GRADING RUBRIC FOR FINAL PAPER
- Research paper: Students must write a research paper on a viral human pathogen that has not been discussed in class. The paper should describe the disease(s) caused by the virus and the main virulence factors that are known to contribute to disease development and progression. The paper must go beyond what is discussed in your textbook and should take advantage of PubMed research articles. The write-up should be no more than five pages (single-spaced), with a separate page listing the references used. References should be cited throughout where appropriate.
| CATEGORY | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Introduction/ Thesis ____ | *exceptional introduction that grabs interest of reader and states topic. **thesis is exceptionally clear, arguable, well-developed, and a definitive statement. | *proficient introduction that is interesting and states topic. **thesis is clear and arguable statement of position. | *basic introduction that states topic but lacks interest. **thesis is somewhat clear and arguable. | *weak or no introduction of topic. **paper’s purpose is unclear/thesis is weak or missing. |
| Quality of Information/ Evidence ____ | *paper is exceptionally researched, extremely detailed, and historically accurate. **information clearly relates to the thesis. | *information relates to the main topic. **paper is well-researched in detail and from a variety of sources. | *information relates to the main topic, few details and/or examples are given. **shows a limited variety of sources. | *information has little or nothing to do with the thesis. **information has weak or no connection to the thesis. |
| Support of Thesis/Analysis ____ | *exceptionally critical, relevant and consistent connections made between evidence and thesis. **excellent analysis. | *consistent connections made between evidence and thesis **good analysis. | *some connections made between evidence and thesis. **some analysis. | *limited or no connections made between evidence and thesis. **lack of analysis. |
| Organization/ Development of Thesis ____ | *exceptionally clear, logical, mature, and thorough development of thesis with excellent transitions between and within paragraphs. | *clear and logical order that supports thesis with good transitions between and within paragraphs. | *somewhat clear and logical development with basic transitions between and within paragraphs. | *lacks development of ideas with weak or no transitions between and within paragraphs. |
| Conclusion ____ | *excellent summary of topic with concluding ideas that impact reader. **introduces no new information. | *good summary of topic with clear concluding ideas. **introduces no new information. | *basic summary of topic with some final concluding ideas. **introduces no new information. | *lack of summary of topic. |
| Style/Voice ____ | *style and voice are not only appropriate to the given audience and purpose, but also show originality and creativity. **word choice is specific, purposeful, dynamic and varied. ***sentences are clear, active (subject-verb-object), and to the point. | *style and voice appropriate to the given audience and purpose. **word choice is specific and purposeful, and somewhat varied throughout. ***sentences are mostly clear, active (SVO), and to the point. | *style and voice somewhat appropriate to given audience and purpose. **word choice is often unspecific, generic, redundant, and clichéd. ***sentences are somewhat unclear; excessive use of passive voice. | *style and voice inappropriate or do not address given audience, purpose, etc. **word choice is excessively redundant, clichéd, and unspecific. ***sentences are very unclear. |
| Grammar/Usage/ Mechanics ____ | *control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. **almost entirely free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. | *may contain few spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. | *contains several spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors which detract from the paper’s readability. | *so many spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors that the paper cannot be understood. |
| Citation Format Ace homework tutors – APA ____ | *conforms to Ace homework tutors – APA rules for formatting and citation of sources are perfect. | *conforms to Ace homework tutors – APA rules for formatting and citation of sources with minor exceptions. | *frequent errors in Ace homework tutors – APA format. | *lack of Ace homework tutors – APA format/numerous errors. |
| Works Cited/References ____ | *entries entirely correct as to Ace homework tutors – APA format. | *entries mostly correct as to Ace homework tutors – APA format. | *frequent errors in Ace homework tutors – APA format. | *lack of Ace homework tutors – APA format/numerous errors. |
Additional Comments:
I need help writing my essay – research paper include a cover page. You may include a picture on the cover page as well as your Title and Name. The following description of this assignment is as stated in the syllabus:
- Research paper: Students must write a research paper on a viral human pathogen that has not been discussed in class. The paper should describe the disease(s) caused by the virus and the main virulence factors that are known to contribute to disease development and progression. The paper must go beyond what is discussed in your textbook and should take advantage of PubMed research articles. The write-up should be no more than five pages (single-spaced), with a separate page listing the references used. References should be cited throughout where appropriate.
