Name: ______________________________________
BIO498 Final Paper Rubric
Excellent Adequate Inadequate Points Possible
Score
Introduction:
Writing appropriate for target audience
Paper has sufficient definitions and explanations to make the research accessible to non-specialists readers
Some useful definitions or explanations, but some concepts still challenging for non-specialist readers
The paper is written with excessive jargon and is greatly lacking in definitions and explanations making it inaccessible to non-specialist readers
20
Significance of the research within the field
Writing presents compelling argument for significance/value of research
Writing does not explicitly present an argument for the significance of the research
Writing does not explain the significance of the research
25
Introduction Summary Clearly states content of review Attempts to state content of review
Fails to state content of review 15
Body Content:
Literature Review of sufficient and appropriate literature
Review of moderate literature related to the chosen topic
Poor review of literature related to the topic
100
Body Organization Body content thoroughly organized, clear transitions throughout
Body content adequately organized, some transitions difficult.
Body content does not flow smoothly throughout the paper and transitions are rough throughout.
30
Understanding of Topic Writer demonstrates excellent understanding of topic throughout text.
Writer demonstrates adequate understanding of topic throughout text.
Writer does not demonstrate full understanding of topic throughout text. Concepts become blurred and confused when reading text.
30
Synthesis:
Synthesize, compare & contrast, objectively relate the merits of opposing arguments and assumptions
Synthesizes research carefully and objectively. Demonstrates similarities and differences between research of different scholars.
Attempts to synthesizes research carefully and objectively. Sometimes demonstrates similarities and differences between research of different scholars.
May be biased in presentation of research. Description of research may be unclear. Fails to demonstrate similarities and differences between research of different scholars.
75
Conclusion: Clear conclusion about the research studies analyzed
Adequate conclusion about the research studies analyzed
Missing or unclear conclusion about the research studies analyzed
40
Name: ______________________________________
Communicates thoughts clearly:
Spelling, syntax, diction, and punctuation allow for effective communication and an engaged audience.
Few mistakes in spelling, syntax, diction, and punctuation allows for little distraction in communication.
Excessive mistakes in spelling, syntax, diction, and punctuation impede readability.
20
Length: 22 pages or > (text only) 20-22 pages (text only) < 19 pages 20
References: Correct format both in text citations and Bibliography page
Moderate mistakes in both in text citations and Bibliography page
Numerous mistakes in both in text citations and Bibliography page
25
Total Points (400)