STUDENT’S NAME: _________________________
Research
Paper
Ideas and
Content
(X3)
____/12
Organization
(X3)
_____/12
4
Distinguished
3
Proficient
2
Needs Improvement
1
Unsatisfactory
-Interesting, insightful grabber and
introduction
-Appropriate balance of direct quotes
and student’s own words
-All quotes are correctly cited, with at
least one parenthetical citation
-Specific, relevant research devoted
to each aspect of the topic
-Conclusion extends ideas
-Excludes extraneous details, does
not go off-topic
-Sufficient grabber & intro
-Thesis/topic sentence attempt to unify
essay
-Satisfactory research devoted to most
or all aspects of the topic
-Student research relies too heavily on
either direct quotes or their own words
-Student’s analysis needs more insight
-Conclusion contains some extension
-Few extraneous details
-Integrates introductions and citations
with most research
-A few errors in citing
-Inconsistently addresses topic
-Does not address topic
-Essay lacks unifying thesis/topic
-No clear thesis to unify essay
sentences
-Many false assumptions and incorrect
-Contains some false assumptions or
information
incorrect information
-Research covers few of the topics
-Research is not devoted to each aspect -Unclear what is student research due to
of the topic
lack of citations or clarity
-Student research does not vary
-Little to no analysis
between quoting and paraphrasing
-No evidence of relevant conclusion
-Requires more analysis to each aspect -Mostly extraneous details
of the research topic
-Little or no quotes or examples are
-Student’s analysis shows no insight or included
passion
-Little or no introductions and citations
-Conclusion needs to extend ideas
for research; no parenthetical citation
-Many extraneous details
-Numerous errors in citing - no
parenthetical citation, or it is not cited
correctly.
-Effortless direction
-Engaging introductory and
concluding paragraphs
-Focused thesis with three “built-in”
sub-topics unifies essay
-Topic sentences are broad & ideabased, not facts.
-Topic sentences unify each body
paragraph, connect to thesis
statement, are appropriately placed
in each body paragraph.
-Appropriate transitional phrases
maintain a fluid organization
-Logical, thoughtful progression of
thought - thoughts flow, order of
paragraphs & sentences make
sense.
-General direction
-Introductory and concluding
paragraphs show purpose
-At least one topic sentence is not ideabased
-Transitional words used but not always
purposeful or appropriate
-Understandable progression of thought
-Needs direction
-No direction, hard to follow
-Introductory and concluding paragraphs -Lacks an introduction and/or conclusion
unclear
-No relative topic sentences
-Topic sentences unrelated or lacking in -No transition words
purpose
-Illogical or unclear progression
-More transitions needed to maintain
organization
-Progression of thought requires more
attention
STUDENT’S NAME: _________________________
Research
Paper
Written
Expression
(X2)
____/8
Mechanics,
Grammar,
Usage &
MLA Format
(X2)
4
Distinguished
-Accurate, appropriate word choice
-Student is knowledgeable and
unbiased regarding topic (no “I” or
“in my opinion” used)
-Varied sentence structure
-Natural, eloquent flow
3
Proficient
-A few awkward word choices - too
-Cliche, simple or colloquial word
simple or overly “fancy”
choices
-Student appears to be mostly
-Student lacks some knowledge and
knowledgeable and unbiased regarding demonstrate some biases regarding
topic
topic
-Varied sentence structure with some
-Rambling or awkward sentence
problems: wordy, awkward, vague
structure
spots
-Inconsistent tone
-Some lapses in flow
-Flow feels overdone, illogical or
contrived
-Few to no errors do not interfere
-Few errors interfering with readability
meaning or readability (spelling,
(spelling, punctuation, capitalization,
punctuation, capitalization, run-ons, run-ons, fragments, usage)
fragments, usage)
-MLA format (font, font size, Works
Cited page, header, spacing) is
impeccable
2
Needs Improvement
-Several errors interfering with
readability (spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, run-ons, fragments,
usage)
-MLA format may have 1 or 2 errors, but -MLA format has numerous errors;
they are minor
directions were not followed
1
Unsatisfactory
-Repetitive, incorrect word choice
-Student is unknowledgeable and
appears to demonstrate no
understanding, sympathy or empathy
regarding topic
-Distracting amount of choppy, rambling
or awkward sentences
-Does not flow naturally
-Many consistent errors that severely
interfere with readability (spelling,
punctuation, capitalization, run-ons,
fragments, usage)
-MLA format has numerous and major
errors (i.e., Works Cited page is
missing); directions were not followed
_____/8
TOTAL SCORE: _________/40
COMMENTS:
GRADE: ______