Skillful

Satisfactory

Insufficient

Unsatisfactory
Research Paper Rubric*

The Beginning
• Opening lines capture the reader’s attention
• Intro provides a context (background, definitions, etc.) for the thesis
• The intro contains a specific, arguable thesis that is clearly stated
Organization & Focus
• Argumentative topic sentences are clearly stated and they relate back to the thesis
• Body paragraphs stay focused on the topic sentence and the thesis
• Transitions create coherent linking between paragraphs and sentences within paragraphs
• Paragraphs and ideas are presented in a convincingly organized and logical pro/con order
• Paragraphs are distinct and avoid redundancies
Elaboration & Support—Pro Paragraphs
• Pro paragraphs use language to identify them as pros
• Pro paragraphs clearly support the thesis
• Pro paragraphs are fully developed and reflect thorough research
Elaboration & Support—Con Paragraphs
• Con paragraphs use language to identify them as cons
• Cons are refuted effectively
• Con paragraphs are fully developed and reflect thorough research
Elaboration & Support—Overall depth, analysis & critical thinking
• Thorough analysis of subject matter forwarded, opinion informed and well-argued
• Paper presents a full range of arguments relevant to the topic
• Sophistication of analysis and risk taking
The Ending
• Conclusion sums up and brings together ideas without merely repeating them
• Conclusion emphasizes why the reader should care personally about the topic
In-text citations and research
• Effective and appropriate balance of direct quotations, summaries and paraphrases
• Research is appropriately cited (avoids unintentional plagiarism)
• Research is smoothly integrated into the text with signal phrases that establish credentials
• Quotations and other cited sources are linked to the main idea of the paragraph with careful
explanations (instead of dropped into the text; no back to back quotations)
• Citations are properly documented using MLA format
• Citations clearly match to their sources
Writing style and conventions (vigor, accuracy, brevity, and clarity)
• Word choice is specific and clear
• Phrasing is clear and avoids awkwardness and wordiness
• Voice is appropriate and effective for a formal research paper
• Transitions and sentence structure are varied
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules are followed
Manuscript Form
• Follows MLA guidelines
Works Cited Page
• Works cited page follows MLA format
• The source citations contain correct information
• All sources are cited within the paper
Sources
• Sources cited are substantive
• Sources are appropriate for the topic
• Sources are varied and meet the minimum requirement
Presentation of the Final Product
• All research process work is included
• Sources are highlighted to match citations
• Research is in alphabetical order
*Note: All categories are not weighted equally.