Criteria

Levels of Achievement

Content 70%

Advanced

Proficient

Developing

Not present

Articulation

9 to 10 points

The essay clearly articulates a chosen position by answering the essay prompt fully.

7 to 8 points

The essay articulates a chosen position by answering the essay prompt.

1 to 6 points

The essay does not clearly choose a position or clearly answer the essay prompt.

0 points

Definition and Description

36 to 40 points

• Definition of the chosen doctrine is clearly articulated.
• The biblical, historical, and theological contours of the chosen doctrine are clearly explained.
• Adequate biblical and theological support is evident.
• The essay clearly demonstrates how the chosen doctrine addresses the problem of sin.

28 to 35 points

• Definition of the chosen doctrine is articulated in a somewhat clear manner.
• The biblical, historical, and theological contours of the chosen doctrine are explained.
• Some appropriate biblical and theological support is evident.
• The essay demonstrates how the chosen doctrine addresses the problem of sin.

1 to 27 points

• Definition of the chosen doctrine is unclear.
• The biblical, historical, and theological contours of the chosen doctrine are not explained thoroughly.
• Biblical and theological support is unclear or missing.
• The essay does not clearly demonstrate how the chosen doctrine addresses the problem of sin.

0 points

Application

18 to 20 points

• Application is evident and biblical material is connected to a contemporary context.

• Implications of the chosen doctrine are clearly connected to the Christian life and the student’s chosen vocation.

14 to 17 points

• Application is somewhat evident and biblical material is connected to a contemporary context.

• Implications of the chosen doctrine are connected to the Christian life and the student’s chosen vocation.

1 to 13 points

• Application is unclear and biblical material is not connected to a contemporary context.

• Implications of the doctrine are not connected to the Christian life and the student’s chosen vocation.

0 points

Structure 30%

Advanced

Proficient

Developing

Not present

Introduction and Conclusion

9 to 10 points

• Introduction demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of the subject matter and proposes a topic appropriate for a paper of this length.
• The conclusion clearly summarizes the essay in a statement that brings the various points together in support of the essay’s established view.

7 to 8 points

• Introduction demonstrates a somewhat clear understanding of the importance of the subject matter and proposes a topic appropriate for a paper of this length.
• The conclusion summarizes the essay in a statement that brings the various points together in support of the essay’s established view.

1 to 6 points

• Introduction does not demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the subject matter and does not propose a topic appropriate for a paper of this length.
• The conclusion does not summarize the essay in a statement that brings the various points together in support of the essay’s established view.

0 points

Word Count

9 to 10 points

The required word count (750–1,000 words) is met.

7 to 8 points

The required word count (750–1,000 words) is nearly met.

1 to 6 points

The essay is significantly less than the required word count (750–1,000 words).

0 points

Mechanics and Formatting

9 to 10 points

• No to very few grammatical, syntactical, and spelling errors are included.

• Essay follows whichever style corresponds with the student’s degree program.

7 to 8 points

• Some grammatical, syntactical, and spelling errors are included.

• Essay somewhat follows whichever style corresponds with the student’s degree program.

1 to 6 points

• Many grammatical, syntactical, and spelling errors are included.

• Essay does not follow whichever style corresponds with the student’s degree program.

0 points