Reaction Paper Rubric Rating: Exceptional corresponds to 90-100%. Performance is outstanding; significantly above the usual expectations. Proficient corresponds to 80-89%. Skills and standards are at the level of expectation. Basic corresponds to a 70-80%. Skills and standards are acceptable but improvements are needed to meet expectations well. Novice/Missing corresponds to 0 – 69%. Performance is weak; the skills or standards are not sufficiently demonstrated at this time and/or criterion is missing or not in evidence.

Criteria

Rating

Missing/Novice

0-17

Basic

18-19

Proficient

20-22

Exceptional

23-25

Coherence

Do sentences in paragraphs relate to one another in a logical way? Are relationships between paragraphs easily discernible? Is a minimum of one assigned chapter addressed in the body?

Main idea in most paragraphs cannot be identified; paragraphs have little or no discernible relationship to one another

Many paragraphs lack internal consistency; many transitions are weak or used inappropriately

A few paragraphs lack internal consistency; a few weak or unclear transitions

Paragraphs are internally consistent (i.e., one idea/theme runs through paragraph); transitions between paragraphs allow reader to easily follow thread of argument

Clarity/concision

Are sentences structurally correct, succinct, easy to understand, and void of misspellings and grammatical errors?

More than 10 percent of sentences are awkward, incorrectly constructed, or wordy

Six to ten percent of sentences are awkward, incorrectly constructed, or wordy

Five percent or less of sentences are awkward, incorrectly constructed, or wordy

Sentences flow smoothly, are structurally correct, and convey the intended meaning; no wordiness

Formatting

Are formatting elements used appropriately to strengthen the document?

Formatting elements are confusing or inconsistent; lack of any formatting

Formatting elements often do not support main points; elements are not always used consistently

Formatting elements do not always support main points; elements are used consistently throughout the document

Formatting elements organize and highlight ideas as needed; formatting elements are used consistently throughout the document

Use of APA style and format

APA style and format is not evident or greatly lacking consistency

APA style and format is used properly but inconsistently

Consistent use of APA style and format with few errors

APA style and format used consistently with no errors