Rubric

This is a copy of the rubric I will use to grade each of your papers. Please familiarize yourself with the categories and the rubric’s strategy. Each paper you turn in will be held to a higher standard. For example, for your first essay, your Writer’s position should “acknowledge different sides of an issue” to receive an A, while for your third paper the writer’s position needs to be “imaginative, taking into account the complexities of an issue” to receive an A.  Note the high value placed on thoughtful, critical thinking.

	Paper 3	Paper 2	Paper 1	Benchmark
Writer’s Position	Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) is imaginative, taking into account the complexities of an issue. Limits of position are acknowledged. Others’ points of view are synthesized within position.	Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) takes into account the complexities of an issue. Others’ points of view are acknowledged within position.	Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) acknowledges different sides of an issue.	Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) is stated, but is simplistic.
Embracing Contradictions	Integrates alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas fully.	Incorporates alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas in a exploratory way.	Includes (recognizes the value of) alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas in a small way	Acknowledges (mentions in passing) alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas.
Rhetorical Situation Awareness	Demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements of the work.	Demonstrates adequate consideration of context, audience, and purpose and a clear focus on the assigned task(s) (e.g., the task aligns with audience, purpose, and context).	Demonstrates awareness of context, audience, purpose, and to the assigned tasks(s) (e.g., begins to show awareness of audience’s perceptions and assumptions).	Demonstrates minimal attention to context, audience, purpose, and to the assigned tasks(s) (e.g., expectation of instructor or self as audience).
Evidence	Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/ evaluation to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are questioned thoroughly.	Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are subject to questioning.	Information is taken from source(s) with some interpretation/ evaluation, but not enough to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are taken as mostly fact, with little questioning	Information is taken from source(s) without any interpretation or evaluation. Viewpoints of experts are taken as fact, without question.
Taking Risks	Actively seeks out and follows through on untested and potentially risky directions or approaches to the assignment.	Incorporates new directions or approaches to the assignment.	Considers new directions or approaches without going beyond the guidelines of the assignment.	Stays strictly within the guidelines of the assignment.
Organization	Organizational pattern is clearly and consistently observable and enhances the content of the writing.	Organizational pattern is clearly and consistently observable. Does not interrupt or significantly enhance reading.	Organizational pattern is sometimes observable and is consistent. Sometimes interferes with reading.	Organizational pattern is sometimes observable but not consistent. Interferes with reading.
MLA, Page Requirements, and other Details	MLA formatting is accurate, including Works Cited page. Essay meets page requirements.	Minor mistakes in MLA formatting, i.e. minor errors in Works Cited. Paper meets page requirement	Some mistakes in MLA formatting. Paper meets page requirement	MLA formatting is present but inconsistent. Paper is just short of page requirement

Final essay grade: