Beginning

Progressing

Understanding

Frequency of participation in discussion and presence at said discussions

Frequently misses class; fails to participate or comment

Present for most classes; chooses to interact in most class discussions

Present for almost all classes; shows continual interaction in class discussions

Relevance & value of comments made during discussions and to presented materials

Cannot classify or recognize relevant issues within presented materials. Is unable to argue views based on evidence found within discussion

Makes some relevant comments; shows a progressing understanding of presented materials and can defend personal views and analysis’

Comments are relevant to class discussions. Is able to assemble, construct and defend argument based on class materials

Rhetoric (analysis and interpretation of written, visual and oral content)

Frequently misinterprets materials. Unable to discriminate or differentiate important factors in class materials

Shows progressive analysis and interpretation of materials. Is able to provide relevant criticism and examine presented issues

Provides well thought out and informed analysis and interpretation of presented materials. Can fully appraise and question presented senarios

Inclusion and receptivity (self and others) in discussions

Does not participate; dismisses opinions of others out of hand. Unable to recognize diverse opinions. Demonstrates frustration in views counter to his/her own.

Frequent participation. Examines other views. Is willing to experiment with newly presented ideas and opinions.

Constant participation; Listens to the ideas of other; Formulates logically reasoned critical responses. Values input from all

Articulation, vocabulary, and presentation of personal contributions to discussions and class content

Unable to describe or explain views. Difficulty in defining or illustrating ideas.

Demonstrates use of  correctly formed, acceptable terminology; Is able to support his/her self views contributing manner

Uses advanced terminology of subject matter. Effectively expresses his/her views. Uses well developed arguments.

Preparation for content discussions

Shows little or no preparation

for pre-assigned materials. Is unable to define, list or recall

content

Shows preparation for class and use of pre-assigned class materials. Is able to describe, discuss, identify and explain materials.

Is fully prepared for class room discussion. Is able to illustrate and formulate presented materials into well develop oral and written arguments.

Originality in presented ideas

Shows little or no originality in presented or presenting views. Is unable to assesses or discuss materials

Has original content but still relies heavily on provided materials. Is able to demonstrate understanding and interpret materials.

Shows original thinking beyond provided materials. Able to construct, develop, and formulate an argument and offer oral or written defenses

Beginning

Comprehension

Progressing

Mastery

Thesis and Conclusion

1-20

Has no thesis and does not have a conclusion that summarizes

Includes one or the other

Thesis is stated in the introduction, and repeated word-for-word in the conclusion. The conclusion summarizes the ideas/content

Thesis is stated in the introduction and reworded in the conclusion. The conclusion summarizes the ideas/content.

Content

1-50

Body of essay has little or no evidence-or completely incorrect and irrelevant content, examples, or evidence

Body of essay has only one example with correct and relevant content

Body of essay has only two examples that offer support to their thesis, but includes correct and relevant content (or three examples with minor mistakes in content)

Body of essay has at least three historically factual examples that support the essay question, (using correct facts, details, and evidence with dates, people, and places)

Number of Paragraphs and sentences

1- 10 points

Less than five paragraphs

Five paragraphs with two or less having five sentences

Five paragraphs with five or more sentences in at least three of the paragraphs

Five paragraphs with five or more sentences in each

Spelling and Grammar

1-10 points

Seven or more spelling and grammar errors

Four to six spelling or grammar errors

One to three spelling and grammar errors

No spelling or grammar errors

Writing Style

1- 10 points

Essay has no roadmap, hard to follow. No transition sentences. Order of information does not make sense

Information is mostly disorganized and hard to follow. Only 1 paragraph ends with a transition sentence.

Information is mostly organized and logically ordered. At least 2 paragraphs end with transition sentences.

Essay flows well and is easy to understand. Information is provided in a logical order. Transition sentences at the end of each paragraph.