Book Review Grading Rubric
Civil War Book Review
Grading Criteria
Tammy DeRuyter
Point scale: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 - 0
Exceptional
Strong
Satisfactory
Weak
Historical Understanding-
Does the paper demonstrate a strong understanding of the material?
Writer demonstrates a remarkable command of the material and engages sources that may run counter to their arguments. Understanding of the historical context and related information is clearly evident.
Writer has shown a good understanding of much of the available material and discusses some of the related historical issues. Understands much of the historical context.
Writer mentions the material in passing, but does not engage in issues surrounding the topic. The paper demonstrates only a partial understanding of the historical context.
Writer needs to look more closely at available sources and the historical context.
Focus and Organization-
Are the writer’s goals clear?
What is their argument? (thesis) and what are their main points?
The writing is well organized; has a strong, clear, and concise thesis statement; the body of the paper supports the thesis statement; and has a strong conclusion bringing their principle arguments together.
Writing is organized, but contains some tangential information unrelated to argument. Author has a clear and concise thesis statement. Conclusion brings some of their main arguments together.
Writing rambles and is missing a clear organization. Thesis statement present but unclear. Body of paper only presents very few ideas in support of the thesis. Conclusion does little to summarize their argument.
No clear thesis statement, writing has little to do with the topic and/or objectives of the assignment.
Supporting Evidence-
What evidence from within the text does the writer use to support their points?
Demonstrates strong consideration of text material and uses the appropriate sources to support
Grading Criteria
Tammy DeRuyter
Point scale: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 - 0
Exceptional
Strong
Satisfactory
Weak
Historical Understanding-
Does the paper demonstrate a strong understanding of the material?
Writer demonstrates a remarkable command of the material and engages sources that may run counter to their arguments. Understanding of the historical context and related information is clearly evident.
Writer has shown a good understanding of much of the available material and discusses some of the related historical issues. Understands much of the historical context.
Writer mentions the material in passing, but does not engage in issues surrounding the topic. The paper demonstrates only a partial understanding of the historical context.
Writer needs to look more closely at available sources and the historical context.
Focus and Organization-
Are the writer’s goals clear?
What is their argument? (thesis) and what are their main points?
The writing is well organized; has a strong, clear, and concise thesis statement; the body of the paper supports the thesis statement; and has a strong conclusion bringing their principle arguments together.
Writing is organized, but contains some tangential information unrelated to argument. Author has a clear and concise thesis statement. Conclusion brings some of their main arguments together.
Writing rambles and is missing a clear organization. Thesis statement present but unclear. Body of paper only presents very few ideas in support of the thesis. Conclusion does little to summarize their argument.
No clear thesis statement, writing has little to do with the topic and/or objectives of the assignment.
Supporting Evidence-
What evidence from within the text does the writer use to support their points?
Demonstrates strong consideration of text material and uses the appropriate sources to support