SHS Social Studies Writing Rubric 4

Exceeds Standards 100 96 - 92

3
Meets Standard 89 86 - 82

2
Approaches Standard Must be revised 79 76 - 72

1
Does Not Meet Standard Must be Revised 69 66 - 62

Critical Thinking:
Integration of knowledge of ideas

Complexity of the question is

explored best evidence selected and interpreted insightfully Synthesizes information to create a compelling argument Sophisticated support of writers thesis carried throughout paper

Question is addressed Selects and interprets evidence

accurately Synthesizes evidence to create a persuasive argument Thesis supported throughout paper

Attempts to address the question Minimal evidence and/or inconsistent

interpretation of evidence Argument is limited; understanding of evidence is superficial Thesis not consistently supported throughout paper

Displays limited understanding of Inadequate evidence Argument is unclear; understanding of Thesis is insufficiently supported
evidence is erroneous question

Content Mastery:
Key ideas

Insightful and sophisticated

understanding of historical subject matter In-depth analysis of sources Historical evidence is abundant

Accurate understanding of historical subject matter Adequate analysis of sources Considerable historical evidence

Subject knowledge is limited; may

display factual errors Inadequate analysis that tends towards description and summary Exhibits insufficient historical evidence

Displays major factual errors that Ineffective or inaccurate analysis Poor use of evidence
confuse interpretation

Presentation of Work:
Craft and structure

Thesis is clearly stated near the end

of introduction and answers the guiding question Strong topic sentences clearly relate back to thesis Seamless transitions between paragraphs provide continuity Paragraphs are well-developed and organized Quotes are thoroughly introduced identifying its author, his/her credentials and the source; cited correctly Writing is fluent and demonstrates impressive clarity; no mechanical/technical errors Audience is addressed throughout the paper

Thesis is developed, focused, and

answers the guiding question Adequate topic sentences relate back to thesis Transitions between paragraphs are included Paragraphs are adequately developed and organized Quotes are introduced and cited correctly Writing demonstrates some fluency but could be strengthened; few mechanical/technical errors Awareness of audience is not consistent

Thesis answers the guiding question

but is limited and/or unclear Topic sentences poorly constructed and/or missing for one body paragraph Transitions poorly constructed and/or missing for one body paragraph Paragraphs are not fully developed or organized Quotes are inadequately introduced and/or cited. Writing lacks fluency; mechanical/technical errors distract the reader Audience is not appropriately addressed

Thesis attempts to answer the guiding

question but is poorly developed and/or unclear. Topic sentences are missing Transitions are missing Paragraphs are poorly developed and/or organized Quotes are not introduced and are not cited Paper is poorly written; many mechanical/technical errors Audience is not addressed

Opposition

The opposing country was noted and

refuted in each body paragraph and corresponding topic sentence.

The opposing country was noted and

refuted in either the body paragraph or topic sentences

The opposing country/ies was/were

noted somewhere in the paper.

The opposition was omitted.