Scoring Rubric for Essay Questions
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5
Excellent = 2 pts. OK = 1 pt. Needs improvement = 0
Understanding of Content – evidence of full and complete
understanding; supported with documentation and critical thinking.
References to course content and outside resources
2 1 2 2 1
Supporting Examples and Explanations – specific and accurate;
avoids generalizations or conclusions without evidence/citations
2 2 2 2 1
Use of Terminology – written in the language of biology; accurate
use of key terms demonstrating a knowledge of topic.
2 2 2 2 2
Research – at least one outside source per sub-topic; proper APA
internal citations & references cited following each Q & A.
2 2 2 2 2
Quality of Writing – Excellent organization, topic sentences with
multiple paragraphs, flow of sentences demonstrates critical
thinking rather than paraphrasing, evidence of proofreading for
grammar and spelling.
2 1 1 1 1
TOTAL
10 8 9 9 7
Q1 Feedback Addiction – good connections to course concepts, good explanations for each
subquestion.
Q2 Feedback Race & IQ – good job overall, some spelling errors (use spellcheck or a
proofreader). Critical thinking suggests a link between environmental factors
associated with poverty and racial IQ tendencies.
Q3 Feedback Drugs & Depression – Good research, essay was a bit choppy – an introduction
related to causes of depression would have enhanced your essay.
Q4 Feedback Personality Development – well done overall. Proofread
Q5 Feedback Twin Studies – did not relate the coefficient of relationship to twin studies. Did
not discuss the limitations of twin studies – shared environment. Final paragraph
doesn’t flow?
Bonus Q & A
OVERALL
43/50 Good job overall. Don’t forget to spell check and proofread to clean up
spelling errors.