errors, or paper is significantly too short. *Thesis*. 10 points. Excellent thesis statement is clearly defined, presents a sophisticated argument, an...
Research Paper Grading Rubric CATEGORY Excellent – 100%
Good – 80%
Fair – 70%
Below Expectations
Format 10 points
Margins, typeset, and spacing are appropriate. The paper is required length. Pages are numbered and a title is included.
One element of formatting Two or three elements Four or more formatting is inappropriate or are inappropriate or errors, or paper is missing. missing, or paper does significantly too short. not meet required length.
*Thesis* 10 points
Excellent thesis statement is clearly defined, presents a sophisticated argument, and is focused. It is the last sentence of the introduction.
Thesis statement is vague Thesis statement is or presents topic of the unclear or not in the paper without presenting correct location. an opinion or argument that can be supported. It is the last sentence of the introduction.
There is no thesis statement.
Parenthetical Citations 10 points
Parenthetical citations are appropriately used when sources are quoted, summarized, or paraphrased, and accurately documented in MLA format.
Parenthetical citations are appropriately used when sources are quoted, summarized, or paraphrased, but a few are not in accurate MLA format.
Parenthetical citations are appropriately used when sources are quoted, summarized, or paraphrased, but many are not in accurate MLA format.
Parenthetical citations are not appropriately used or are not in MLA format.
Support for Thesis 20 points
There is a well-balanced combination of outside sources and author's comments to strongly support thesis. Presentation of outside sources varies.
There is a well-balanced combination of outside sources and author's comments to support thesis.
Outside information is loosely strung together without author's comments and stated connection to thesis.
Outside information does not adequately support thesis.
Organization 10 points
Information is very organized with wellconstructed paragraphs that follow a logical and carefully-structured progression.
Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs.
Information is organized, The information appears but paragraphs are not to be disorganized and well-constructed and scattered. often go off-topic.
Mechanics 10 points
Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Author makes a few errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Author makes several errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Elegance of Writing 10 points
Analytical prose flows in a fluid fashion. There is no redundancy or repetition. Syntax varies.
The text flows well, though Writing is occasionally there is some repetition. awkward and syntax is Syntax is somewhat not sufficiently varied. varied.
Writing is often awkwardly constructed or redundant.
Works Cited Page 10 points
Writer uses five reputable sources and works cited page is properly formatted.
Writer uses five reputable sources and works cited page has 1-2 small mistakes.
Writer uses five reputable sources and works cited has several mistakes.
Writer does not use five sources or does not format works cited page properly.
Revisions 10 points
Writer thoroughly revised paper in terms of content, argument, and grammar.
Writer revised paper in terms of content and grammar.
Writer revised paper in terms of grammar.
Writer spent an inadequate amount of time revising.
Author makes many errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
