ENGLISH 11
NAME___________
Research Essay Rubric
DATE____________
BUNTING
PERIOD__________
________________________________________________________________________
Follows the research paper guidelines
3
2
1
Overall Organization
6
5
4
3
2
1
Contains an effective hook that is integrated into the intro.
Gives appropriate context for the ideas that frame the argument, and effectively narrows the
topic.
Contains a clear thesis statement that defines specifically the point you will make.
Paragraphs contain an assertion in your own words that relates to the thesis and introduces the
main idea of the paragraph.
The main idea of each paragraph is fully developed.
There is evidence and explanation in support of the main idea.
Evidence is connected into the paragraph with quote integrations that give context for the
evidence.
All information in the paragraph is relevant to the main idea of the paragraph. The paragraph
does not contain ideas that are outside of developing the assertion (save those for a new
paragraph).
There is a conclusion (at least one paragraph) which reminds the reader of the main points of the
essay. Restates the thesis without repeating it. Goes beyond summary and ends on a note of
high interest.
All of the paragraphs in the essay are related to the thesis and there are no tangents.
Paragraphs are organized logically.
There is coherence between sentences and between paragraphs through logical arrangement.
Ideas are connected within and across paragraphs through the use of transition words, phrases,
and sentences; appropriate repetition; and explanation.
The essay feels to be building to a purpose.
Ideas
6
5
4
3
2
1
Your essay deeply and fully analyzes your topic.
Your thesis and the essay synthesize the research to make an original whole that is greater than
the parts.
You have chosen the best reasons and evidence in support of your thesis.
Your commentary correctly interprets the evidence, your ideas are accurate and logical, and you
correctly represent your evidence.
All evidence is purposeful: you make it clear how the quotes, paraphrases, and/or summaries are
relevant to the point you are making.
You explain the conclusions that can be drawn from the information you present.
Arguments are supported by specific and detailed evidence and examples to illustrate your
points.
You respectfully consider, address, and refute the counterarguments.
Ideas (your claims and counterclaims) are considered critically (assess and judge) throughout and
you argue in reasonable terms.
You develop the appeal to ethos by engaging with reputable sources, presenting the credentials
of those sources, and by making it clear that you have considered a wide array of sources and
views on the topic.
You do not use “absolutes” because they are normally illogical. Instead, you find sophisticated
ways to make your argument.
You have gone beyond personal knowledge, anecdote, or opinion to learn new facts and
opinions, and this is evident by the fact that each paragraph uses outside information to
strengthen it.
Synthesizes facts and opinions to make arguments. Includes input from different sources to
develop ides.
Style, Grammar, Mechanics,
Spelling
6
5
4
3
2
1
The writing is clear, concise, and purposeful throughout. Efficient writing sufficiently makes the
point and then moves on.
The tone of the essay is academic, appropriate for the purpose, and respectful of those who may
disagree.
The essay contains evidence of a writer’s voice—an opinion and persona are perceived behind the
words.
The paper is mostly free of errors in spelling, grammar and mechanics, particularly in regards to
quote integration, semicolon and colon usage, and sentence fragments.
The author avoids first person pronouns (“I,” “we,” “us,” etc.) except where personal experience
serves a larger purpose.
The author does not overly address the reader (“you”).
Format (MLA), Parenthetical (in-text) Citations, and
Works Cited Page
5
4
3
2
1
The paper is double-spaced throughout and in Times New Roman, 12-point font.
There is a header at the top right of each page with the writer’s last name and page number.
At the top left of the first page there is the writer’s name, teacher’s name, class and date.
There is a creative title which gives a hint to what the paper is about, in the form of title: subtitle, and
it is centered and follows the same formatting as the rest of the paper.
Margins are set at one inch.
The paper includes parenthetical citations for all quotations, paraphrases and/or summaries and these
citations follow MLA format.
Each citation has a corresponding entry on the works cited page.
The paper contains a Works Cited page which follows MLA format.
All entries on the works cited page are cited in the paper.
The essay is submitted with this rubric.
Total: ______________ / 26