CRITERIA

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Minimum Points

SATISFACTORY

Medium Points

EXCEPTIONAL

Maximum Points

CONTENT
40%

The writer does not demonstrate cursory understanding of subject matter, and the purpose of the paper is not stated.  The objective, therefore, is not addressed and supporting materials are not correctly referenced.

27.9 or FEWER POINTS

The writer demonstrates limited understanding of the subject matter in that theories are not well connected to a practical experience or appropriate examples, though the attempt to research the topic is evident, and materials are correctly referenced.

28 to 35.9 POINTS

The writer demonstrates an understanding of the subject matter by clearly stating the objective of the paper and links theories to practical experience.  The paper includes relevant material that is correctly referenced, and this material fulfills the objective of the paper.

36 to 40 POINTS

ORGANIZATION

30%

Paragraphs do not focus around a central point, and concepts are disjointedly introduced or poorly defended (i.e., stream of consciousness).

20.9 or FEWER POINTS

Topics/content could be organized in a more logical manner.  Transitions from one idea to the next are often disconnected and uneven.

21 to 26.9 POINTS  

The writer focuses on ideas and concepts within paragraphs, and sentences are well-connected and meaningful.  Each topic logically follows the objective.  The introduction clearly states the objective, ideas leading to the purpose of the paper, and a conclusion draws the ideas together.

27 to 30 POINTS

FORMAT
5%

The paper does not conform to APA style.

The paper does not conform completely to APA style (e.g., margins, spacing, pagination, headings, headers, citations, references, according to the APA Manual).

3.5 to 4.4 POINTS

The paper is correctly formatted to APA style (e.g., margins, spacing pagination, headings, headers, citations, references, according to the APA Manual).

GRAMMAR,  PUNCTUATION, & SPELLING

10%

The writer demonstrates limited understanding of formal written language use; writing is colloquial (i.e., conforms to spoken language).  Grammar and punctuation are consistently incorrect.  Spelling errors are numerous.

7 or FEWER POINTS

The writer occasionally uses awkward sentence construction or overuses and/or uses inappropriate complex sentence structure.  Problems with word usage (e.g., incorrect use of Thesaurus) and punctuation persist, often causing difficulties with grammar.  Grammar, spelling and punctuation are occasionally incorrect.
7 to 8.9 POINTS

The writer demonstrates correct usage of formal English language in sentence construction.  Variation in sentence structure and word usage promotes readability.  There are no spelling, punctuation, or word usage errors.

READABILITY & STYLE

15 %

The writer struggles with limited vocabulary and has difficulty conveying meaning such that only the broadest, most general messages are presented.

10.4 or FEWER POINTS

Some words, transitional phrases, and conjunctions are overused.  Ideas may be overstated, and sentences with limited contribution to the subject are included.

The reading audience is correctly identified, demonstrated by appropriate language usage (i.e., avoiding jargon and simplifying complex concepts appropriately).  Writing is concise, in active voice, and avoids awkward transitions and overuse of conjunctions.
13.5 to 15 POINTS