Superior (90-100)
*Each entry has a clear well developed thesis which guides the writing throughout.
*Each entry is dated and written in a separate journal notebook.
*Each entry explores in detail the writers thoughts, feelings, and ideas regarding the topic.
*Main ideas are supported with specific examples from readings, discussions, and other outside sources.
*Attention to detail and neatness. (I must be able to read your entry)
*There are few spelling and grammatical mistakes.
*Makes connections with real life experiences and current events. What does the journal topic make you think of? Do you see any similarities between the journal topic, class readings and current events?
*Makes inquiries. What perplexes you about the topic?
Above Average (80-89)
*Each entry has a thesis which addresses the journal topic
*Most ideas are supported with examples
*Each entry is dated and written in a separate notebook
*Each entry explores the writers thoughts, feelings, and ideas
*Attention to detail and neatness
*Few spelling and grammatical errors
*Makes connections with real life experiences and current events.
Average (70-79)
*Has a limited, confused, or poorly developed thesis.
*Some ideas are supported with examples
*Most entries are dated and written in a separate notebook.
*Thoughts feelings and ideas regarding the topic are inconsistent.
*Spelling and grammatical errors interfere with the ability to read the journal.
Below Average (60-69)
*Lacks a thesis or a thesis that doesn't address the topic
*Entries lack dates and are not written in a separate journal notebook.
*Thoughts feelings and ideas are non existent.
*Communication lacks clarity and detail.
*There are many spelling and grammatical errors.
Failure (below 60)
*Lack of effort is clearly evident
Superior (90-100)
*Answers are clear, correct and detailed.
*The question may not be stated, but is understood in the answer.
*Cites specific evidence from the text or classroom notes to support the answer.
*Student is confident explaining any part of the question.
*Demonstrates substantial knowledge of historical content.
Above Average (80-89)
*Answers are clear, correct and somewhat detailed.
*Cites evidence from the text or classroom notes, but one error exists.
*Student is fairly confident explaining any part of the question
*Shows knowledge of historical content.
Average (70-79)
*Answers are clear and correct
*Cites evidence from the text and classroom notes, but some errors are evident.
*Student begins to lack some confidence explaining parts of the question
*Student shows some knowledge of historical content.
Below Average (60-69)
*Most answers are unclear and incorrect.
*Evidence is either lacking are vague.
*Student has little to no confidence explaining parts of the question.
*Student shows little to no knowledge of historical content.
Failure (below 60)
*Lack of effort is clearly evident.
Superior (90-100)
*Student is on time and a regular attendant;
*Student comes prepared for class everyday (text book, pen/pencil, 3 ring binder)
*contributes to group and class dynamics by eliciting feedback from others and
helping to keep group on task;
*participates actively and regularly in group work by offering ideas and asking questions;
*listens respectfully when others talk, both in groups and in class;
*participates actively and regularly in class discussion.
Above Average (80-89)
*Student is on time and a regular attendant;
*student comes prepared for class everyday
*participates actively and regularly in group work by offering ideas and asking questions;
*listens when others talk, both in groups and in class;
*participates actively and regularly in class discussion.
Average (70-79)
*Student is on time and a regular attendant;
*student comes prepared for class most of the time
*generally participates in group work by offering ideas and asking questions;
*listens when others talk, both in groups and in class;
*participates regularly in class discussion.
Below Average (60-69)
*Student is irregular in attendance and shows a pattern of (unexcused) tardiness;
*student is rarely prepared for class
*rarely participates in group work by offering ideas and asking questions;
*does not listen when others talk, both in groups and in class;
*disrupts the class with private conversations;
*does not participate regularly in class discussion.
Failure (below 60)
*Student is irregular in attendance and shows a pattern of (unexcused) tardiness;
*student is never prepared for class
*only offers a comment when directly asked by fellow group members or instructor;
*does not listen when others talk, both in groups and in class;
*sabotages group and class dynamics through clowning, pouting, or other distracting behaviors;
*disrupts the class with private conversations;
*does not participate regularly in class discussion.
Review Criteria For Each Of The Following Categories: (8=Superior; 7=Above Average; 6=Average; 5=Below Average; 4=Failure )
Mechanics--You have accurately identified your book using the specified format with no errors. The paper is free of distracting spelling and grammatical errors.
Introduction--You have identified the author's thesis, have identified an appropriate historical theme and have thoroughly identified and accounted for the author's background and biases.
