Content/Ideas

40-36

Excellent – Very good

Includes specific and well-selected details that summarize well the article. 

35-32

Good -- Adequate

Good information in general but can explore the ideas/content more deeply. An adequate development although at times there is not a clear relationship with the thesis of the article.

31-28

Somewhat adequate– Lacking

Unclear summary, or does not present the information with sufficient detail. The article has been explored only superficially and is only half-developed, with irrelevant details.

27-0

Needs much improvement

Superficial and/or general details with little development. Or there is insufficient material to be able to evaluate the content. The article is not appropriate for the course.

Opinion/Ideas

25-24

Excellent – Very good

Opinions are presented in a clear and logical manner. Appropriately answers the questions related to the approach of the critic and gives a thorough evaluation of the article using precise vocabulary.

23-21

Good -- Adequate

Opinions in general are related to the critical approach and contents of the article. At times, the opinion is unclear and appears vague. The reader may have difficulty knowing if the study is useful or not.

20-18

Somewhat adequate– Lacking

Superficial and vague evaluation and opinions; or ideas are confusing. It is frequently difficult to understand the connection to the article and the message the study is trying to communicate.

17-0

Needs much improvement

Nonexistent opinion.  Or there is insufficient material to evaluate.

Language

25-24

Excellent – Very good

Uses a variety of language structures with few grammatical errors. Vocabulary is appropriate for the topic with no use of idiommatic or informal English..

23-21

Good -- Adequate

Good use of language structures but with littly variety. Tends to use simple structures with some serious errors and other minor errors.

Vocabulary is almost always appropriate but there are some repetitions of vocabulary or structures or use of informal English.

20-18

Somewhat adequate– Lacking

Limited use of language structures with frequent errors and repetitions. Discourse is difficult to follow.

Limited and repetitive use of vocabulary, and/or vague and imprecise. Frequent use of informal English.

17-0

Needs much improvement

Frequent and persistent grammatical  errors. Or there is not sufficient material to evaluate.

Vocabulary selection is limited and not appropriate.

Mechanics

10

Excellent – Very good

Very few or no errors in MLA or Chicago Style format, spelling and punctuation.

9-8

Good -- Adequate

A few errors in MLA or Chicago Style format, spelling and punctuation.

7-6

Somewhat adequate– Lacking

Frequent errors in MLA or Chicago Style format, spelling and punctuation.

5-0

Needs much improvement

Persistent errors in MLA or Chicago Style format, spelling and punctuation.