Contractual Persuasive Research Paper Rubric for Sophomores
Name: _______________________ | Period:____________ | Date: ______________
Not turning in the research paper will result in automatic failure of the second semester of
sophomore English. This research paper will be graded according to the standards below.
I acknowledge the above information with regard to my research paper.
-Signature of Student____________________________________________________
I acknowledge the above information with regard to my child’s research paper.
-Signature of Parent____________________________________________________
CONTENT – 75 POINTS
IDEAS …………………………………………………………/15
Relevant hook
Background info in intro
Thesis
Not merely summary, thorough explanation
Logical and persuasive
Quotes, context and analysis
Substantial evidence
Conclusion rephrases thesis
Conclusion sums up major points
Powerful, relevant ending
MECHANICS – 75 POINTS
Grammar, spelling, punctuation ………………..………/20
MLA Format …………………………………………………….../35
Title
Identification
Header
Margins, spacing, font
In-text citations
Works Cited………………………………….……………………./20
WORD CHOICE……………………………………………/15
Mature vocabulary
Appropriate word choice
VOICE…………………………………………………………/15
Formal, academic
SENTENCE FLUENCY……………………………………/15
Good sentence variety
Sentences are not choppy or unwieldy
ORGANIZATION…………………………………………../15
Topic sentences used
Topic sentences contain thesis reminders
One idea per paragraph
All points prove thesis
Conclusions present
Smooth transitions
Organization effective within paragraphs
Organization effective throughout paper
FINAL TOTAL = 150 POINTS
**You will lose 10 points per day (including weekends) for late papers. That means your B becomes
a B-. Research papers MUST be turned in within a week of the due date in order to be accepted.
**A deduction of 10 points per page will take place if the page length requirement is not met.
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