Social
Studies Writing Rubric
Organization
fluency/flow of ideas/logical progression
thesis or position/topic sentences/controlling statement
introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion/includes reflection
no digressions/stay focused/relevant
addresses audience when appropriate
A RANGE
· Clear, focused position
or thesis
· Use of clear topic
sentences or 1 main idea per paragraph
· Use of well developed
transitions to sustain organization throughout the response
· Clear distinction and
logical progression between introduction, body paragraphs and reflective
conclusion
B RANGE
· position or thesis is
well stated
· most paragraphs contain
topic sentences or one main idea
· transitions are generally
well developed and sustain organization throughout the response.
· digressions are few and
do not detract from the overall thesis
· logical progression from
introduction to conclusion
C RANGE
· position or thesis is
attempted
· most paragraphs attempt a
topic sentence and a main idea, but are not always consistent
· some transitions evident,
but may interfere with meaning
D RANGE
· position or thesis is not
readily evident
· the response contains few
digressions and shifts that may interfere with the overall meaning
· lack of fluidity adversly
impacts the paper
FAILING
· no position evident,
thesis unclear
· The response lacks focus
and a controlling idea: little or no organization is present and frequent
digressions and/or abrupt shifts in the response interfere with meaning.
· Lack of logical
progression from introduction to conclusion which demonstrates little or no
reflection
Content
use of evidence from primary & secondary sources
proper citation
develop & apply relevance of evidence
at least 3 main supporting points/arguments
acknowledges opposing view points; state it, refute it
A RANGE
· proper format and proper
citation of sources
· effective, appropriate
use of evidence from primary & secondary sources
· 3 or more supportive
ideas are effectively defended in body paragraphs
· recognizes and refutes
opposing view points to strengthen own position
· quotes sources accurately
in defense of thesis
B RANGE
· correct format and
adequate citation of sources
· position is well
supported, typically using information from appropriate sources
· supporting ideas are
evident and defended in body paragraphs
· opposing viewpoints are
acknowledged
· quotes sources accurately
in defense of thesis
C RANGE
· correct format but
inconsistent citation of sources
· position is adequately
supported, generally using information from appropriate sources
· some supporting ideas are
evident
· vague reference to
opposing viewpoints
· quotes sources, but not
always accurately
D RANGE
· frequent errors in format
and citation
· little support from
source materials or support provided is copied verbatim
· few supporting ideas are
evident
· seldom or inaccurate use
of quotes to defend thesis
FAILING
· no citation of sources
· no support from source
materials or support provided is copied verbatim
· no use of quotations to
defend thesis
· writing demonstrates that
there is a serious misunderstanding of content
Mechanics
no spelling errors
no run-ons
no fragments
proper punctuation & capitalization
typed, 250 words per page = 12 point size & 1” margins all around, DS
black ink
formal heading: student name, date
turned in, class period, teacher name, title of assignment
A RANGE
· little or no spelling,
sentence structure or punctuation errors
· strong evidence of
proofreading (1-2 errors)
· presentation format is
followed explicitly
B RANGE
· few spelling, sentence
structure or punctuation errors
· evidence of proofreading
enhances paper (2-4 errors)
· presentation format is
followed
C RANGE
· spelling, sentence
structure and puncuation errors detract from overall presentation
· proofreading attempted
(4-6 errors)
· presentation format is
inconsistent
D RANGE
· frequent spelling,
sentence structure or punctuation errors
· little to no evidence of
proof reading (5-8 errors)
· little or no adherence to
format guidelines
FAILING
· major spelling, sentence
structure or puncuation errors
· not attempt to proofread
(8 + errors)
· format guidelines not
followed