iRubric: Literature Review rubric

Neither implicit nor explicit reference is made to the topic that is to be examined.

Readers are aware of the overall problem, challenge, or topic that is to be examined.

The topic is introduced, and groundwork is laid as to the direction of the report.

The report appears to have no direction, with subtopics appearing disjointed.

There is a basic flow from one section to the next, but not all sections or paragraphs follow in a natural or logical order.

The report goes from general ideas to specific conclusions. Transitions tie sections together, as well as adjacent paragraphs.

It is hard to know what the writer is trying to express. Writing is convoluted. Misspelled words, incorrect grammar, and improper punctuation are evident.

Writing is generally clear, but unnecessary words are occasionally used. Meaning is sometimes hidden. Paragraph or sentence structure is too repetitive.

Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer incorporates the active voice when appropriate. The use of pronouns, modifiers, parallel construction, and non-sexist language are appropriate.

There is no indication the author tried to synthesize the information or make a conclusion based on the literature under review. No hypothesis or research question is provided.

The author provides concluding remarks that show an analysis and synthesis of ideas occurred. Some of the conclusions, however, were not supported in the body of the report. The hypothesis or research question is stated.

The author was able to make succinct and precise conclusions based on the review. Insights into the problem are appropriate. Conclusions and the hypothesis or research question are strongly supported in the report.

Citations for statements included in the report were not present, or references which were included were not found in the text.

Citations within the body of the report and a corresponding reference list were presented. Some formatting problems exist, or components were missing.

All needed citations were included in the report. References matched the citations, and all were encoded in APA format.