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)