iRubric: Literature Review rubric

Topic is very general and has no focus. Scope of the paper is so broad it is impossible to give proper treatment within the given length

Student has narrowed the topic somewhat. Further research may lead to a better topic selection

Topic of the paper is clearly defined. Research focus has been narrowed by specific criteria. The state-of-the-art may be clearly given within the paper's length

The review does not include a specific claim about the research topic.

The review includes a specific claim about the research topic, but the claim does not argue for a specific research direction, method, or question.

The review includes a specific claim about where research in this area should go--either a new question, a specific method, or a particular direction.

The report appears to have no organization, with subtopics reflecting sources rather than sub-topics.

There is a basic organization reflecting research questions, methods, or directions, but separate sources are not well integrated into the paragraphs.

The review is organized according to research questions, methods, or sub-topics, with sources well integrated to demonstrate trends in current research.

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 active verbs are sometimes missing. Meaning is sometimes hidden. Paragraph or sentence structure is too repetitive.

Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer uses strong active verbs when appropriate. Sentence structure is varied when appropriate. Style is appropriate for a scientific audience.

There is no indication the author tried to synthesize the information or make a conclusion based on the literature under review. No recommendations for future research are made.

The author provides concluding remarks that show an analysis and synthesis of ideas occurred. Some of the recommendations, however, were not supported in the body of the report.

The author was able to make succinct and precise suggestions for future research based on the review. Conclusions or summarizing claims 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 CSE format.