Examine the role of the United States and the European Union in the twenty-first century.

Rubric for Week 7 Research Paper

Criteria

“A” Level

“B” Level

Unacceptable

Points

available

Your

Points

Topic Selection

Appropriate for the Course and Approved by the instructor

Appropriate for the Course, Not submitted for approval

Inappropriate Topic for the Course, Not pre-approved

5

Introduction

Effectively engages the reader with a creative hook, provides all information necessary for understanding basis of research and relates a strong, articulate thesis.

Has a moderately engaging hook, provides most of information necessary for understanding basis of research, relates an adequate thesis. May be missing one aspect of introductory elements.

Does not engage the reader with a creative hook, does not provide information necessary to understand basis of research, ineffectively relates or fails to give a thesis.

10

Nature of Argument

Effectively and persuasively argues one side of an issue. Counter argument is explained and negated by rebuttal relevant to both topic and opposing side.

Argues one side of an issue, but may fail to persuade the reader. Counter argument is not explained or explained only briefly. Rebuttal is weak or incomplete.

Does not provide argumentative evidence regarding the issue. Counter argument and rebuttal are irrelevant or missing entirely.

10

Content

Author clearly relates evidence to thesis: analysis is fresh and exciting, posing new ways to think of the material. Work displays critical thinking and avoids simplistic description or summary of information.

Examples used to support most points. Some evidence does not support point, or may appear where inappropriate. Quotes well integrated into sentences. Demonstrates a solid understanding of the ideas in the assigned reading and critically evaluates/responds to those ideas.

Very few or very weak examples. General failure to support statements, or evidence seems to support no statement.

20

Evidence

Uses evidence to argue point by giving a full range of information from credible sources. In-text (parenthetical citations) are perfectly formatted.

Uses evidence to adequately argue point by giving a brief range of information from mostly credible sources. In-text (parenthetical citations) may be missing elements or incorrectly formatted.

Does not use evidence to argue point, does not use credible sources, or does not use sources at all. In-text (parenthetical citations) are sloppily formatted or missing altogether.

20

Conclusion

Effectively wraps up topic, and analyzes the impact on society. Has a strong restated thesis and final point.

Adequately wraps up topic, and analysis of the impact on society. Has a weak restated thesis and final point.

Does not conclude topic, or analyze the impact on society. Does not have a restated thesis or final point.

10

Works Cited

Perfectly formatted using all sources included in paper.

Some formatting issues apparent. May not give citations for all sources included in paper.

Does not give citations for sources included in paper or is missing. Uses less than 5 authoritative sources

10

Conventions

Innovative word choice, no spelling or grammar errors.

Adequate word choice, few spelling and grammar errors.

Poor word choice, many spelling and/or grammar errors.

10

Total Score