Research Paper Rubric Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Score: __________
Exceeds Standard Meets Standard
Category
Title
Your Name, Teacher’s Name,
Title Page Course Period,
Date, Neatly finished-no
errors
Clearly and concisely states
the paper’s purpose in a single
Thesis Statement sentence, which is engaging,
and thought provoking.
The introduction is engaging,
states the main topic and
Introduction previews the structure of the
paper.
Each paragraph has thoughtful
Body supporting detail sentences
that develop the main idea.
Organization- Writer demonstrates logical
Structural and subtle sequencing of ideas
through well-developed
Development of paragraphs; transitions are
the Idea used to enhance organization.
The conclusion is engaging
Conclusion and restates the thesis.
No errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.
Mechanics
No errors sentence structure
Usage and word usage.
All cited works, both text and
visual, are done in the correct
Citation format with no errors.
Done in the correct format
with no errors. Includes more
than 5 major references (e.g.
science journal articles,
Bibliography books, but no more than two
internet sites. Periodicals
available on-line are not
considered internet sites)
Nearly Meets Standard
Evidence of four
Clearly states the paper’s
purpose in a single sentence.
The introduction states the
main topic and previews the
structure of the paper.
Each paragraph has sufficient
supporting detail sentences
that develop the main idea.
Paragraph development
present but not perfected.
The conclusion restates the
thesis.
Almost no errors in
punctuation, capitalization
and spelling.
Almost no errors in sentence
structure and word usage.
Some cited works, both text
and visual, are done in the
correct format.
Inconsistencies evident.
Done in the correct format
with few errors. . Includes 5
major references (e.g. science
journal articles, books, but no
more than two internet sites.
Periodicals available on-line
are not considered internet).
Does Not Meet Standard No Score
Evidence
Evidence of 3 Evidence of 2 or less Absent
States the paper’s purpose in a Incomplete and/or unfocused. Absent,
single sentence. no
evidence
The introduction states the There is no clear introduction Absent,
main topic but does not or main topic and the structure no
adequately preview the of the paper is missing. evidence
structure of the paper.
Each paragraph lacks Each paragraph fails to Not
supporting detail sentences. develop the main idea. applicable
Logical organization; No evidence of structure or Not
organization of ideas not fully organization. applicable
developed.
The conclusion does not Incomplete and/or unfocused. Absent
adequately restate the thesis.
Many errors in punctuation, Numerous and distracting Not
capitalization and spelling. errors in punctuation, applicable
capitalization and spelling.
Many errors in sentence Numerous and distracting Not
structure and word usage. errors in sentence structure applicable
and word usage.
Few cited works, both text Absent Not
and visual, are done in the applicable
correct format.
Done in the correct format Done in the correct format Absent or
with some errors. Includes 4 with many errors. Includes 3 the only
major references (e.g. science major references (e.g. science sites are
journal articles, books, but no journal articles, books, but no internet
more than two internet sites. more than two internet sites. sites.
Periodicals available on-line Periodicals available on-line
are not considered internet). are not considered internet
sites.)