Social Studies Writing Rubric
Organization
fluency/flow of ideas/logical progression
thesis or position/topic sentences/controlling statement
introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion/includes reflection
no digressions/stay focused/relevant
addresses audience when appropriate
A RANGE
· Clear, focused position or thesis
· Use of clear topic sentences or 1 main idea per paragraph
· Use of well developed transitions to sustain organization throughout the response
· Clear distinction and logical progression between introduction, body paragraphs and reflective conclusion
B RANGE
· position or thesis is well stated
· most paragraphs contain topic sentences or one main idea
· transitions are generally well developed and sustain organization throughout the response.
· digressions are few and do not detract from the overall thesis
· logical progression from introduction to conclusion
C RANGE
· position or thesis is attempted
· most paragraphs attempt a topic sentence and a main idea, but are not always consistent
· some transitions evident, but may interfere with meaning
D RANGE
· position or thesis is not readily evident
· the response contains few digressions and shifts that may interfere with the overall meaning
· lack of fluidity adversly impacts the paper
FAILING
· no position evident, thesis unclear
· The response lacks focus and a controlling idea: little or no organization is present and frequent digressions and/or abrupt shifts in the response interfere with meaning.
· Lack of logical progression from introduction to conclusion which demonstrates little or no reflection
Content
use of evidence from primary & secondary sources
proper citation
develop & apply relevance of evidence
at least 3 main supporting points/arguments
acknowledges opposing view points; state it, refute it
A RANGE
· proper format and proper citation of sources
· effective, appropriate use of evidence from primary & secondary sources
· 3 or more supportive ideas are effectively defended in body paragraphs
· recognizes and refutes opposing view points to strengthen own position
· quotes sources accurately in defense of thesis
B RANGE
· correct format and adequate citation of sources
· position is well supported, typically using information from appropriate sources
· supporting ideas are evident and defended in body paragraphs
· opposing viewpoints are acknowledged
· quotes sources accurately in defense of thesis
C RANGE
· correct format but inconsistent citation of sources
· position is adequately supported, generally using information from appropriate sources
· some supporting ideas are evident
· vague reference to opposing viewpoints
· quotes sources, but not always accurately
D RANGE
· frequent errors in format and citation
· little support from source materials or support provided is copied verbatim
· few supporting ideas are evident
· seldom or inaccurate use of quotes to defend thesis
FAILING
· no citation of sources
· no support from source materials or support provided is copied verbatim
· no use of quotations to defend thesis
· writing demonstrates that there is a serious misunderstanding of content
Mechanics
no spelling errors
no run-ons
no fragments
proper punctuation & capitalization
typed, 250 words per page = 12 point size & 1” margins all around, DS
black ink
formal heading: student name, date turned in, class period, teacher name, title of assignment
A RANGE
· little or no spelling, sentence structure or punctuation errors
· strong evidence of proofreading (1-2 errors)
· presentation format is followed explicitly
B RANGE
· few spelling, sentence structure or punctuation errors
· evidence of proofreading enhances paper (2-4 errors)
· presentation format is followed
C RANGE
· spelling, sentence structure and puncuation errors detract from overall presentation
· proofreading attempted (4-6 errors)
· presentation format is inconsistent
D RANGE
· frequent spelling, sentence structure or punctuation errors
· little to no evidence of proof reading (5-8 errors)
· little or no adherence to format guidelines
FAILING
· major spelling, sentence structure or puncuation errors
· not attempt to proofread (8 + errors)
· format guidelines not followed