APA Essays

Rubric: APA Essays Value: 100 points

Criteria Description

Professionalism, grammar, The essay avoids using the second person (you), follows APA
spelling and punctuation guidelines for integrating and documenting sources, numbering,
(GPS) cover page, and spacing. The entire paper is in black and white,
0 –20 points and there are less than five GSP errors. Paragraphs are five-
seven lines of text.

Academic integrity There are four (or more) sources cited and documented on the
0 –10 points paper. The sources come from academic or government
sources. Direct quotes are used sparingly; most of the borrowed
material is paraphrased. Images and tables are developed by
the student, so they are not copied and pasted into the
document.

Introduction The introduction provides a justification for the topic and its
0 –10 points importance. It includes a clear statement and two-three
supporting arguments. 20% of the paper.

Body The two-three supporting arguments are developed throughout

0 –20 points the body of the paper. Adequate transitions are used from one
point to the next to make the paper more fluid and logical. It is
consistent with the arguments. Every supporting argument has
at least one source behind it. 60% of the paper.

Conclusion The conclusion revisits the main statement and the supporting
0 –10 points arguments. It closes the paper logically. 20% of the paper.

Topic The topic of the paper is consistent with the instructions

0 –10 points provided by the instructor.

Critical thinking The student demonstrates understanding of the topic through

0 –10 points the research and the development of the argument. The student
makes an effort to avoid fallacies like slippery slopes or hasty
conclusions

Extension The paper is 500 –750 words (not including cover page and
0 –10 points references), double spaced, using Times New Roman / Arial,
font 12.