Writing Style Grading Rubrics

Grammar & Spelling

• A: No significant grammar or spelling errors
• B: Few grammar and/or spelling errors
• C: Several grammar and/or spelling errors

Clarity of Language

• A: Clear, well constructed sentences
• B: A few awkward and/or wordy sentences
• C: Many awkward and/or wordy sentences

Overall Organization

• A: A well constructed essay with a good introduction giving an overview of the essay and a good summarizing conclusion; paragraphs develop one idea in a systematic way
• B: Paragraphs are well-organized, but no clear overall organization OR overall organization is clear but paragraphs lack coherence
• C: Sentences jump from idea to idea, with no clear organization of paragraphs or overall essay

Range and Appropriateness of Sources

• A: At least 5 different sources cited (articles, books, web sites), with quotations and references well integrated into the text.
• B: At least 5 different sources cited, but quotations and references appear "thrown in" rather than integrated.
• C: Less than 5 different sources cited.
• F: No sources cited.

APA Reference Style

• A : No more than one type of error
• A-: 2 types of errors
• B+ : 3 types of errors
• B : 4 types of errors
• C : More than 4 types of errors
• D : Contains less than 5 reference citations or no Reference List
• F : Less than 5 citations and no Reference List