The “Calling” of Saul of Tarsus
RLGN 301

Research Paper Grading Rubric

Criteria

Levels of Achievement

Content

Advanced 90-100%

Proficient 70-89%

Developing 1-69%

Not present

Development and Argumentation

70 – 63 points

· THESIS: The paper advances a significant, clearly stated thesis. The thesis is readily identified in the introduction and reinforced throughout the paper.

· SUPPORT: All major points in support of thesis are strong and clearly stated. Each major point is supported by compelling, scholarly evidence.

· INTRODUCTION: The Introduction is focused and accurately and compellingly forecasts the paper’s direction while introducing the scholarly context for the thesis. The thesis is clearly presented as the last sentence of the Introduction.

· BODY: Each paragraph is coherent unified around one clear idea that is clearly identified in a strong topic sentence. Paragraphs are logically and effectively ordered, building the argument to support the thesis. Appropriate and varied transitions are expertly used between paragraphs and sentences as appropriate.

· CONCLUSION: The Conclusion is a compelling end to the writing.

62 – 49 points

· THESIS: The paper advances a strong working thesis. The ideas of the thesis are relevant for answering the research question.

· SUPPORT: The major points in support of thesis are evident, though they may be understated, misplaced, or in need of clarification, specifically through topic sentences. Most major points are supported by compelling, scholarly evidence.

· INTRODUCTION: The Introduction is focused and presents the direction of the paper, but the scholarly context is underdeveloped. The thesis is present in the introduction, but may be misplaced.

· BODY: Most paragraphs are unified around one clear idea. Topic sentences may be missing or unclear. Paragraphs are mostly logically and effectively ordered, but transitions between paragraphs need to be strengthened to build stronger connections between ideas.

· CONCLUSION: The Conclusion is a compelling end to the writing.

48 – 1 points

· THESIS: The thesis is missing from the Introduction, unclear, or is presented as a question rather than a clear statement to answer the research question.

· SUPPORT: The major points to support the thesis are unclear, making it difficult to see how the Body of the paper supports the claims of the thesis.

· INTRODUCTION: The Introduction is missing, unfocused, or significantly underdeveloped. The thesis is not present in the Introduction.

· BODY: Paragraphs are underdeveloped as indicated by missing topic sentences, no support/evidence, and a lack of clear and thoughtful analysis of the research to show support for the thesis.

· CONCLUSION: The Conclusion is missing, unclear, or does not accurately/appropriately sum up the major points of the paper.

0 points

Source Selection and Evidence Presentation

70 – 63 points

· High-quality, scholarly, credible sources are used to support the argument presented in the paper.

· Source selection demonstrates a balanced approach to research, which appropriate primary and secondary sources that both support and challenge the presented thesis.

· Paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting are effectively and judiciously employed.

· Information cited is true to original context.

· Citations demonstrate superior understanding of the ethical and legal aspects surrounding use of others’ intellectual property.

62 – 19 points

· Scholarly, credible sources are used to support the argument presented in the paper.

· Source selection favors only ideas that directly align with the thesis presented. There is little to no evidence presented to challenge or nuance the claim of the thesis.

· The paper relies heavily on quotations to support claims. There are areas where lengthy quotations or ideas would be better presented as a summary or paraphrase.

· Information cited is true to original context.

· Citations demonstrate a sound understanding of the ethical and legal aspects surrounding use of others’ intellectual property.

48 – 1 points

· Source selection is comprised of non-scholarly sources or the minimum scholarly source requirement is not met.

· Source selection favors only ideas that directly align with the thesis presented. There is little to no evidence presented to challenge or nuance the claim of the thesis.

· The paper relies heavily on quotations to support claims. There are areas where lengthy quotations or ideas would be better presented as a summary or paraphrase.

0 points

Structure

Advanced 90-100%

Proficient 70-89%

Developing 1-69%

Not present

Language and Mechanics

30 – 27 points

The paper is composed of graceful academic language (includes grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation) that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency and is virtually error-free.

26 – 21 points

The paper is composed of academic language (includes grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation) that clearly communicates meaning to readers. There are errors present, but these errors do not impeded the clarity. First and second person perspectives may be used, but it does not compromise the overall objective tone of the paper.

20 – 1 point

The paper is composed of informal language (includes grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation). The language may be unclear, making the ideas difficult to follow. First and second person perspectives are used extensively throughout the paper, altering the tone of the paper to an informal, personal narrative.

0 points

Format

30 – 27 points

The paper correctly follows Turabian formatting guidelines. Footnotes and bibliographical source citations are used correctly and appropriately with few or no flaws. Title page reflects the required format.

26 – 21 points

The paper mostly follows Turabian formatting guidelines. Footnotes and bibliographical source citations are present, and mostly in line with the Turabian manual.

20 – 1 point

The paper does not closely follow Turabian style. The paper may use another style altogether or may not include any clear formatting guidelines.

0 points