| Category | Excellent / 10 | Good / 7 | Below Average / 3 | Score | Weight | Total |
| Introduction | Attracts interest by convincing the topic is important Describes the problem, if any, to be solved Mentions the objectives and justifies the significance of the study Provides the research question(s) to be explored Delineates subtopics to be reviewed
| Attracts some interest by convincing the topic is important Mentions the objectives and justifies the study Provides the research question(s) to be explored
| No or little effort to convince the topic is important and interesting Does not provide any objectives Does not include any research question(s) There is no or quite weak explanation for the significance and justification of the study
| | X 2 | |
| Focus of the Topic and Coherence | The topic is focused well enough for the scope of the assignment A thesis statement provides direction for the paper Strong transitions within and between paragraphs linking subtopics, and main topic Writing is flowing and easy to follow
| The topic is focused but lacks direction The paper is about a specific topic but the writer has not established a position Attempts to provide variety of transitions Writing is mostly well and clear passages
| The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment The topic is not clearly defined Weak or no transitions within and between paragraphs Writing is choppy with unclear passages
| | X 1 | |
| Literature Review and Sources | More than five current sources, of which at least five are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly book chapters Provides significant and relevant background research into the topic by integrating and interpreting sources Summarizes important findings from the review of the literature Sources are also used to support the argument of the study Cited sources appropriately
| Less than five sources, some of which are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly book chapters Provides moderate background research into the topic Some sources are partially relevant to the topic of the study Sources are partially used to support the argument of the study Cited sources appropriately
| One or two sources are used, only. Sources are not peer-reviewed/scholarly Neglects important sources Provides a weak background research into the topic No evidence is drawn from source Does not cite sources, or cited inappropriately
| | X 3 | |
| Discussion and Conclusion | Addresses the topic with clarity Organizes, synthesizes, and discusses information In-depth discussion and elaboration in all sections of the paper Draws conclusions Presents clear recommendations and/or implications for future research
| Addresses the topic Acceptable discussion and elaboration in most sections of the paper Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively Organizes, synthesizes, and discusses information Lacks substantive conclusions Sometimes deviates from topic of focus
| Does not address the topic well There is either too short, or no synthesis and/or discussion Presents little to no clarity in formulating conclusions and/or organization
| | X 3 | |
| Other Assignment Requirements (Proofread/Edit, Writing Format, Citation, Due Date) | Is free or almost free of errors of grammar, spelling, and writing mechanics Six (6) to eight (8) pages Double-spaced, 12 size, Times New Roman font Cites all data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography Submission on time
| Minimal grammar, spelling and/or writing mistakes that do not affect the meaning Applies writing format and uses APA style partially Cites some data obtained from other sources, and time to time citation style is either inconsistent or incorrect Submission on time
| Unacceptable number of mistakes and errors that obscure meaning of content or add confusion Does not apply writing format, nor the APA style Does not cite properly (according to APA style) Late submission, or no submission at all
| | X 1 | |
