RESEARCH PAPER RUBRIC Your goal should be to make sure that you are scoring in the far left

(8-10 point) column in each category.

CATEGORY Introduction 8-10 Points
The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper.

5-7 Points
The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader. Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general.

2-4 Points
The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information.

0-1 Point
There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper.

Focus on Topic

There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information.

The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.

Conventions (Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation) Word Choice

Writer makes little or no errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader\'s mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. The thesis statement is thorough, compelling, and mentions all major topics that are going to be discussed.

Writer makes a few errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader\'s mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. The thesis statement is MOSTLY thorough and compelling and may mention the major topics that are going to be discussed. Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported.

Writer makes SEVERA errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair.

Writer makes SIGNIFICANT or flagrant errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader\'s interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning. The thesis is not present or does not make mention of the topics that are going to be discussed later in the paper.

Thesis

The thesis statement is only partially thorough or compelling and may be missing some of the major topics that are going to be discussed. Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported.

Support for Topic

Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.

Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic.

Sentence Structure

All sentences are Most sentences are Some sentences are well-constructed with well-constructed with well-constructed with varied structure varied structure. varied structure. (simple, complex, compound, and compound-complex)

Very few sentences are well constructed. Many sentences are either simple sentences or run-ons with little variation in structure.

References Page

The references page or bibliography contains at least 5 internet sources and 2 print sources. All sources are cited completely accurately in APA format. The writer's work, while containing thorough research, is entirely original, rephrased, and restructured so that no evidence of plagiarism has occurred. The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is getting at.

The references page contains at least 3-4 internet sources and 1-2 print sources. All sources are cited accurately for the most part in APA format. The writer's work, while containing thorough research, is mostly original, mostly rephrased, and restructured so that no evidence of plagiarism has occurred. The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends.

The references page contains only 1-3 internet sources and 0-1 print sources. Sources are cited only somewhat accurately APA format. The writer's work is not entirely original and does not give enough credit to the original author.

The references page is missing or is done inaccurately with major mistakes.

Originality

The writer directly copied significant portions of another text or did not give the author proper credit. These papers will result in an F.

Conclusion

The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends.

There is no clear conclusion; the paper just ends.