NCU Comprehensive Exam Scoring Rubric Comprehensive Examination Grading Rubric Grading Area Outstanding Acceptable Needs Improvement Score Focus & Topic Development (7.5 points) 7.5 points The Student’s response includes a thorough discussion of the topic. The Student displays a deep understanding of the theory and content for the topic. Responses remain focused on the basic theme or topic. 7.5 Pts 6 points The Student’s response addresses the topic and includes theoretical and conceptual content. Additional detail is needed to sufficiently address the topic. Some tangential information may be included. 0-5 points The response lacks focus and detail in terms of theoretical and conceptual principles that are essential to this topic. Responses may be largely tangential and lack focus on the assigned topic. See the Tips for Success on Doctoral Level Writing in the Course Resources Analysis & Critical Thinking (5 points) 5 points The response exhibits analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of the literature covered. The Student establishes and supports a position on the topic and presents her/his own point of view in the response. 5.0 Pts 4 points The response includes some analytic, integrative, and evaluative writing but would be strengthened by more extensive critical thinking and support for the Student’s position on the topic. 0-3 points The response shows insufficient evidence of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of content that is presented in support of the Student’s position for this topic. See the Tips for Success on Graduate Writing in the Course Resources Organization, Coherence, Logic, & Flow (2.5 points) 2.5 points The response is clear. It articulates a cohesive discussion of theory and related practice. It is organized using a logical progression that is easily followed from beginning to end by the reader. 2.5 Pts 2 points The response is clearly structured, for the most part, and presented following a logical progression of ideas but some sections are unclear or difficult to follow. 0-1 points The response lacks clarity and is difficult to follow. See the Writing Scholarly Papers template in the Course Resources Writing Style (2.5 points) 2.5 points The Student uses an appropriate professional tone and vocabulary for the audience. 2.5 Pts 2 points The Student uses a professional writing style but may be somewhat informal in tone at times. 0-1 points The Student uses unprofessional, casual, or inappropriate tone or vocabulary. Follow English writing style conventions and visit the Writing Center as needed APA Formatting (2.5 points) 2.5 points The response is properly formatted throughout in APA writing style. 2.5 Pts 2 points Any APA formatting errors are minimal and uncommon. 0-1 points The response includes numerous APA formatting errors. Use your APA Manual. Do not rely on database references Word Choice & Sentence Structure (2.5 points) 2.5 points The Student used supporting phrases and proper word choice and sentence structure. 2.5 Pts 2 points The response is well written but includes some errors in wording and sentence structure. 0-1 points The response lacks supporting phrases, is poorly worded, and uses poor sentence structure. Follow English writing style conventions and visit the Writing Center as needed Grammar, Usage, & Punctuation (2.5 points) 2.5 points There are minimal, if any grammatical, usage, or punctuation errors. 2.5 Pts 2 points There are some grammatical, usage, and punctuation errors. 0-1 points There are numerous grammatical, usage, or punctuation errors. Follow English writing style conventions and visit the Writing Center as needed Score (25 points possible—requires 20 points for a passing score) 25.0 Pts Total