Grading Criteria

Research Paper

The completed paper and revised paper are each worth 33 points (25% of the final course grade), which will be distributed as laid out in the Primary Traits Analysis Form below. Each of these traits will be evaluated according to the scale given and assigned points based on the scale. In the Primary Traits Analysis Form, the scale for each trait is cumulative. For example, a level 4 thesis assumes that the thesis meets the criteria for levels 1-3. The total of the eight scores will be recorded as the paper score.

Download the Primary Traits Analysis Form here.

Primary Traits Analysis

Thesis (Historical Hypothesis)
4.

The thesis is fully developed and demonstrates insight and originality through critical thinking.
3.

The thesis is stated clearly and makes an explicit claim, but it does not give evidence of critical thinking.
2.

The thesis is stated clearly, but it is not based on an interpretive question, does not make a clear claim, or is not developed sufficiently.
1.

An imprecise thesis is stated, or it consists of only a purpose or blueprint statement.
0.

The paper lacks a thesis or the thesis does not reflect the assignment.

Content
8.

The paper treats the subject matter with depth and insight beyond mastery.
7.

The paper demonstrates a mastery of the subject matter.
6.

Ideas are presented clearly and with sufficient complexity for the argument.
4.

The content reflects the subject matter, but is presented simplistically or incompletely.
2.

The content contains significant factual errors, and/or reflects the subject matter poorly or partially
0.

The content contains numerous factual errors, and/or does not reflect the subject matter.

Research
6.

Ample, appropriate research is used critically.
5.

The research is used critically, but is not sufficiently broad in scope or reflects current scholarship.
4.

The research is relevant and integrated into the argument, but is not used critically.

3.

 The paper cites research, but the research is insufficient in quality and quanity.
2.

The paper cites research, but the research is not relevant or not integrated into the argument.
0.

No discernable research is evident in the paper.

Evidence
3.

Evidence is used critically in the argument.
2.

Appropriate and relevant evidence is cited, but its value is simply accepted rather than assessed.
1.

Evidence is cited, but its relevance to the argument is not clear.
0.

No evidence is cited.

Critical Analysis
3.

Texts and ideas are critically analyzed and fully contextualized.
2.

Text and ideas are critically analyzed, but without assessing their contexts.
1.

Texts, ideas, and material are discussed, but with little evidence of critical thinking.
0.

Texts and ideas are presented with no analysis.

Argument
4.

The paper demonstrates original and critical thinking, and the arguments are persuasive.
3.

The paper demonstrates some critical thinking, and the argument exhibits a logical flow of ideas.
2.

The paper argues its thesis, and ideas are supported with logical reasoning, but the argument is incomplete or not fully developed.
1.

The argument does not develop the thesis, or is not supported with logical reasoning.
0.

No argument is given.

Style
3.

Paragraphs are well constructed and logically organized to support the flow of the argument; the grammar and syntax are virtually flawless.
2.

The paper reads well with few style errors, and a range of appropriate sentence structures is used.
1.

The paper has a simple chronological (sequential) or encyclopedic structure, or the paper is excessively repetitive or has awkward syntax.
0.

The paper contains an egregious number of errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, or syntax.

Form
2.

The paper is completed on schedule, limited to 12 pages, double spaced, with appropriate margins and heading, printed in Times New Roman, 12 point font, with the Primary Traits Analysis Form stapled to the front.
1.

The paper is generally formatted according to the guidelines, but is incomplete, or the paper is completed late by one day.
0.

The paper is not formatted according to guidelines, or the paper is completed late by two days or longer.