Research Paper: Of Mice and Men

16-20
Advanced

11-15
Proficient

Graphic
Organizer

Graphic organizer or
outline has been
completed and
shows clear, logical
relationships
between all topics
and subtopics.

Graphic organizer or
outline has been
completed and
shows clear, logical
relationships
between most topics
and subtopics.

Graphic organizer or Graphic organizer or

outline has been
outline has not been
started and includes attempted.
some topics and
subtopics.

Introduction

The introductory
paragraph has a
strong hook or
attention grabber that
is appropriate for the
reader. In addition, it
has a strong thesis
statement.

The introductory
paragraph has a
hook or attention
grabber, but it weak
and contains
rambling. It has a
well-developed
thesis statement.

The author has an

interesting
introductory
paragraph but the
connection is
unclear. The thesis
statement needs
improvement.

The introductory
paragraph is not
interesting AND is
not relevant to the
topic. The thesis
statement is unclear.

Body
Paragraphs

All of the evidence

and examples are
specific, relevant and
explanations are
given that show how
each topic relates to
the thesis statement.

Most of the evidence

and examples are
specific, relevant
and explanations are
given that show how
each topic relates to
the thesis statement.

At least one of the

pieces of evidence
and examples are is
relevant and has an
explanation that
shows how the topic
relates to the thesis
statement.

Evidence and
examples are NOT
relevant AND/OR are
not explained.

Closing
Paragraph

The conclusion is
strong and leaves
the reader solidly
understanding the
writer's position.
Plus, the thesis
statement is
restated, a summary
is presented along
with a closing
sentence.

Most of the
conclusion is welldeveloped but is
missing one of the
following elements:
restatement of the
thesis statement, a
summary, or a
closing sentence.

More than two

elements are missing
from the conclusion.
This includes two of
the following
elements:
restatement of the
thesis statement, a
summary, or a
closing sentence.

The conclusion
needs improvement
and lacks
restatement of the
thesis statement,
summary, and a
closing sentence.

Transitions

Eight transitional
words are in BOLD
and used clearly to
connect ideas.

Six to seven
transitional words
are in BOLD and
used clearly to
connect ideas.

Four to five
transitional words
are in BOLD and
used clearly to
connect ideas.

Three or less
transitional words
are in BOLD and
used clearly to
connect ideas.

Conventions

Evident control of
grammar,
mechanics, spelling,
usage and sentence
formation. There are
no mistakes.

Sufficient control of
grammar,
mechanics, spelling,
usage and sentence
formation. There are
less than two
mistakes.

Limited control of
grammar,
mechanics, spelling,
usage and sentence
formation. There are
less than four
mistakes.

Minimal control of
grammar,
mechanics, spelling,
usage and sentence
formation. There are
more than five
mistakes.

CATEGORY

6-10
Basic

0-5
Below Basic