History 4985 Grading Rubrics

 

Oral Presentations

  not acceptable 5-6 7-8 9-10
Organization Audience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information. Audience has difficulty following presentation because student jumps around. Student presents information in logical sequence which audience can follow. Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.
Subject Knowledge Student does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject. Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions. Student is at ease with expected answers to all questions, but fails to elaborate. Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration.
Handout/Graphics Student uses superfluous graphics or no graphics Student occasionally uses graphics that rarely support text and presentation. Student's graphics relate to text and presentation. Student's graphics explain and reinforce  presentation.
Eye Contact Student reads all of report with no eye contact. Student occasionally uses eye contact, but still reads most of report. Student maintains eye contact most of the time but frequently returns to notes. Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.
Elocution Student mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms, and speaks too quietly for students in the back of class to hear. Student's voice is low. Student incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation. Student's voice is clear. Student pronounces most words correctly. Most audience members can hear presentation. Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.

 

Formal Papers

  

 

10

9

8

7

6-0

STRUCTURE

Evident, understandable, appropriate for thesis. Excellent transitions from point to point.  Paragraphs support solid topic sentences.

Generally clear and appropriate, though may wander occasionally.  May have a few unclear transitions, or a few paragraphs without strong topic sentences.

Generally unclear, often wanders or jumps around. Few or weak transitions, and there are many paragraphs without topic sentences.

Unclear, often because thesis is weak or non-existent. Transitions confusing and unclear.  Few topic sentences.

No evidence structure or organization.

LOGIC AND ARGUMENTATION

All ideas flow logically; the argument is identifiable, reasonable, and sound.  Author anticipates and successfully defuses counter-arguments; makes novel connections which illuminate thesis

Argument is clear and usually flows logically and makes sense.  Some evidence that counter-arguments acknowledged, though perhaps not addressed.  Occasional insightful connections to evidence are made.

Logic may often fail, or the argument may often be unclear.  May not address counter-arguments or make any connections with the thesis.  May also contain logical contradictions.

Ideas do not flow at all, usually because there is no argument to support.  Simplistic view of topic, and there is no effort to grasp possible alternative views.  Very little or very weak attempt to relate evidence to argument.

Too incoherent to determine.

MECHANICS

Language is clearly organized. Correct word usage, punctuation, sentence structure, and grammar; correct citation of sources; minimal to no spelling errors; absolutely no run-on sentences or comma splices.

Sentence structure and grammar strong despite occasional lapses; punctuation and citation style often used correctly. Some spelling errors and at least one run-on sentence, sentence fragment, or comma splice.

Minor problems in sentence structure and grammar. Multiple errors in punctuation, citation style, and spelling. May have several (two to five) run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and comma splices.

Huge problems in sentence structure and grammar. Frequent major errors in citation style, punctuation, and spelling.  May have many (more than five) run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and comma splices.

Very difficult to understand owing to major problems in mechanics.

 

 

Research Proposal

 

 

A

B

C

D

not acceptable

THESIS

Easily identifiable, plausible, novel, sophisticated, insightful, crystal clear.

Promising, but may be slightly unclear, or lacking insight or originality.

Unclear (contains vague terms), appears unoriginal, or offers relatively little that is new; provides little around which to structure the paper.

Difficult to identify and may blend restatement of obvious point.

Has no identifiable thesis or an utterly incompetent thesis. Shows obviously minimal lack of effort or comprehension of the assignment.

USE OF EVIDENCE

Primary and secondary source information incorporated to buttress every point.  Examples support thesis and fit within paragraph.  Excellent integration of quoted material into sentences.  Factual information is incorporated. 

Examples used to support most points.  Some evidence does not support point or may appear where inappropriate. Quotations are integrated well into sentences.  Some factual information is incorporated.

Examples support some points.  Quotations may be poorly integrated into sentences.  There may not be a clear point.  Moderate amount of factual information is incorporated.

Very few or weak examples and factual information. General failure to support statements, or evidence seems to support no particular point.

No attempt has been made to incorporate factual information or interpret primary and secondary sources.