Grading Rubric

Application of Criticism (45%)

Excellent Thorough theoretical exploration. Abundant relevant observations. Main point is explained well and criticized or questioned or applied in a novel way. A minimum of six relevant observations from the text.
Good Detailed theoretical exploration. Sufficient relevant observations. The main point is explained adequately. Four or Five relevant observations from the text.
Satisfactory Satisfactory theoretical exploration. Satisfactory quantity of relevant observations. The main point is explained in oversimplified and reductionist terms. At least three relevant observations from the text.
Poor Insufficient exploration of theory. Insufficient observations to justify the use of the theory. The theory is mentioned but the main point is missed.
Unacceptable No theory connected to observations. No observations to support theory.

Logic of Argumentation (30%)

Excellent Strong connection between observations made and theory used.
Good Clear connection between observations made and theory used.
Satisfactory Some connection between observations made and theory used.
Poor No connection between observations made and theory used.
Unacceptable No theory connected to observations. No observations to support theory.

Organization of Content (15%)

Excellent Paper format properly applied and paragraph order within sections arranged to achieve maximum effect.
Good Paper format properly applied and paragraph order within sections used effectively.
Satisfactory Paper format properly applied.
Poor Paper format misapplied (i.e. section headings inconsistent with content of section).
Unacceptable Paper format disregarded (i.e. no sections).

Clarity of Presentation (10%)

Excellent One/no spelling, punctuation and/or grammatical errors.
Good Few spelling, punctuation and/or grammatical errors.
Satisfactory Some spelling, punctuation and/or grammatical errors.
Poor Many spelling, punctuation and/or grammatical errors.
Unacceptable Chronic spelling, punctuation and/or grammatical errors.