The document provides a detailed rubric for assessing midterm essays, with criteria including content, reasoned analysis, scholarly support, structure, formatting, and page length. Each category is broken down into performance levels from advanced to not present, along with specific requirements and points distribution. The total score for the essay is out of 175 points, with feedback from the professor to be included.

1. Midterm Essay Rubric
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
Content
(70%)
Advanced
94-100%
Proficient
88-93%
Developing
1-87%
Not present
Total
Content
47 to 50 points:
· The question is clearly identified and retains focus throughout
the paper.
· Introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and
previews major points.
· All necessary aspects of the assignment described in the
instructions are clearly identifiable.
· Organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose.
44 to 46.5 points:
· The question may require some clarification and/or greater
prominence throughout the paper.
· Introduction may not provide adequate background on the
topic and preview major points.
· Most necessary aspects of the assignment described in the
instructions are clearly identifiable and sufficiently addressed.
· Organization may not sufficiently emphasize the central theme
or purpose.
1 to 43.5 points:
· The question requires significant clarification and prominence

2. throughout the paper.
· Introduction may be missing or ambiguous.
· Some necessary aspects of the assignment described in the
instructions are clearly identifiable, but others may require
clarification or development.
· Organization may require significant improvement.
0 points
Not present
Reasoned Analysis
47 to 50 points:
· Major points are stated clearly and are supported by valid
evidence and logical reasoning.
· Objective, reasoned analysis is employed.
· Opposing viewpoints are sufficiently acknowledged and
critically evaluated.
· The conclusion logically derives from the paper’s ideas. An
authoritative, persuasive, and statesmanlike voice is used.
44 to 46.5 points:
· Most major points are stated clearly and supported by valid
evidence and logical reasoning, but some points may require
clarification or greater support.
· Opposing viewpoints are acknowledged but may require
greater evaluation.
· The conclusion does not fully derive from the paper’s ideas.
· Some improvements to objective tone/perspective may be
required.
1 to 43.5 points:
· Major points require significant clarification and scholarly
support.
· Opposing viewpoints are not adequately acknowledged and/or
addressed.
· Conclusion does not derive logically from the paper’s main
ideas.
· Significant improvements to objective tone/perspective are

3. required.
0 points
Not present
Scholarly Support
21.25 to 22.5 points:
Sources reflecting diverse viewpoints and research are
employed to include at least 4 peer-reviewed scholarly
resources (along with course materials/books). Source material
is properly attributed. Resonates Christian world view
supporting your themes throughout your writing.
19.75 to 21 points:
Some improvements/ additions to quality/quantity of sources are
needed using at least 2 peer-reviewed scholarly resources (along
with course materials/books). Clarification of source material
may be needed. Further interpretation and/or support for
Christian world view needed.
1 to 19.5 points:
Significant improvement of scholarly support or Christian world
view is needed. Source material may not be properly attributed.
0 points
Not present
Structure (30%)
Advanced
94-100%
Proficient
88-93%
Developing
1-88%
Not present
Total
Grammar & Spelling
20.75 to 22 points:

4. · Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed and
spelling is correct.
· Sentences are complete, clear and concise.
· Rhetorical skill is shown.
· Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong and
varied structure.
· Sentence transitions are present and direct the flow of thought.
Paragraph transitions are present and logical, directing flow of
thought throughout the paper.
19.5 to 20.5 points:
· Paper contains minimal errors in grammar, usage, punctuation
and spelling.
· Sentences are generally complete, clear and concise.
· Rhetorical skill is shown, although a few points may require
clarification.
· Some variation in sentence structure or transitions may be
required to improve flow of discussion.
· Some paragraph transitions may require improvement.
1 to 19.25 points:
· Paper contains numerous errors in grammar, usage,
punctuation and spelling.
· Multiple sentences may be incomplete or ambiguously worded.
· Sentence transitions may be weak, insufficiently directing the
flow of thought.
0 points
Not present
Formatting
20.75 to 22 points:
· Paper is laid out effectively and uses reader-friendly aids
(e.g., section subheadings, table of contents, indices,
appendices, etc.) as appropriate.
· Text, citations and Reference page(s) follow current APA
format requirements.
· Paper is written in 12 point Times New Roman font, is double-

5. spaced, and has 1” margins.
19.5 to 20.5 points:
· Paper is generally laid out effectively and uses some reader-
friendly aids as appropriate.
· Text, citations and Reference page(s) contains minimal
inconsistencies with current APA format requirements.
· Paper may contain some inconsistencies with required font,
spacing and margin requirements.
1 to 19.25 points:
· Paper may be laid out ineffectively or may not use sufficient
reader-friendly aids as appropriate.
· Text, citations and/or Reference page(s) do not follow current
APA format requirements.
· Paper may not follow required font, spacing and margin
requirements.
0 points
Not present
Page Length
8 to 8.5 points:
Required page length of 10 pages is met. This does not include
title-page, abstract, nor reference page(s).
7.5 to 7.75 points:
Required page length was not met or exceeded required page
length of 1 page. This does not include title-page, abstract, nor
reference page(s).
1 to 7.25 points:
Page length may be significantly shorter or longer than the
requirement by 2 or more pages.
0 points
Not present
Professor Comments:

6. Total:
/175