Sociology Evaluation of Writing Competency Rubric

Definition: Competent writing conveys ideas/information in a clear, ordered, and well-supported fashion; uses a style and sources appropriate to the purpose; and employs well-structured paragraphs, correct grammar, and appropriate language

Student: ________________________________ Number: __________________________

Course: __________________________ Date: __________________________

Title: _________________________________________________________________

Scale: 5=Excellent 4=Above Average 3=Average 2=Below Average 1=Far Below Average

______ A Thesis: essay has a strong unifying thesis

5 Aim is clear; introduction states thesis to be defended; conclusion revisits thesis thoughtfully

4 Aim is clear; introduction states thesis; conclusion is strong

3 Aim is fairly clear; introduction attempts to explain thesis; conclusion may be somewhat vague

2 Aim is vague; introduction states no clear thesis; there may be no conclusion

1 Essay is without apparent aim or purpose; neither introduction nor conclusion are evident

______ B Organization: writing is effectively structured

5 Development is logical, competent, thoughtfully addresses the complexities involved

4 Development is logical and competent; essay addresses more than one of the complexities inherent

3 Development is logical and competent; may be a few organizational problems/argumentative weaknesses

2 Development is weak, with problems of logic and flow, though topic is still addressed

1 Development is seriously flawed or illogical

______ C. Paragraphing: paragraphs are well-developed, have clear topics, & support thesis

5 Paragraphs well-constructed; flow logically; transitions felicitous

4 Paragraphs well-constructed; flow is logical; transitions are solid

3 Paragraphs are adequate; some transitions weak

2 Paragraphs tend to be weak and vague; transitions unclear

1 Paragraphs poor; transitions vague or nonexistent; flow is illogical

______ D. Language: Writing is grammatical, effective & appropriate to purpose

5 Grammar consistently correct; diction excellent; stylistically mature and free from error

4 Grammar largely correct; diction appropriate; largely free from usage error

3 Grammar/diction adequate, though occasionally weak and unimaginative; some errors of usage evident

2 Grammar and diction errors frequent; many errors of application

1 Grammar and diction inappropriate to task and consistently unacceptable

______ E. Sources & Documentation: Appropriate & documented according to discipline style

5 Evidence/detail judiciously-chosen and enhance thesis; documentation is impeccable

4 Evidence/detail support thesis; documentation is solid

3 Some supporting evidence/detail provided; documentation largely adequate

2 Evidence/detail trivial or inappropriate; errors of documentation evident

1 Evidence/detail inappropriate or nonexistent; documentation is not provided or is provided incorrectly