History of World Civilization II

Essay Rubric

Category	C or Below	B	A	Comments
Thesis Section Grade:	Essay contains a general thesis OR no clear thesis at all	Essay contains a clear, specific thesis that clearly addresses the paper prompt	Essay contains a clear, specific thesis that goes beyond restating the question and demonstrates original thought
Structure/Organization Section Grade:	Essay contains underdeveloped paragraphs and weak or unclear sentences, and weak transitions OR Essay lacks an overall organizational structure and establishes no clear links between paragraphs or sections of the paper	Essay is well organized with well-developed paragraphs and topic sentences. The paper might have somewhat weak transitions and/or its introduction, body, and conclusions might need additional development to be complete	Essay is organized, with well-developed paragraphs and topic sentences, and with smooth transitions. The paper has a clearly identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion, and each section is well developed and complete	.
Use of Sources Section Grade:	Essay demonstrates the insufficient use of source material (Text-E/Text-Lecture Presentations-Primary Sources.) Essay tends to demonstrate summary of the sources rather than an interpretation of them. Essay might feature improper citations.	Essay demonstrates sufficient use of assigned source material (Text-E/Text-Lecture Presentations-Primary Sources.) Essay could contextualize the sources more effectively. Some of the conclusions drawn from sources are unexplained or unjustified. Essay features citations whenever appropriate, but citations may be improperly formatted.	Essay uses assigned source material imaginatively and/or appropriately, contextualizing them effectively and drawing reasonable conclusions from them. The essay features properly formatted citations whenever appropriate.

Category	C or Below	B	A	Comments
General Content Section Grade:	Essay shows some understanding of general ideas, but contains many factual errors or misinterpretation of meaning. The essay does not address large sections of the paper guidelines.	Essay provides factually correct evidence which supports thesis. The essay might contain some factual errors. The essay answers most of the questions raised in the paper guidelines.	Essay provides ample, well chosen, and factually correct evidence that supports thesis and offers original analysis. The essay addresses all of the questions raised in the paper guidelines.
Presentation and General Format Section Grade:	The essay may have numerous typographical and/or grammatical mistakes.	The Essay is organized and well presented, has several typographical and/or grammatical mistakes.	The essay features well developed presentation, is clearly organized, and follows assignment guidelines. The essay has few or no grammatical or typographical mistakes

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