Scientific Writing Rubric

Scientific Writing Rubric for BIOL 3324 Criteria Unacceptable (1) Acceptable (2) Exemplary (3) Task Responsiveness or Purpose : the composition establishes purpose or responds to assignment task Fails to establish and announce purpose or fails to explicitly respond to assignment task (may lack clear purpose statement) . Purpose or objectives of study, hypothesis, and conclusions not stated in abstract, introduction, and discussion. Establishes purpose or responds to assignment purpos e, but may not completely fulfill purpose or may fail to respond to minor aspects of the assignment task . Purpose or objectives of study, hypothesis, and conclusions attempted but not necessarily clearly stated or lacking in one or more places (abstract, introduction, and discussio n). Clearly establishes and fulfills purpose or clearly responds fully to assignment task , and establishes significance of purpose or task in terms of larger context . Purpose or objectives of study, hypothesis, and conclusions clearly stated and present in all sections required (abstract, introduction, and discussion) . Development : the composition develops with regard to audience, genre, and/or conventions No apparent awareness of reader’s needs and expectations ( support and elaboration) . Fails to conform to genre conventions ( structure/sectioning, format, style) , making the presentation difficult to process or follow. Figure legends and/or titles lacking. C harts, tables, or figures are included but accompanying text is la cking. Voice, tone, level of formality poorly controlled or inappropriate for audience or purpose. Demonstrates some awareness of reader’s needs and expectations ( support and elaboration) but may not fully meet all needs and expectations. Generally conforms to genre conventions ( structure/sectioning, format, style) , with occasional minor lapses. Figure titles present but expl anatory legend text is lacking or not meaningful. C harts, tables, or figures are included but the accompanying text lacks enough detail for the reader to follow without referring to other parts of the report . Voice, tone, level of formality mostly appropriate for audience or purpose, with occasional minor lapses. Anticipates and fully meets reader’s needs and expectations ( support and elaboration) . Usually provides reader with enough details that they do not need to refer back to previous sections. Works in concert with genre conventions (structure/sectioning, format, style) to increase accessibility and clarity of presentation. Figure titles and expl anatory legend text is included and is meaningful. C harts, tables, or figures and accompanying text provide en ough information for the reader to understand without referring to ot her parts of the report. Voice, tone, level of formality consistent and well -suited to audience or purpose. Scientific Writing Rubric for BIOL 3324 Engagement or Evidence -Based Reasoning : the composition engages with sources, evidence, and/or data Makes generalizations without support or cites irrelevant evidence. Repeats or summarizes source texts without analyzing or critiquing, and/or fails to integrate ( introduce, incorporate) sources into the writing. Uses direct quotes rather than paraphrasing. In -text citation s and end- of-text refer ences are missing or not formatted according to an appropriate style. Uses inappropriate sources (Wikipedia, web sites, popular journals or magazines rather than research journals) Goes beyond repetition or summary of sources, but does not fully synthesize or refute the ideas of source texts. Sources are integrated ( introduced, incorporated) into the writing, but some quotations, paraphrases, or references may lack fluency. Most in -text citations and end -of -text references are appropriately cited. Presents and interprets evidence from sources and synthesizes or refutes the ideas of source texts . Quotations, paraphrases, and references are handled fluently and add to the authority of the writing. No direct quotes. All in -text citations and end -of -text references are appropriately cited. Uses only appropriate sources (textbooks, research journals) Organization : the composition is organized to manage flow appropriate to genre Composition fails to flow in predictable and logical sequences (lacks transitions between paragraphs and sections) . Topic sentences lacking. Patterns of exposition, analysis, and/or argument proceed without obvious connection to purpose of the composition or assignment task (lacks unity) . Paragraphs or sections do not cohere with topic ideas an d supporting details, or lack topic ideas and supporting details . Composition flows in predictable and logical sequences (makes transitions between most paragraphs and sections) . Most paragraphs begin with a topic sentence. Patterns of exposition, analysis, and/or argument proceed according to purpose of the composition or assignment task (unified composition) . Paragraphs o r sections generally cohere with topic ideas and supporting details. Composition flows in satisfying, surprising, or compelling sequences that go beyond simple established forms. Topic sentences used throughout to guide the reader and establish direction. Patterns of exposition, analysis, and/or argument are fully unified and proceed with authority and/or originality. Paragraphs or sections fully realize their portion of topic ide as and supporting details. Scientific Writing Rubric for BIOL 3324 Language Control : the composition demonstrates control of academic language Problems with grammar, syntax, and/or vocabulary distract reader and detract from overall presentation . Sentences frequently unsound in construction and/or lacking economy, variety, and clarity. Frequent major editing errors. Occa sional problems with grammar, syntax , and/or vocabulary, but language does not otherwise stand out to reader. Sentences generally sound in construction, but may be uneven in their economy, variety, and clarity. Occasional editing errors. Language usage impresses reader (clear, concise, polished prose). Sentences supple, varied, and clear. Few noticeable editing errors.