ISU RUBRIC

Here is the rubric for the ISU.  Please follow it closely to receive full marks.  Thanks and good luck.

ISU Rubric

	Level 4	Level 3	Level  2	Level 1
Introduction	The reader’s attention is captured and the tone of the paper is clearly set	The tone of the paper is noticeable	There is an attempt to draw the reader into the topic	An introduction is present
Thesis	The main sections of the essay are clearly laid out, leaving no doubt what is going to be discussed	The thesis and supporting arguments are included	The thesis and suggestion of the arguments are included but unclear	The sections of the paper are effectively not identified
Background Info	The background on the topic is well summarized and organized into themes	A background is present	A background is present does not properly set the stage for the arguments	An attempt was made to provide background information on the topic
Discussion	Relevant evidence supports clear arguments that prove the stated thesis	Evidence is included to support the main idea of the thesis	Some of the evidence supports the thesis	Information is provided on the topic but does not support the thesis
Summary	An effective summary of the evidence leads to logical conclusions	The main arguments are reiterated and a conclusion is present	A summary and concluding statement are present	A summary or concluding statement is present
References	All information from outside sources are properly identified in the text listed at the end	Embedded references are used for most sources and are listed at the end of the paper	Only some embedded references are used and/or formatting errors occurred	An attempt was made at referencing sources
Visuals	The maps, charts, photographs or other visuals meaningfully contribute to the quality of the paper	Maps, charts, photographs and other visuals were present and appropriate	Visuals were included but were unclear as to their relevance in supporting the thesis	Visual were included
Organization	Report is very well organized and formatted.  Sub headings are used very effectively	Report is well organized and formatted.  Sub-headings are well utilized	Organization is satisfactory.  Minimal use of subheadings to organize report	Organization is poor.  There appears to be no logical sequence in this report
Writing, spelling, grammar	Language use is advanced and appropriate.  There are no spelling or grammar errors	Language is used appropriately.  There are not many spelling or grammar errors	Language use is satisfactory.  There are some spelling and grammar errors	Language use is below grade level.  There are many spelling and grammar errors