ENGL203 – Synthesis & Reflection Essay – Rubric (FALL 2018-19)
INTRODUCTION (20%)
Introduction does not introduce topic or
adequately provide background
information about the topic. New or
unfamiliar terms are not clearly defined.
There is no clear thesis statement.
BODY PARAGRAPHS (40%)
Paragraphs generally lack clear topic
sentences that introduce a clear
pattern/theme. Development is
inadequate. It consists of randomly
written summaries. There is no evidence
of synthesis. Organization is vague.
No or incorrect APA referencing.
__________________
Reflection is superficial and lacks
originality and an ability to formulate
ideas based on synthesis.
MECHANICS (40%)
Errors are abundant and the essay is
difficult to read. Writing style reflects a
poor command of the language. Sentences
are short, fragmented and/or tend to run-
on. There is little use of punctuation. Flow
of essay is hard to follow. No (or very
few) transitions are used.
POOR
Introduction attempts to introduce topic.
There is little background information
about the topic. Not all unfamiliar terms
are defined. There is an attempt at a thesis
statement but it is not clear and concise.
There is generally an attempt at a topic
sentence that introduces patterns/themes
in some body paragraphs. Development is
insufficient. There is an attempt at
synthesizing information from articles.
Organization is generally satisfactory but
lacking in some paragraphs.
Generally satisfactory APA referencing;
there may be some mistakes.
______________________________
Reflection is satisfactory but generally
lacks substance and originality.
There are several errors which often
detract from the overall coherence and
flow of the essay. Writing style lacks
sentence variety. Word choice is basic.
Only basic transitions are used.
SATISFACTORY
Introduction introduces topic. There is
adequate background information about
the topic. All unfamiliar terms are
defined. The thesis statement is there but
can be written more clearly and or
concisely.
Most or all paragraphs begin with a topic
sentence that introduces a pattern/theme.
Development is sufficient. Generally,
student effectively synthesizes
information from articles. Organization is
generally good.
APA referencing is generally good; there
may be few and or minor mistakes.
________________________
Reflection may lack originality but
demonstrates an ability to formulate ideas
based on synthesis.
Errors are found but only sporadically;
they do not detract from the general flow
of the essay. Writing style may sometimes
lack sentence variety; word choice and
sentence structure may sometimes lack
sophistication.
GOOD VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT
Introduction fully introduces the topic and
offers comprehensive background
information about the topic. It is
interesting and engaging. There is a clear
and concise thesis statement.
Each paragraph begins with a clear topic
sentence that introduces a pattern/theme to
be developed.
Development is extensive and ideas are
well thought out. Student demonstrates
very good synthesis skills. All paragraphs
are very well organized.
APA referencing is very good; there are
only very minor mistakes or no mistakes
at all.
______________________________
Reflection demonstrates originality,
higher level thinking and an ability to
formulate interesting ideas based on
synthesis.
Errors are minimal, have no effect on
overall coherence. Appropriate transitions
are used to move from one idea to the next
and from one supporting detail to the next.
Writing style reflects a strong voice and
originality. Word choice and syntax
reflect a very good command of the
language.