Research Paper Scoring Guide Check-list
A
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Superior papers address all aspects of the prompt in a meaningful and insightful way that is fully
developed over the course of the paper. The author fully describes the current situation of the issue
with stylistic flair, and offers a clear, insightful, and research-based solution to the issue. The student
synthesizes evidence and integrates quotations in a sophisticated way. Paper skillfully uses evidence
from at least 5 sources, but likely includes more. Flawless use of formatting.
B
80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87
88 89
Good papers are less thorough or specific in their development of their analysis and some minor
aspects of the prompt may not be addressed. The author offers a good depiction of the current
situation, and offers a research-based solution to the issue that is apt, but not as well developed or
clear. Paper uses evidence from at least 5 sources, but likely includes more. Author properly
integrates quotations, and has a good use of formatting.
C
70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79
Suitable papers offer a superficial response to the topic that is on-topic, but mostly summarizes
research rather than analyzing or synthesizing. The paper offers a solution to the issue, but it is not
well-thought out or covers very limited aspects of the problem. Includes evidence, but is more limited.
Paper includes at least 5 sources, but some sources may be off topic or not directly related to topic.
Appears to follow MLA format guidelines, but has some errors or is inconsistent.
D
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
Ineffective papers offer an underdeveloped and misguided attempt to address the prompt. The paper
may be missing key aspects of the prompt, offer a poor description of the current situation, and either
create a flawed solution or fail to offer a solution. Paper uses fewer than 5 sources or most sources
are not related to prompt. These papers offer few quotations that are poorly documented. They fail
to follow most guidelines set by MLA.
F
0 – 59
These essays compound the weakness of essays in the C or D essays and are frequently
unacceptably brief. They are poorly written on several counts, including many distracting errors in
grammar and mechanics. Little to no evidence is include or cited. Paper uses fewer than 5 sources
or most sources are not related to prompt. Little attempt is made to follow MLA or has no formatting.
∞ (keep—to infinity and beyond!)
Δ (change—we all make mistakes!)
CONTENT: Development of Analysis in Response to Topic
❏A
Insightful & meaningful development of analysis in response to topic; demonstrates writer’s ability to discuss and
clearly analyze with insight, understanding, and control. Covers all aspects of the prompt in a meaningful and
insightful manner that synthesizes sources in a meaningful way.
❏B
Less thorough, less incisive, or less specific development of analysis in response to topic; demonstrates writer’s
ability to analyze the topic; may miss a small aspect of the prompt; reveals a more limited understanding than A
papers.
❏C
Safe, plastic, & superficial response to the topic; reveals simplistic thinking and/or immature writing by mostly
regurgitating information found in research. Little time is spent synthesizing sources, and merely summarizes.
❏D
Misinterpretations, underdeveloped or misguided; paraphrase and plot summary at the expense of analysis
CONTENT: Description of Current Situation
❏A
Paints a picture with stylistic flair of the current situation; includes relevant data, charts, images; the reader can
fully grasp the totality of the situation
❏B
Gives information of the current situation by describing relevant data, charts, images; the reader can infer most of
the situation
❏C
Lists or simplistically describes the current situation, includes data, charts, images, but may have some
inaccuracies, reader has a basic understanding of the situation
❏D
Either fails to describe the situation or gives gross inaccuracies to the current situation
CONTENT: Solution to Topic
❏A
Offers a clear, insightful, research-based solution to the issue. This could include solutions from other localities,
professional insight & recommendations, data from interested groups, etc. Solution is apt for the situation, and
could create demonstrable change in the community by addressing all key aspects of the problem in an insightful
way.
❏B
Offers a research-based solution to the issue. Solution is apt for the situation, but is not as well thought out or
clear. Offered solution covers most aspects of the problem, with all key details.
❏C
Offers a research-based solution to the issue, but the solution is somewhat inappropriate to the situation.
Student’s offered solution covers limited aspects of the problem, but covers most key details.
❏D
Flawed solution to the problem. Misses key information and creates an inappropriate solution.
CONTENT: Use of Evidence
❏A
Skillful use of excellent concrete detail selection; 3-5 suitable quotations per paragraph, all quotations integrated
in a sophisticated manner. Includes evidence from at least 5 sources, but superior papers integrate evidence
from 5-7 sources successfully.
❏B
Good concrete detail selection; 2-4 suitable quotations per paragraph, all quotations properly integrated. Includes
evidence from at least 5 sources, but good papers integrate evidence from 5-7 sources well, although one source
used may not be as apt or appropriate.
❏C
Acceptable use of concrete detail selection; 1-3 mostly suitable quotations per paragraph; quotations are
integrated. Includes evidence from at least 5 sources, but acceptable papers may have chosen one source that is
less apt or suitable to prompt.
❏D
Weak and/or flawed concrete detail selection; evidence doesn’t support topic sentence, one quotation per
paragraph
FORMAT: MLA and Citations
❏A
Flawless use of MLA formatting. Includes proper header, page numbers, in-text citations, footnotes, citations of
images/charts. Works cited is alphabetical, using correct tabulation, and conforms to all MLA standards.
❏B
Good use of MLA formatting. Includes most aspects of formatting such as header, page numbers, in-text
citations, footnotes, etc. Works cited may have some flaws, but uses mostly correct standards such as tabulation
and alphabetical order. Includes minimum number of source
❏C
Acceptable use of MLA formatting. At first glance, the paper appears to have correct header, page numbers,
citations, and works cited, but may be inconsistent in application of MLA. Works cited includes an attempt to use
correct standards for a bibliography.
❏D
Attempt is made to use MLA format, but is unsuccessful. Major aspects are not followed, for example some intext citations are left off or header is not consistent to MLA. Works cited is included, but has some egregious
errors.
Mrs. Oh’s Rules:
Will only be accepted if:
In MLA format
Includes Works Cited
Is just over 6 pages in length (because the header takes space—no cheating!)
At least 5 sources