Thesis Rubric

A/98

B/91

C/83

D/75

F/65

MLA Format
Correctness
5%

No errors

1 error

2 errors

3 errors

4+ errors

Does not attempt

MLA Citations
Correctness of intext citations,
includes the use of
signal phrases and
how well cites are
integrated into the
students writing
5%

No errors

Minor errors in
punctuation. Uses
signal phrases. No
floating or
unintegrated quotes.

Major errors such

as floating quotes,
missing page
numbers, repeated
punctuation errors.
Might lack signal
phrases. Might not
integrate all quotes
into students
writing.

Major errors such

as floating quotes,
missing page
numbers, repeated
punctuation errors.
Lacks signal
phrases. Might not
integrate all quotes
into students
writing. Missing or
incorrect cites.

No in-text cites are

done correctly.

Does not cite

sources

Works Cited
Correctness
5%

No errors

1-2 errors

2-3 errors

3-4 errors

5+ errors

Does not include

Organization
Clear, logical, easy
to follow
5%

Excellent, no
weaknesses.

Above average. 12 transitions might

need strengthening
or 1-2 places might
be confusing.

Average. In places,
the reader isnt sure
how ideas connect.
Confusing places as
well as weak or
missing transitions.

Below average
Lack of transitions,
many confusing
places,
inappropriate
paragraphing

Unacceptable

Voice
Confident, active
voice demonstrating
scholarly authority
and enthusiasm
5%

Excellent
Confident, avoids
passive voice,
leaves the reader
wanting to learn
more.

Above average
Might use passive
voice in places,
some places lacking
confidence or
enthusiasm.

Average
Frequent use of
passive voice.
Lacks confidences
and enthusiasm.

Below average
Distracting use of
passive voice.
Lacks confidences
and enthusiasm.

Unacceptable

Thesis Rubric

A/98

B/91

C/83

D/75

F/65

Thesis
Thesis or argument
is clearly stated, is
an argument, and is
appropriate for the
project
10%

Excellent
Concise thesis, no
weaknesses, is
clearly an argument
situated in scholarly
research

Above Average
Is clearly an
argument, wording
or directness might
need tweaking.

Average
Is an argument but
might be too broad
or general. Might
be expressed more
as a question.

Below Average
Closer to a
statement of fact or
a personal
observation or
opinion.

Unacceptable
Just a statement of
fact or a personal
observation or
opinion.

Not present

Background
Provides enough
background
information so that
an uninformed
reader can follow
the discussion
5%

Excellent
Provides an
appropriate amount
of background
information and
defines terms. The
reader can easily
follow.

Above Average
Missing
information in 1-2
places

Average
Missing
information in 3-4
places

Below Average
Missing
information in 4+
places

Unacceptable

Research and
Support
Uses scholars,
theories, ideas both
as support and to
demonstrate how
they have
influenced the
writers point of
view
20%

Excellent
Clear discussion of
the research done
that is important to
this project names
scholars, ideas,
article titles.

Above Average
Discussion of the
research done that
is important to this
project names
scholars, ideas,
article titles but
more details might
be needed.

Average
General
discussion of
research, doesnt
name specific
scholars and article
titles.

Below Average
Discusses research
but in a vague way.
Doesnt mention
specific ideas,
scholars, or titles

Unacceptable

Not Present

Thesis Rubric

A/98

B/91

C/83

D/75

F/65

Texts
Analysis of Primary
Texts
15%

Excellent
Texts are analyzed
in a thorough,
detailed way that
avoids plot
summary or
description. Texts
are analyzed
accurately and
fairly. Concrete
details such as
quotes and
descriptions are
used.

Above Average
Texts are analyzed
thoroughly and in a
detailed way. Plot
summary and
description are
avoided but might
be present in one
place. Many
concrete details and
description are
used.

Average
Analysis does not
dominate
summary or
description
dominates although
analysis is present.
Texts are described
but lacks specific
details such as
quotes.

Below Average
Lacks analysis,
details, quotes,
description

Unacceptable

Opposition
Opposition is
addressed and
rebutted
10%

Excellent
Opposition is
named (points of
view, scholars,
ideas, sources) and
rebutted.

Above Average
Discusses
opposition but
might lack in detail.
Rebuttal is present.

Average
Mentions
opposition but
lacking in detail and
naming where the
opposition is found.
Rebuttal ideas
might not be
discussed.

Below Average
Opposition is only
hinted at.

Unacceptable
Does not mention
the opposition.

Not present

Conclusion
What the reader
might learn or take
away from the
thesis is
contemplated
5%
G&P
Grammar,
punctuation, and

Excellent
Aims high to have
an impact on the
reader change
opinions, inform,
call to action

Above Average
Aims high but
might be
questioning in tone

Average
Summarizes

Below Average
Short summary

Unacceptable

Not present

1-2 errors in the

entire essay.

1-2 per page

1-2 per paragraph

2-3 in most
paragraphs

More than 4 in most

paragraphs

mechanical errors
5%