UPU 0004 HUMANITIES – MARKING RUBRIC FOR RESEARCH ESSAY:

UPU 0004 HUMANITIES – MARKING RUBRIC FOR RESEARCH ESSAY:

Criteria	N – Fail (0 – 4.5)	C –P ass (5 – 5.5)	Cr – Credit (6 – 6.5)	D – Distinction (7 – 7.5)	HD – High Distinction (8 – 10)
ESSAY CONSTRUCTION	Synopsis does not include sentences or paragraphs. The overall structure is poor and frequent spelling and grammatical errors	Attempts to include academic written structure. Sound overall written style.	Good overall structure and written style.	Close consideration of structure and writing style. A very good academic piece.	A flawless assessment in terms of writing style, structure and logical flow of ideas through sections.
INTRODUCTION	Essay shows no clear introduction. The thesis statement is unclear and little indication is given as to the aims of the essay.	A basic introduction which attempts to address the question and provides a basic thesis statement. The aims of the essay could be clearer.	A good introduction which addresses the question and provides an informative, thesis statement.  The aims of the essay could be clearer.	A very good introduction which addresses the question and provides an informative, well written thesis statement (including a clear indication of the aim(s) of the essay). Minor errors in wording and/or structure.	An excellent introduction which addresses the question and provides an informative, well written thesis statement (including a clear indication of the aim(s) of the essay)
BODY OF THE ESSAY – PARAGRAPHS	Paragraphs are unclear, no evidence is presented in relation to the argument and there is no link with a thesis statement.	Good paragraphs showing varied ideas, but the evidence presented in general or vague. The ideas could flow better through the body of the essay.	Good paragraphs linking to the thesis statement with specific evidence used in the analysis. The ideas could flow better  but are generally well detailed.	Very good use of three paragraphs to present evidence supporting the thesis statement.	Excellent use of three paragraphs to develop specific evidence directly linked to the thesis statement. No flaws in flow of ideas in the paragraphs.
CONCLUSION	No clear evidence of a conclusion. The essay mainly ends. Evidence from the essay is not presented and answered.	A basic conclusion demonstrating an attempt to link an answer to evidence in the body of the essay.	A good conclusion that aims to analyse the evidence in the body of the essay. The answer may be a little vague or general.	A very good conclusion that demonstrates analysis of the evidence presented in the body of the essay and a formally stated answer to the research question.	An excellent conclusion that demonstrates analysis of the evidence presented in the body of the essay and a formally stated answer to the research question.
REFERENCES AND RESEARCH	No bibliography and/or minimal research and/or incorrect referencing style.	Good bibliography showing use of basic research. Some errors in referencing format.	Good use of academic research. Referencing format is correct, though minor mistakes might be evident.	Bibliography shows use of a variety of academic sources. Referencing is correct, consistent and shows only minor errors.	Excellent academic research. Referencing format is flawless.