ATS2784 Assessment Four: Research Essay – Marking Rubric
Marking
Criteria
HD D C P N
Research • Clear evidence of a wide variety of
relevant and quality academic
reading.
• Insightful, thorough analysis of
relevant scholarly literature.
• Concise and clear identification
and application of relevant
conceptual framework chosen for
research essay.
• Evidence of wide reading of well-
selected and relevant source.
• Proficient analysis of relevant
scholarly literature
• Mostly clear identification and
application of relevant
conceptual framework for essay.
• Mostly appropriate selection of
sources but they are limited in
scope, quality and relevance.
• Presents a competent analysis of
relevant scholarly literature.
• Relevant conceptual framework
for research essay identified.
More development needed in
application.
• Evidence of basic research, but
some sources may be
inappropriate or irrelevant.
• Attempts an analysis of some
scholarly literature, but is not
always relevant.
• Relevant conceptual framework is
not clearly identified, and
application is inconsistent.
• Little or no evidence of relevant
research.
• No attempt to analyse literature,
or if attempted, is irrelevant.
• Relevant conceptual framework is
not identified or applied through
research essay.
Case study /
evidence
• Concepts and theory expertly
applied through design and
completion of relevant content
analysis.
• Content analysis results presented
with clarity and precision, in
sophisticated visual form.
• Skilful interpretation and
evaluation of results of the content
analysis, linking these to
theoretical framework and central
argument.
• Concepts and theory are
successfully applied through
design and completion of
relevant content analysis.
• Content analysis results
presented clearly in an
appropriate visual format.
• Clear critical stance evident in
interpretation and evaluation of
content analysis results, with
links to theoretical framework
and central argument. There is
room for improvement.
• Concepts and theory applied
through design and
implementation of relevant
content analysis, gaps remain.
• Content analysis results
included, development needed
on clarity and presentation.
• Interpretation and evaluation of
content analysis results
developed but there may be
inconsistencies linking these to
the theoretical framework and
central argument.
• Concepts and theory are
inconsistently applied; content
analysis incomplete.
• Incomplete presentation of the
results of the content analysis,
with key elements missing.
• Results of the content analysis are
described but minimal evidence of
interpretation and evaluation.
Results are only minimally linked
to the theoretical framework and
central argument.
• No attempt to apply concepts and
theory through content analysis.
• Content analysis results are not
included; no evidence of
completion of content analysis.
• Relies on description. Limited or no
attempt at evaluation,
interpretation of content analysis
results. No evidence that results
are linked to theoretical
framework or central argument.
Argument • Sophisticated research essay
showing high degree of insight,
depth and critical judgement.
• Clear argument stated in the
introduction, and restated in the
conclusion, indicating original
and analytical response to task.
• Meaningful application of
theory to practice to develop
persuasive argument.
• An engaging and effective
research essay demonstrating
insight and depth.
• Clear argument stated in the
introduction, and restated in the
conclusion.
• Clear connection between
theory and practice in
development of central
argument.
• Research essay demonstrates
considerable insight and depth.
• Generally clear argument stated
in the introduction, and restated
in the conclusion.
• Generally clear connection
between theory to practice but
there may be gaps, particularly in
relating this to central argument.
• Some insight discernible in
research essay, but this is limited.
• Argument is stated in the
introduction and conclusion but is
oversimplified.
• Evidence of connection between
theory and practice, but this is
limited and only tangentially or
occasionally linked to the central
argument.
• Research essay lacks insight and
depth.
• Argument is not stated clearly in
the introduction and conclusion.
• Little or no connection between
theory and practice, and no
evidence of link to central
argument.
ATS2784 Assessment Four: Research Essay – Marking Rubric



Name of student:
Grade: /100
Comments:

Presentation ● Academic language and tone are
used skillfully and with precision.
● The essay is well-linked and
balanced leading to a cohesive and
strong piece of writing
● Accurate citing and referencing
● Bibliography is comprehensive and
exceeds the 12 sources
(mandatory) from within and
beyond the unit materials.
Academic language and tone
well controlled for accuracy and
concision.
• Essay is generally well-linked and
balanced.
• Citing and referencing is
generally accurate.
• Solid bibliography includes 12
relevant sources from within and
beyond unit materials.
• Academic language and tone
generally appropriate, may
contain some errors.
• There is linking and balance
within and between sections,
however there may be
inconsistencies
• Some errors in citing and
referencing may persist.
• Bibliography needs improvement
• Academic language is inconsistent
and inaccurate in parts, impeding
meaning.
• There is evidence of linking and
balance within and between
sections but this may be limited.
• Citing and referencing is
attempted, but may be faulty.
• Bibliography is poor (limited, or
includes irrelevant sources).
● Poor use of academic language and
tone to convey ideas.
● Sections of the report are missing
and/or poorly executed.
● Referencing is consistently
inaccurate or not attempted.
● Bibliography does not exist.