Summary of Ideas--You have accurately summarized the author's important ideas in an articulate and concise manner
Analysis--1. You have evaluated how well the author proved his/her thesis using logic and appropriate examples from the book. 2. You have identified strengths and weaknesses in the book..
Organization of Ideas--Your ideas are clearly expressed and articulated. There are no distracting details that detract from the main idea you are trying to express. Transitions between paragraphs move the reader easily from one idea to the next.
Conclusion--Your conclusion summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the book and explains its contribution to the historical literature.
Length--Your review is at least 5-pages long with double spacing and size 12 font.
Topic-- Book relates to U.S. History
8-9 or 90-100
-sophisticated thesis, which includes analysis of both how and why events occurred
-thesis development throughout the essay
-well selected evidence, thorough coverage, accurate information
-acknowledges contrary points of view
-inclusion of all required time periods and/or categories
-clear, concise, accurate language
6-7 or 80-89
-clear thesis which answers the question how events transpired with some degree of causal analysis
-consistent focus throughout
-well selected evidence to support the thesis
-coverage of the time periods and categories with few if any exceptions
-substantially clear, concise, accurate language
4-5 or 70-79
-attempt to answer the question with some thesis, but which lacks sophistication
-factual evidence from most of the time periods, selection may be a little random
-coverage is thorough, but not sophisticated
-occasionally clear, concise, accurate language
2-3 or 60-69
-thesis may be simplistic or unclear
-focus wanders
-some factual evidence, but selection random, gaps or inaccuracies frequent
-gaps and/or errors in chronology, or periodization
-lack of clear, concise, accurate language
1 or below 60
-shaky or no thesis
-lack of focus
-little accurate factual knowledge, incorrect periodization
-inadequate discussion of periods and/or categories
-unclear, inaccurate language
DBQ Rubric
8 - 9 or 90-100
1. Contains a well-developed thesis that clearly addresses the question.
2. Presents an effective analysis of all parts of the question, although treatment may be uneven.
3. Uses a substantial number of documents effectively.
4. Makes substantial use of relevant outside information to support thesis.
5. Clearly organized and well written.
6. May have insignificant errors.
5- 7 or 80-89
1.Thesis addresses question, but not as focused or comprehensive as above.
2. Analysis deals with part of the question in some depth, other parts in a more general way.
3. Uses some of the documents effectively.
4. Supports thesis with some outside information.
5. Shows evidence of acceptable organization and writing.
6. May contain errors that do not seriously detract from the quality of the essay.
2 - 4 or 70-79
1. Presents a limited, confused, and/or poorly developed thesis.
2. Deals with one aspect of the question in a general way or all parts in a superficial way with simplistic explanations.
3. Quotes or briefly cites documents.
4. Contains little outside information or information that is inaccurate or irrelevant.
5. Demonstrates weak organization and/or writing skills that interfere with comprehension.
6. May contain major errors.
0 - 1 or 60-69
1. Contains no thesis or a thesis that does not address the question.
2. Inadequate or inaccurate understanding of the question.
3. Contains little or no understanding of the documents or ignores them completely.
4. Inappropriate or no use of outside information.
5. Disorganized and poorly written.
6. Numerous errors, both major and minor.
A or 90-100
� Interviewer focused on a specific theme or event
� Interviewer demonstrated thorough research and preparation
� Interviewer asked excellent questions
� Interviewer followed up statements made by interviewee with good focused questions
� Interviewer kept interviewee focused on theme or event agreed upon
� Essay contains interesting details and facts
� The essay provides a clear synopsis of the interview results and puts the material in context
B or 80-89
� Interviewer focused on a specific theme or event
� Interviewer demonstrated research and preparation
� Interviewer asked good questions
� Interviewer followed up statements made by interviewee with questions
� Interviewer kept interview focused most of the time
� Essay contains details and facts
� The essay provides a synopsis of the interview results
C or 70-79
� Interviewer needed focus
� Interviewer demonstrated lack of research and preparation
� Interview lacked details and interesting facts
� Interviewer did not ask very good questions
� Essay contains little in the way of facts and details
� Essay provides little or no synopsis of the interview results
D or 60-69
� Interviewer needed focus
� Interviewer demonstrated no research and preparation
� Choice of subject is inappropriate
� No details or new facts
� Interviewer asked few questions
� Essay contained no facts or details
� Essay is not a synopsis of the interview results
F or below 60
� Total lack of effort is clearly evident