Position Paper Grading Rubric

Criterion Format (title page, introduction, your position -why you feel the way you do; opposing position-why others feel the way they do without bias statements ) Mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation). Minus one for each up to 10 maximum. Insufficient Elements missing; minimal organization and lack of flow Limited Some elements missing; regular breaks in organization; flow breaks down. (4 points) Regular errors; flow/meaning of paper breaks down. Adequate All elements present with occasional disorganization and flow interrupted. (6 points) Errors noticeable, and on occasion, detract from flow or meaning of paper. (6 points) Position substantially presented; some imbalance in position; some information missing or gaps in explanation. (18 points) Adequate understanding of opposing position; some attempts to appreciate others point of view. (18 points) Adequate examination of data (information); some degree of comparison, contrast & evaluation. (12 points) Proficient All elements well presented; well organized and flows smoothly. (8 points) Some errors, which are minor in nature, & do not detract from overall meaning of paper. (8 points) Position completely presented; relevant, accurate, clear and well explained. Exceptional All elements thoroughly presented; extremely well organized, allowing smooth & logical flow. (10 points) Essentially faultless; errors do not detract from meaning of paper.

(2 points) Frequent errors; seriously impairs flow/meaning of paper. (0-2 points) Position incomplete; ineffective explanation (minimal information).

Your Position /Why you feel the way you do

(4 points) Position partially presented; weak information; shows lack of relevant data.

(10 points) Position thoroughly presented; comprehensive, relevant and accurate explanation of position. (30 points) Reveals mature and insightful understanding of the opposing position and a solid appreciation of others point of view. (30 points) Demonstrates thorough examination of data (information); shows advanced degree of comparison, contrast, & evaluation. (20 points)

Opposing Position/Why they feel the way they do (without bias statements like- ignorant, stupid, wrong etc.)

(6 points) Little or no understanding of opposing position; failure to appreciate other points of view. (6 points) Little or no examination of data (information); lacks comparison, contrast, and evaluation. (4 points)

(12 points) Little understanding of opposing position; little appreciation for other points of view.

Analysis (compare/contrast, evaluate positions)

(12 points) Some examination of data (information); little comparison, contrast and evaluation. (8 points)

(24 points) Reveals strong understanding of opposing position and an effort to appreciate others point of view. (24 points) Skillful examination; shows strong degree of comparison, contrast, & evaluation. (16 points)

Total possible- 100 points