______________________________s Research Paper Rubric

Introduction and Thesis Statement 9-8 The paper begins with a creative title. The essay hooks the reader in with an interesting statement and gives detailed background information about the topic. The essay includes a universal, clear thesis statement that makes a strong claim and flows into the rest of the introduction. 7-6 The paper begins with a somewhat creative title. The essay hooks the reader in with an interesting statement and provides some background details about the topic; but a few more (or a few less) would be more effective. The essay includes a thesis statement that makes a claim, is on topic and is universal. 5-4 The paper is titled, but the title might be generic. The essay attempts to hook the reader and gives a few background details about the topic, but more would be helpful OR the essay provides so many background details that the introduction seems confusing. The essay includes a thesis statement that addresses the topic, but maybe guided by examples rather than universal. Some body paragraphs have claims in the topic sentences that are followed by a bit of background information but do not give context for the quotations and paraphrases provided. Some quotations or paraphrases are awkwardly woven into writing or some are not woven in at all or well explained. There are vague connections to the topic sentences, but it is not altogether clear. Research somewhat supports claims in topic sentences, but better evidence could have been selected. Not all research is reliable, useful, and/or scholarly. 3-2 The paper begins with a title that is boring or off-topic. The essay begins with a general statement about the topic that does not hook the reader and jumps right to the thesis statement. The topic of the essay is discussed in the introduction, but there is no thesis statement or its very vague or it is off topic. 1 No title is included. Contains no thesis statement, background information or hook into the essay.

Body Paragraphs

Evidence Selection

All body paragraphs have a solid, arguable claim in the topic sentence which is followed by detailed background information that gives sufficient context for the quotations and paraphrases provided. All quotations and paraphrases are effectively woven into writing. They are thoroughly explained, analyzed and connected to the topic sentence. Research clearly supports the claim in topic sentence well. It is clear that much thought was put into the selection, and that the research is reliable, useful and scholarly.

Most body paragraphs have arguable claims in the topic sentences that are followed by some background information that gives context for the quotations and paraphrases provided. Most quotations and paraphrases are woven into writing, explained and connected to the topic sentence, but analysis could have been more sophisticated. Research mostly supports claim in topic sentence. It is clear that time and effort was put into the selection. The research seems mostly reliable, useful and scholarly.

Conclusion

The conclusion leaves the reader with a clear understanding of the topic and the writers claim through use of the 3 Rs.

The conclusion gives the reader an idea of the topic and the writers claim. The 3 Rs are included, but could be more effective

The conclusion may not give the reader a satisfying reminder of the topic and claim because not all of the 3 Rs are used.

Some body paragraphs do not include claims in the topic sentences or do not include topic sentences at all, rather they start with weak background information that does not give context for the quotations and paraphrases provided. Quotations or paraphrases included are not woven into writing or well explained or analyzed. There is no clear connection to the topic sentence. Most research does not support claims in topic sentences; much better evidence could have been selected. The research has not clearly been reviewed for reliability, usefulness and scholar. The conclusion gives no indication of the writers claim or the overall topic of the paper because none of the 3 Rs are utilized.

Body paragraphs do not follow TIEA format and some are completely missing parts. Seems like a bunch of information strung together for no obvious purpose.

Little or no evidence has been included and it is not related to the topic and does not support any claim made. What is included is not quality research.

Conclusion is non-existent.

Organization

The essay is logically organized by ideas and not examples. Each body paragraph discusses only one universal topic. And transitions are used effectively.

Organization is mostly logical with separate sub topics; however, it may sometimes stray from the topic or be guided by examples. Most transitions are effective.

MLA Documentation

Each body paragraph contains at least 2 quotations. Each is followed by a correctly formatted parenthetical citation. The works cited page is free from all spelling and capitalization errors. All works on the works cited pages are cited in paper and vice versa.

Each body paragraph contains at least 2 quotations. Most are followed by a correctly formatted parenthetical citation. The works cited page is free from most spelling and capitalization errors. All works on the works cited pages are cited in paper and vice versa.

Grammar and Mechanics

Is very well written. Shows evidence of careful proofreading. There are no distracting errors in the paper.

Is well written. Shows evidence of close proofreading. However, 1-2 distracting errors are present, though not enough to confuse the meaning of the writing.

Indicates some logical organization, but may be confusing or repetitive. May be lacking some natural transitions. The writer may address more than one subtopic in each paragraph or may let examples guide the essay entirely. Most body paragraph contains at least 2 quotations, but some may have just one. Some are followed by correctly formatted parenthetical citation, but other citations need work. The works cited page has not been closely proofread and contains some spelling and capitalization errors. Most works on the works cited pages are cited in paper and vice versa. Is adequately written. Shows proof of some proofreading. 3-4 distracting errors exist. Meaning is a bit confused by the language.

Often very confusing; may rely almost entirely on a series of quotes from research that are not explained or linked to a thesis or claim.

Lacks clear, logical organization. Essay may be one large paragraph with no separation for individual subtopics.

Body paragraphs contain at least 1 paraphrase or 1 direct quotation. Some parenthetical citations are missing or need major work. The works cited page has not been closely proofread and contains many spelling and capitalization errors. A few works on the works cited pages are cited in paper, but not all are documented. Errors put this paper in danger of plagiarism. Is poorly written. So many distracting errors that the paper is hard to understand. Writer has shown no signs of careful proofreading.

Body paragraphs do not contain required research OR research is not followed by any citations. Works Cited Page is so flawed that this paper is considered plagiarism. NOTE: ANY PAPER HANDED IN WITHOUT RESEARCH OR MLA CITATIONS WILL NOT BE GRADED. A REWRITE WILL BE REQUIRED. Is badly written; may be extremely difficult to understand.

Holistic Grading Scale

9 = 95%-100% 8 = 94%-90% 7 = 89%-85% 6 = 84%-80% 5 = 79%-75% 4 = 74%-70% 3 = 69%-65% 2 = 64%-60% 1 = teacher discretion

Total Points: _______/ 100 point