Essay Rubric

Criteria

Fail

Pass

Credit

Distinction

High Distinction

Ability to present a clear argument; Argument based on evidence which includes appropriate analysis of two or more primary texts and uses critical terms and concepts to aid analysis

No argument or incoherent argument;
No or insufficient evidence, or evidence presented without analysis; insufficient and/or inaccurate use of critical terms and concepts

Reasonable attempt to present an argument, but the argument has some weaknesses; Reasonable inclusion of evidence with occasional inaccuracies and absences and/or misunderstandings in the use of critical terms and concepts

Argument is clear and coherent; Evidence is mostly sound and well analysed and some appropriate critical terms and concepts are employed

Developed and coherent argument; Accurate presentation of evidence with good reference to critical terms and concepts

Distinctive, original, clear and sophisticated argument;
Evidence is sound and is convincingly analysed with reference to appropriate critical terms and concepts

Analysis of primary texts with reference to

their social and historical context

Shows no or very little understanding of the contexts of children’s literature

Displays a rudimentary understanding of the contexts of children’s literature

Adequate analysis of the contexts of children’s literature

Accurate analysis of the contexts of children’s literature

Developed and detailed understanding of key aspects of the social and historical contexts of children’s literature

Demonstrated awareness of scholarly debates and an ability to take up a position within that debate; use of at least six secondary references

Inadequate acknowledgeme nt of debates; No clear position in relation to scholarly debates;
No evidence of research and/or inadequate consultation
of sources

Vague references to scholarly debates;
Evidence of minimal research only; vague or unclear position in relation to scholarly debates

Adequate and relevant research and acknowledgeme nt of debates and a sound, if flawed, adoption of a position in relation to those debates

Evidence of useful and appropriate scholarly research; Clear and coherent of adoption of a position in relation to scholarly debates

Excellent acknowledgement of scholarly sources and engagement with debates;
Evidence of and deep engagement with scholarly research; Excellent choice of scholarly sources

Clarity of writing and appropriate referencing

Clumsily written with much incorrect punctuation; Incoherent structure;

Much incorrect spelling and/or grammar; Chaotic Reference List; No or insufficient referencing

Awkward use of expression; Several ungrammatical sentences; Structure is sometimes confusing;
Several incorrectly spelt words; Several errors in the Reference List; Lapses in referencing

Correct expression; Grammatical sentences; Mostly correct spelling; Appropriate structure; Occasional errors in the Reference List; Some inaccuracies in referencing

Fluent piece of writing with clear structure; Accurate usage of grammar; Correct spelling throughout; Reference List appropriately set out; Correct APA referencing

Fluent piece of writing which uses sophisticated language and logical and smooth structure; Grammar used with stylistic flair;

Correct spelling throughout; Reference List appropriately set out;

Correct APA referencing