Rubric
An assessment rubric provides a framework for thinking about whether an assignment is on the right track with respect to key criteria. The rubric provided here comprises five criteria assessed across three levels: unsatisfactory, satisfactory and outstanding. Use table 1 when reviewing your assigned draft paper for assignment 1 (and for completing your own final versions before submission in Digital Exam).
More information on how to interpret and apply the rubric will be provided in class on 23 October 2025.
| Criteria | Unsatisfactory | Satisfactory | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Data Selection and Presentation | Data are incomplete, incorrect, or not drawn from Our World in Data; graphs missing or unclear. | Relevant data for three countries are correctly selected and clearly presented with appropriate graphs. | Data are well-chosen, fully accurate, and visualisations are clear, well-labelled, and insightful. |
| 2. Understanding of Key Concepts | Definitions of GDP per capita, domestic energy use, and consumption-based energy are missing or inaccurate. | Provides accurate definitions and explains the key distinction between domestic and consumption-based energy. | Demonstrates deep conceptual understanding, clearly explaining interrelations and implications of the definitions. |
| 3. Analysis of Trends and Calculations | Little or no analysis; errors in calculating growth rates; fails to compare patterns effectively. | Correct calculation of average annual growth rates; provides basic discussion of whether GDP and energy use move together or not. | Thorough, accurate quantitative analysis with nuanced discussion of relationships and changes over time. |
| 4. Discussion and Interpretation | Discussion is superficial or unrelated to observed trends; no connection to possible explanatory factors. | Discusses relevant factors (eg. energy efficiency, outsourcing, policy) that may explain observed trends. | Offers insightful, well-supported explanations linking trends to historical, political, or technological contexts. |
| 5. Structure, Clarity, and Referencing | Poorly structured, unclear writing; references missing or incorrect; use of AI not disclosed. | Clear, logical structure; correct referencing; AI use disclosed if relevant. | Exceptionally clear and well-organised writing; references integrated smoothly; strong academic tone. |
As this assignment requires some desktop research to identify possible explanations for the observed patterns in the data, one thing to look out for is whether sources have been cited correctly. Is it clear from the text where information has been sourced from? Or are certain statements asserted without evidence?