Scoring Rubric: Topic Paper

Criteria	Exemplary	Acceptable	Unacceptable
Introduction / definition	- Clear what crime being examined - compelling explanation of why this crime selected - precise definition of the crime - Interesting presentation to get the reader's attention	- Can tell what crime is being examined - some reason for why this crime selected - definition is included but a bit unclear or general - Introduction fairly standard / basic information	- is not clear what crime selected - no statement about why this crime selected - no clear definition - The introduction leaves the reader wondering whether anything will be of interest in the paper
Data about crime	- Clear and accurate discussion of significant and interesting details about this crime - Information from both sources well blended, with any contradictions or inconsistencies discussed	- presents basic information about the crime - does include appropriate information from each source - misses one or two interesting comparisons or pieces of information	- difficult to follow the information provided to have a clear understanding of the extent and characteristics of the crime being studied - information drawn exclusively from one source
Conclusion	- clear statement of an interesting question to answer in future assignments - conclusion provides sense of closure for the reader - conclusion is interesting and fits with findings	- provides a question for future assignments - more restating earlier findings rather than synthesis or providing clear closure for the reader	- does not include a question for future assignments - does not provide any sort of summary or closure for the reader
Organization & Writing	- fulfills all requirements of assignment - cites any necessary sources (including bibliography) - Writing follows the guidelines for organization - writing is clear and succinct - no (or almost no) errors in spelling or grammar	- fulfills all requirements of assignment - One or two minor problems with citing sources (or bibliography) - Writing follows the guidelines but needs better organization or clarity on occasion - contains only a few spelling or grammar errors	- misses at least one required piece of the assignment - Writing fails to follow guidelines for organization - contains so many spelling or grammatical errors that the meaning is obscured

This rubric gives you three points of comparison on the grading scale. The other two categories of “Good” and “Needs Work” would have characteristics in between the two described categories. The highlighted sections are those that are closest to representing your work. Below are additional comments concerning your paper