USI Honors Rubric

Discussion Rubric: An evaluation used for in-class discussions

20-25 pts: Excellent

o       The discussant demonstrates an observable understanding of the articles being discussed. The understanding is at the evaluation or synthesis level. 

o       The discussant demonstrates an ability to engage the audience in a discussion that is relevant to the topics of the articles and related concepts. This can be done in a variety of ways including but not limited to: 
       - posing engaging questions; 
       - eliciting responses; 
       - engaging the learners in an activity or task. 

o       The discussant demonstrates the ability to effectively organize the discussion. This includes: 
       - keeping the discussion focused on the topic; 
       - providing structure (beginning arguments, closing arguments, wrap-up or synthesis); 
       - staying within the timeframe allotted for discussion. 

o       The discussant demonstrates the ability to respond to questions effectively. 

o       The discussant demonstrates the ability to relate the concepts discussed in the articles to personal experience.

10-19pts: Fair

o       The discussant demonstrates an observable understanding of the articles being discussed. The understanding is at the analysis or application level. 

o       The discussant demonstrates an ability to engage the audience in a discussion that is somewhat relevant to the topics of the articles and related concepts. This can be done in a variety of ways including but not limited to: 
       - posing engaging questions; 
       - eliciting responses

o       The discussant demonstrates the ability to effectively organize the discussion. This includes: 
       - keeping the discussion focused on the topic; 
       - staying within the timeframe allotted for discussion; 

o       The discussant demonstrates the ability to respond to questions effectively. 

o       The discussant demonstrates the ability to somewhat relate the concepts discussed in the articles to personal experience.

0-9pts: Improvable

o       The discussant does not demonstrate an observable understanding of the articles being discussed. The understanding is at the comprehension or knowledge level. 

o       The discussant does not demonstrates an ability to engage the audience in a discussion that is relevant to the topics of the articles and related concepts

o       The discussant does not demonstrate the ability to effectively organize the discussion.

o       The discussant inadequately responds to questions.

o       The discussant does not demonstrate the ability to relate the concepts discussed in the articles.

Competence Skills Demonstrated

Knowledge:    simple observation and recall of information; knowledge of dates, events, places; knowledge of major ideas

Comprehension: understanding information; grasp meaning; translate knowledge into new context; interpret facts, compare, contrast; order, group, infer causes; predict consequences

Application: use information; use methods, concepts, theories in new situations; solve problems using required skills or knowledge

Analysis: seeing patterns; organization of parts; recognition of hidden meanings; identification of components

Synthesis: use old ideas to create new ones; generalize from given facts; relate knowledge from several areas; predict, draw conclusions

Evaluation: compare and discriminate between ideas; assess value of theories, presentations; make choices based on reasoned argument; verify value of evidence; recognize subjectivity

Essay Rubric: An evaluation for major writing assessments

40-50pts: Excellent

• Strong, well developed thesis which clearly addresses the question
• Contains well constructed opening paragraph
• Demonstrates well reasoned and substantial analysis
• Supports thesis with significant and substantial evidence
• Effective organization and clear language
• May contain insignificant errors
• Sophisticated use of evidence
• Substantial relevant outside information

30-39pts: Good

• Valid thesis which addresses the question
• Opening paragraph is satisfactory
• Demonstrates an analysis of information
• Supports thesis with evidence
• Adequately organized and generally clear, grammatically correct language
• Adequate use of some evidence
• Some relevant outside information

20- 29pts: Fair

• Thesis is confused, limited, poorly developed, or vague
• Opening paragraph has significant deficiencies
• Lack of analysis; mainly descriptive data
• Limited support of thesis
• Generally weak organizational and writing skills
• Misinterprets, briefly cites, or simply quotes evidence Little outside information
• Information which is inaccurate or irrelevant

0-19pts: Improvable

• No discernable thesis
• Poorly written opening paragraph
• Superficial or erroneous information
• Poorly organized with significant grammatical errors
• Poor, confused or no use of evidence

Essay Revision Policy

If you choose to revise your essay you must complete the following and submit both your revision and original graded copy within 5 school days:

1. Make all suggested changes.
2. Highlight every change on your revised copy and include “gloss notes”
   1. Explain within the margins of the revised copy why you made changes
3. Write a one paragraph reflection as to what you learned during the revision process
4. Submit the following
   1. Reflection paragraph
   2. Original copy
   3. Revision copy with gloss notes