Introduction section Grading Rubrics

Standards Exemplary Satisfactory Developing Unacceptable Score

(exceeds standards)
(meets standards) (meets most of the standards) (below standards)

Introduction ✓ *exceptional introduction that grabs interest ✓ *Well-written introduction that is ✓ *basic introduction that states topic but ✓ *weak or no introduction of the
Section of reader and states topic. interesting and states topic. lacks interest. topic.
✓ thesis is exceptionally clear, arguable, well- ✓ **thesis is clear and arguable statement ✓ thesis is somewhat clear and arguable. ✓ Poor/limited research
developed, and a definitive statement. of position. ✓ Introduction present but does not provide background.
✓ Provides detailed and comprehensive ✓ Provides adequate background research strong background or motivation for the ✓ paper’s purpose is unclear/thesis
background research into the topic and into the topic (study (i.e., why the study study. is weak or missing.
summarizes important findings from the is important) and describes the problem ✓ Provides background research into the ✓ The research significance is
review of the literature. to be solved. topic but does not describe the problem to missing.
✓ justifies the study. ✓ Conveys topic, Key question(s), and be solved,
✓ describes problem to be solved; states the significance of the topic. ✓ insufficient or nonexistent explanation of
research key question(s), details to non-specialists.
✓ explains the significance of the problem to ✓ The research significance is unclear or
an audience of non-specialists. general.
Purpose ✓ Clearly stated and appropriately worded. ✓ Clearly stated and appropriately ✓Somewhat understandable but needs ✓ Unclear and confusing.
Well conceptualized. worded. Moderately conceptualized. clarity. Some level of conceptualization. ✓ No conceptualization.
Research ✓ Clearly related to purpose and ✓ Related purpose and understandable. ✓ Somewhat related to purpose and ✓ Unrelated to purpose and
Questions understandable. Little or no revision needed. Moderate revision needed. understandable. poorly written.
✓ Significant revision needed ✓ Significant revision needed.
Citation ✓ In-text citations and reference list citations ✓ Citation within text and in ✓ Works cited were not listed for in-text ✓ Poor/lack of intext citation
are complete & properly formatted in APA corresponding reference list are included citations or works cited included resources ✓ lack of APA or MLA
style or MLA style. with some formatting problems (APA or not mentioned in the research paper. format/numerous errors.
MLA) ✓ frequent errors in APA or MLA format
Writing style ✓ Scholarly style (appropriate to the given ✓ style & voice appropriate to the given ✓ average and/or casual writing style using ✓ poor writing style lacking in
& mechanics audience and purpose & show originality) audience and purpose. standard English. elements of appropriate standard
✓ word choice is specific, purposeful, ✓ word choice is specific and purposeful, ✓ word choice is often unspecific, generic, English.
dynamic, and varied. and somewhat varied throughout. redundant & clichéd. ✓ word choice is excessively
✓ Variety in sentence structure. ✓ Minimal grammar & mechanic errors. ✓ Some errors in spelling, grammar, clichéd & unspecific.
✓ Is free or almost free of errors of grammar & punctuation, usage, and/or formatting. ✓ Frequent errors in grammar &
writing mechanics mechanics, that obscure
meaning