Position Paper – Rubric
Application
Student Coaching Rubric
Name:
Level
1
2
3
4
Defining the Issue
I have clearly defined the issue,
identifying the stakeholders and
identifying relevant characteristics of the
problem.
 Poor understanding of the
issue
 The issue is defined, but
lacks clarity. The problem is
understood but no extra
background research is
evident
Identifying
Alternatives and
Positions
I examine several perspectives on the
issue such as environmental, economic,
moral/ethical, legal, scientific or social.
 Does not examine issue
from different perspectives
 Examines issue from few
perspectives, or from many
but at a basic level
 Examines issue from
several perspectives and
incorporates them into the
decision-making process
Analyzing and
Defending the Issue
I have used the evidence I have
collected through research to clarify my
position on the issue.
My position is supported with reliable
evidence.
 Position changes
throughout paper or is not
clearly stated
 Position is stated clearly but
is not supported with
evidence
 Position is clearly stated
and is supported with
reliable evidence
 Content appears
uninformed with a low level
of research
 Does not use reliable
resources
 Content shows some
evidence of research
 Uses few reliable source
 Content appears informed
with evidence of research
 Uses several reliable
sources
 Content is highly informed,
with much research evident
 Uses many reliable sources
 Makes limited connection
between research project
and STSE.
 Makes some connections
between research project
and STSE.
 Makes considerable
connections between
research project and STSE.
 Makes insightful and highly
relevant connections
between research project
and STSE.
 Proposes courses of
practical action of limited
effectiveness
 Proposes courses of
practical action of some
effectiveness
 Proposes courses of
practical action of
considerable effectiveness
 Proposes highly effective
courses of practical action
Research and
Use of Resources
Connections
between Science,
Society, Technology
and Environment
(STSE)
Proposing courses
of practical action to
deal with problems
relating to science,
technology, society,
and the environment
I have done background research in
preparation for writing my report. This
research is evident in the writing.
I independently gather information from a
wide variety of reliable resources.
For example, I assess the impact of
science on technology,
people and other living
things, and the environment
I present practical solutions or actions
relating STSE to the issue studied.
 The issue is defined with
clarity
 The issue is defined with
great clarity. Stakeholders
and characteristics are
identified accurately
 Examines issue from many
perspectives and
incorporates them with a
high degree of skill
 Position is clearly stated
and supported with reliable
evidence
 Arguments against position
are considered and their
faults are identified
Name:
Communication
Student Coaching Rubric
Level
1
Grammar and
Spelling
My use of the English language shows a
high degree of skill and proficiency.
 Frequent errors in spelling
and grammar distract the
reader
Organization
My writing shows clarity of purpose, with
a clearly defined topic/subtopic structure.
 Purpose not clear
 No topic and/or concluding
statements
Style
I include a variety of sentence types
(simple and compound).
Sentences and vocabulary matches the
topic.
2
3
 Some errors are made in
spelling and grammar which
affect the quality of the
paper
 Purpose somewhat clear
 Topic and concluding
statements included but are
not clear or do not follow
purpose
 No errors are made in
spelling and grammar, or so
few that quality of paper is
not compromised
 Report is consistently error
free
 Uses topic, developing, and
concluding statements
 Purpose is followed
throughout paper
 Paragraphs sequenced
effectively
 Purpose is clear, and is
followed throughout paper.
 Primarily simple sentences
or poorly coordinated
compound sentences
 Sentences are
conversational or include
improper word usage
 Some properly constructed
compound sentences
 Sentences and word usage
are appropriate to the topic
Use of Source
information
All of my references are cited properly
using APA format. Information from
other sources is included in a skillful
manner, consistent with the idea it is
used to support.
 References are either not
included and/or are not
referenced properly.
 Poor use of source
information.
 References are included but
may not be cited properly.
 Source information is used
to support position
statements but is not used
effectively.
 References are included
and are cited properly.
 Source information is
skillfully used to support
position statements.
Presentation
I present information in a logical order,
with appropriate use of graphs, tables,
figures, units. The S.I. system and other
scientific conventions are used correctly.
 Presents little information in
logical order
 Spelling, grammar and S.I.
usage are correct in few
cases
 Presents some information
in logical order
 Spelling, grammar and S.I.
usage are correct in some
cases
 Presents most information
in logical order
 Spelling, grammar and S.I.
usage are correct in most
cases
APPLICATION:
 Balance of simple and
compound sentences
 Sentences and word usage
match the topic
COMMUNICATION:
4
 Simple sentences used for
emphasis
 Effective use of different
sentence kinds
 Sentences and word usage
add to the clarity and quality
of the paper
 All source information is
clearly referenced and is
cited properly in text and in
a list of citations.
 Source information is used
in a skillful and seamless
manner to support position
statements.
 Presents all information in
logical order
 Spelling, grammar and S.I.
usage are correct in all or
almost all cases