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RUBRIC FOR CRTW
A
An A
paper is superior work that far exceeds the
requirements of the assignment. This paper tackles
the topic in an innovative way, with an appropriate
sense of audience and an effective plan of
organization. The writer has clearly used the
elements of reasoning to generate material for
developing as well as structuring the paper. When
evaluated, the paper meets the highest standards of
critical thinking. For example, the point of view
and purpose are clear. It outlines the question at
issue and assumptions with precision. Its
information is accurate, and its concepts are
relevant. It reaches sufficient conclusions and
interpretations. Its implications and consequences
are deep and broad. All elements can be judged
against the standards very favorably. When the
writer uses source materials in the A paper,
he/she demonstrates complete understanding of
potential critical thinking impediments and also
illustrates an insightful understanding of the
elements of reasoning present in the source. The
writer reveals an understanding of the stated and
unstated concepts and/or assumptions that are an
essential aspect of alternative perspectives and
shows a sophisticated analysis of the information
and conclusions used to support the source’s main
argument. The writing style is energetic and
precise; how the writer says things is as
excellent as what the writer says. There is
evidence of careful editing, since the paper
contains few grammatical and/or mechanical errors.
Research materials, if used, are correctly
documented according to MLA style and “The Correct
Use of Borrowed Information.”
B
A B
paper is above-average work that more than meets the
requirements of the assignment. It has a clear
sense of topic, audience, and purpose, with sound
organization, good evidence, and good analysis
and/or argument. As in the A paper, this writer has
clearly used elements of reasoning to generate
material for developing the paper, although not to
the extent of the superior A paper.
Similarly, all elements can be judged against the
standards favorably. When the writer uses source
materials, he/she demonstrates complete
understanding of potential critical thinking
impediments, but illustrates a less sophisticated
understanding of the elements of reasoning present
in the source. The writer reveals an understanding
of the source’s assumptions and conclusions, but
falls somewhat short in recognizing the stated and
unstated concepts and/or assumptions of the
argument. The writing style is clear and precise,
and the paper shows evidence of careful editing,
since the essay contains few grammatical and/or
mechanical errors (although an otherwise superior
paper can have errors that lower the overall
grade). Research materials, if used, are correctly
documented according to MLA style and “The Correct
Use of Borrowed Information.”
C
A C
paper is adequate, average work that meets the
requirements of the assignment. The paper has a
clear sense of topic, audience, and purpose, with a
generally sound organization, although problems with
focus may exist. The evidence is adequate, but not
as specific as in an A or B paper, and
the analysis and/or argument is not as fully
developed. This paper deals with the elements of
reasoning as outlined above, although not to the
extent of the A and/or B paper, and
some elements may not be fully addressed. While the
paper minimally meets the standards of
critical thinking, it may not address some of these
standards fully. When the writer uses source
materials, he/she demonstrates a basic understanding
of potential critical thinking impediments, but
reveals only a rudimentary understanding of the
elements of reasoning present in the source. The
writing style is clear, although there may be
problems with sentence construction or word choice.
Though the writer has edited the paper, remaining
errors may affect the ability to communicate.
Research materials, if used, are correctly
documented according to MLA style and “The Correct
Use of Borrowed Information.”
D
A D
paper is below average work that demonstrates an
attempt to fulfill the assignment and shows some
promise, but does not meet the requirements of the
assignment. The paper may have one or more of the
following weaknesses. There may be problems with
the sense of topic, audience, or purpose. The paper
may not adequately address the elements of reasoning
and the standards of critical thinking as
outlined above. It may have a general or implied
thesis, but the idea may be too broad, vague, or
obvious. The organizational plan may be
inappropriate or inconsistently carried out.
Evidence may be too general, missing, irrelevant to
the thesis, or inappropriately repetitive. The
analysis and/or argument may be underdeveloped.
The style may be compromised by repetitive or flawed
sentence patterns and/or inappropriate word choice
and confusing syntax. Grammatical and mechanical
errors may interfere with readability and indicate a
less-than-adequate attempt at editing or an
unfamiliarity with some aspects of Standard Written
English. Research materials, if used, may not be
completely or accurately documented, according to
MLA style and “The Correct Use of Borrowed
Information.”
F
An F
paper is unacceptable work that does not meet the
requirements of the assignment. It exhibits one or
more of the following weaknesses. It may not meet
the purpose of the assignment. It may be an attempt
to meet the requirements of the assignment, but have
no apparent thesis or a self-contradictory one, or
its point may be general or obvious and suggest no
serious engagement with the topic. The paper fails
to address the elements of reasoning and the
standards of critical thinking as outlined above.
It may display little or no apparent sense of
organization; it may lack development; evidence may
be inadequate, inappropriate, or may consist of
generalizations, faulty assumptions, or errors of
fact. The style suggests serious difficulties
with fluency, which may be revealed in short, simple
sentences and ineffective word choice.
Grammatical/mechanical errors may interfere with
reader comprehension or indicate problems with basic
literacy or a lack of understanding of Standard
English Usage. Research materials, if used, may not
be handled responsibly and/or documented
appropriately, according to MLA style and “The
Correct Use of Borrowed Information.”
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