• Focuses a topic of inquiry with
clear and narrow parameters,
which are addressed through
the method and the
conclusion.
Explicitly connects a topic of
inquiry to relevant scholarly
works of varying perspectives
AND logically explains how the
topic of inquiry addresses a
gap
Logically defends the
alignment of a detailed,
replicable research method to
the purpose of the inquiry.
Supports a new understanding
or conclusion through a
logically organized line of
reasoning AND sufficient
evidence. The limitations
and/or implications, if present,
of the new understanding or
conclusion are oversimplified.
• Competently communicates
the student’s ideas, although
there may be some errors in
grammar, discipline-specific
style, and organization.
• Cites AND attributes sources,
with a consistent use of an
appropriate discipline-specific
style (in both
bibliography/works cited AND
in-text), with few to no errors
