MRES700 Assignment 1: Initial Writing Task (Proto-introduction to a Research Proposal)

Marking Rubric
Mark
Range

HD (1315)

Genre awareness (/5)

Sophisticated structure, moving
smoothly from the general research
area/problem to the specific research
question/aim, outlining the
nature/purpose of the author's research.
4.5-5

Argumentation (/3)

Referencing conventions (2)

Confident authorial voice, presenting

and supporting claims that the
research (topic, problem, questions,
approach and/or contribution) is
significant & unique.
3

Sound integration of appropriate

external sources. Correct use of
referencing conventions in both internal
citations and reference list
2

Cohesion & written expression (/5)

Strongly cohesive text with clearly

structured paragraphing. Polished use
of vocab, grammar, spelling and
punctuation with no errors
4.5-5

D (11.512.5)

Acceptable structure, moving from the

general topic to the specific research
problem/question(s), indicating
nature/purpose of the author's research.
3.5-4

CR (1011)

Recognizable structure, generally

moving from General to Specific. An
attempt to present a research
problem/question.
3

Some attempt to argue that the

research (topic, problem, questions,
approach and/or contribution) is
significant and unique. Most claims
presented in author's voice and
supported with evidence.
2

Usually selects and refers to external

sources appropriately. Some
corrections required in the format of
internal citations and/or reference list
1.5

Mostly cohesive text with mostly logical

paragraphing. Generally appropriate
use of vocab, grammar, spelling and
punctuation with a few conspicuous
errors that do not impede meaning.
3

P (7.5-9)

Developing structure, with an attempt to

introduce a research topic, but unclear
research problem/question. May provide
too much detail on certain points.
2

Mostly descriptive text. Claims re

significance of research (topic,
problem, questions, approach and/or
contribution) obscure or insufficiently
supported. Weak authorial voice.
1

Refers to some external sources, but

not always appropriately selected.
Incomplete or inconsistently formatted
internal citations and reference list
1

Developing cohesion and paragraphing.

A number of conspicuous errors in
grammar, spelling, punctuation and
vocabulary that occasionally impede
meaning.
2

Unrecognizable or illogical structure.

Too many/few paragraphs. Too specific
too soon.
0-1

Descriptive text, mostly providing

background information about the
general topic. Few/no claims about
the author's research. Author's voice
hidden by others' voices.
0

Citations and/or reference list absent,

or external sources inappropriate or
requiring substantial revision in
formatting.
0

Lack of cohesion and inappropriate

paragraph structuring. Limited range
and/or inappropriate choices of
vocabulary items; errors in grammar,
punctuation and/or spelling that often
impede meaning.
0-1

F (0-7)

MRES700_Ass1ProtoIntroduction_MarkingRubric

Cohesive text with appropriate

paragraphing. Elevated use of vocab,
grammar, spelling and punctuation with
very few errors
3.5-4