Note Rubric

Our grading of your responses to notes from the text and questions about technical articles and paper will be based upon three components, as described below. The grader will generally choose the lowest applicable score for each component — for example, an otherwise excellent note response that includes a long, irrelevant digression will likely receive a 2 or 1 for Content, not a 3.

Each response is worth 6 points.

1. Content
   • 3 points: Topic/question is comprehensively discussed. Argument is persuasive. Points are clearly stated. Course content and concepts are incorporated, and external content is included as appropriate. Little if any extraneous material present.
   • 2 points: Topic/question is adequately discussed. Argument may overlook minor issues. Points mostly clear. Some relevant material incorporated. Some extraneous material present.
   • 1 point: Topic/question is discussed inadequately. Points unclear. Poor argument, relying on fallacies or muddled logic. Little relevant material present, or large amounts of extraneous material present.
   • 0 points: Topic/question not discussed or misunderstood. completely. No comprehensible argument or points. No relevant course material present.
2. Structure and Organization
   • 2 points: Overall organization is clear, with a purpose for each paragraph. Thesis statement (or equivalent) and topic sentences present when appropriate. Writing is easy to follow.
   • 1 point: Organization is mostly clear. Some confusion in organization, with ideas unnecessarily spread across paragraphs. Writing can be followed with minor difficulty.
   • 0 points: Organization unclear. Unclear or missing thesis statement. No significant differentiation of topics or paragraphs. Writing requires significant effort to follow.
3. Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling
   • 1 points: Grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation correct with minor exceptions. Precise and concise use of language.
   • 0 point: Numerous grammar, usage, spelling, or punctuation errors. Sentences are unclear, or language is overly informal or conversational.