary usually incorrect. Several spelling, grammar or punctuation errors that impede understanding.

0-9 Writing cannot be understood.

Graphics (minimum of two)

/10

8 -10 Graphics are well- chosen and add clarity, substance, and nuance to the paper. Graphics are contextualized within the argument and corroborate the research. They are cited in the correct format.

7 Graphics are well- chosen and add clarity and substance to the paper. Graphics corroborate the research. They are cited in the correct format.

6 Graphics are well- chosen and usually add clarity to the paper. Graphics are related to the research. Citations are present.

5 Graphics are present but do not add clarity or substance to the paper. It is sometimes unclear how they are related to the research. Citations are present with several errors.

0-4 Graphics are missing OR too many unrelated graphics that add neither substance nor clarity to the paper. No citations.

Bibliography /10

8-10 Bibliography entries and citations are present for all researched material and show consistent formatting in a recognizable style.

7 Bibliography entries and citations are present for all researched material and are in a recognizable style with few inconsistencies.

6 Bibliography entries and citations are present for all researched material and are in a recognizable format with some inconsistencies.

5 Bibliography entries and citations are present for all researched material but formatting shows several inconsistencies.

0-4 Bibliography entries and citations are present only for some sources and formatting is not in any recognizable style OR citations and bibliography are missing.

Formatting /20

16-20 Uses correct formatting with no errors.

14-15 Uses correct formatting with few errors.

12-13 Attempts to follow formatting guidelines with some errors.

10-11 Attempts to follow formatting guidelines with several errors.

0-9 Formatting guidelines were not followed.