Name ____________________________
Period ___________
Social Science Fair 2011 – Research Paper Rubric
AREA
OF
A S S E S S M EN T
Does the project CLEARLY
construct an argument and/or
evaluate information in order
to address a QUESTION?
Does the paper use specific
examples that support its
logical or abstract points?
Does the paper make use of
specialized and challenging
vocabulary appropriately?
Does the paper show planning
and organization in order to
address a question or conduct
an investigation?
Is the paper clearly written and
precise, so that the reader will
understand the information
and ideas being presented in
each paragraph?
Social Science Fair
4
3
2
Centered on a meaningful
and investigative
question. Argument is
well-reasoned; evaluation
of evidence is wellresearched.
Several coherent,
thoughtful, and relevant
examples presented in
support of logical
argument or to make
abstract ideas more
meaningful.
Subject-specific
vocabulary integrated
throughout the paper.
Shows evidence of an
advanced vocabulary.
Shows evidence of preplanning and uses a clear,
consistent organization.
Centered on an
investigative question.
Argument or research are
solid, but may have some
gaps.
Central question is noninvestigative OR paper is
not centered on an
investigation. Argument
or evaluation of evidence
is lacking.
Uses examples, but the
examples do not clarify
the point OR paper uses
abstract rather than
specific examples.
Fails to address an
investigative question,
lacks a coherent
argument, or lacks
reasoning and
information.
Does not clarify abstract
points or include
specifics.
Subject-specific
vocabulary sparsely used
throughout the paper.
Shows evidence of a
moderate vocabulary.
Shows evidence of preplanning; internal
organization is adequate.
Subject-specific
vocabulary not used.
Shows evidence of a
moderate vocabulary.
No subject-specific or
advanced vocabulary.
Little or no evidence of
pre-planning and little
internal organization.
Shows no evidence or
pre-planning and lacks
internal organization.
Demonstrates advanced
writing style and word
economy. Efficiently and
effectively presents
information.
Demonstrates proficient
writing style and word
economy. Effectively
presents information.
Demonstrates developing
writing style and word
economy.
Writing style is unclear
and serves to undermine
content.
Uses specific examples in
a supportive, but not
explanatory way.
1
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Social Science Fair
AREA
OF
A S S E S S M EN T
Research Paper Rubric
4
3
Does the paper follow
established organizational
structures of writing, with
proper use of grammar and
paragraphing?
Few or no grammar,
spelling, and sentencestructure errors.
Occasional grammar,
spelling, and sentencestructure errors.
Do the type and number of
sources cited display an
understanding of the value of
multiple and varied sourcing?
Are the bibliography and
citations written properly and
consistently according to a
standard format?
Does the paper’s conclusion
emerge logically from its main
arguments?
Cites at least five primary
and two secondary
sources.
Cites at least 3 primary
and 2 secondary sources.
References follow APA
format without error.
Builds toward a wellsupported and logically
considered conclusion.
Does the paper present its
information with the proper
organization and flow--topic
sentences, paragraphs with
supporting evidence, and clear
conclusions?
Information, argument,
and evidence are wellintegrated clearly
presented. Makes use of
topic sentences and
thesis.
2
1
Frequent grammar,
spelling, and sentencestructure errors that do
not significant interfere
with presentation of
information.
Lacks primary sources.
Frequent grammar,
spelling, and sentencestructure errors,
significantly interfering
with presentation of
information.
Lacks sources.
References follow APA
format with some error.
References are
consistent, but not in APA
format.
References not included
or incomplete.
Development of
conclusion requires
additional logical steps or
evidence.
Information, argument,
and evidence are partially
integrated. Adequately
uses topic sentences.
Conclusion leaves some
questions unanswered or
fails to incorporate some
arguments.
Sections are choppy.
Lacks topic sentences.
Evidence stated but not
integrated with
argument.
Conclusion is
unsupported by evidence
and argument presented.
Reads like a bulleted list
or collection of facts
rather than an argument.
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