Senior Project - Research Paper Rubric
“A” (90-100)
EXEMPLARY Stands as a model for future papers on the topic.
Papers receiving a 90 to 100 show clear and consistent mastery of content and organization, as well as reasonably consistent mastery in the
categories of language use and mechanics/vocabulary. Papers receiving a 90-100 contain no critical errors and contain minimal (0-3) other
grammar mistakes. Critical errors include fragments, run-ons, comma splices, subject-verb agreement errors, pronoun-antecedent
agreement errors, and apostrophe errors. Papers must include the minimum number of required sources. Papers must meet the minimum
length requirement of 5 full pages.
Content
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Thesis presents well-phrased controlling idea/argument
All argumentative statements are persuasively worded and logically support thesis with a related point
Each body paragraph contains well-chosen documented material that effectively support the point
All quotes are embedded in lead-in sentences
Interpretations present insightful, well-developed analysis
Essay effectively uses relevant research to develop points
Essay maintains focus on controlling idea, all points are substantial and well-developed
Essay demonstrates attention paid to the audience and the purpose
Concluding paragraph draws conclusions that go beyond restating thesis
Organization:
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Paragraphs logically sequenced
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Smooth transitions between and within paragraphs create coherence and unity
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Documented material arranged logically within paragraph to support topic sentences
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Fluent expression of ideas
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Focus maintained throughout essay
Language Use/Vocabulary:
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Sentences varied in length and structure
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Diction appropriate for academic writing
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Unique, confident and engaging voice and style
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Word choices are engaging and fresh
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Proper syntax
“B” (80-89)
Works Cited (MLA)
___ sources (2 gov, edu, org)
Parenthetical Citations (MLA)
____ sources (2 gov, edu, org)
( ) correct) ( ) incorrect
( ) yes
( ) no
( ) correct) ( ) incorrect
( ) yes
( ) no
VERY GOOD – GOOD
Papers receiving a grade of 85 to 89 show reasonably consistent mastery in the categories of content and organization, as well as adequate
mastery in the categories of language use and mechanics/vocabulary. Papers earning this grade may contain one to two critical errors and
4-6 other grammar mistakes. Papers must include at least four sources.
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Content:
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Thesis presents solid controlling ideas
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All topic sentences support thesis with a related point, though wording may be imprecise or the argument may be vague
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Each body paragraph contains adequate documented material that support the thesis, though some may not be as strong as others
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All quotes are embedded in lead-in sentences
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Commentary is generally insightful but could be developed further
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Generally maintains focus of controlling idea, though some points could further clarified or developed
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Essay generally demonstrates attention paid to audience and purposes
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Concluding paragraph generally effective, though it may restate thesis or points already made
Organization:
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Paragraphs logically sequenced
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Transitions between and within paragraphs generally effective, though coherence can be strengthened
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Documented material arranged logically within paragraph to support topic sentences
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Focus generally maintained throughout essay, though some points may be tangential
· Language Use/Vocabulary:
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Some sentence variety with effective but simple sentence
constructions, some complex constructions
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Occasional errors in diction
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Generally effective syntax
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Word choices are adequate for the assignment, though
not very engaging or fresh
Works Cited (MLA)
___ sources (2 gov, edu, org)
Parenthetical Citations (MLA)
____ sources (2 gov, edu, org)
( ) correct) ( ) incorrect
( ) yes
( ) no
( ) correct) ( ) incorrect
( ) yes
( ) no
“C-D” (70-79)
SATISFACTORY
Papers receiving a grade of 75 to 79 show adequate mastery in the categories of content and organization, as well as developing mastery in
the categories of language use and mechanics/vocabulary. Papers earning this grade may contain 3-5 critical errors, / 7-10 other grammar
mistakes, or both. Papers must include at least three sources.
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Content:
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Thesis present but vaguely or imprecisely stated
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Controlling idea apparent but needs clarification and development
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Topic sentences tend to state a fact about the text, or do not have a clear argumentative point, or are unrelated to thesis
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Documented material may not be well-chosen, or may be irrelevant, or do not effectively support topic sentences
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Documented material may not be properly embedded in lead-in sentences
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Commentary tends to restate the quote, or do not make developed or insightful points, or are rather simplistic, lacking insight
(may retell the story)
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Little or no attention paid to audience or purpose
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Essay may not maintain focus of controlling idea, tends to wander or treat topic in a superficial manner
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Organization:
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Paragraphs may not flow logically
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Weak transitions between and within paragraphs that prevent coherence
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Documented material may be disconnected, poorly arranged
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Essay may not be effectively unified, essay tends to lack coherence
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Language Use/Vocabulary:
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Major problems with simple/complex constructions
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Sentences may tend to be choppy or syntax may be awkward
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Simple diction characterized by idiomatic usage
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No distinct voice or style expressed
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Major syntax problems
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Word choices are simplistic
“F” (0-69)
Works Cited (MLA)
___ sources (2 gov, edu, org)
Parenthetical Citations (MLA)
____ sources (2 gov, edu, org)
( ) correct) ( ) incorrect
( ) yes
( ) no
( ) correct) ( ) incorrect
( ) yes
( ) no
UNSATISFACTORY
Papers earning this grade contain6 or more critical errors, more than 10 other grammar mistakes, or both. Papers may utilize too few
sources.
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Content:
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Thesis vague or not discernible, lacks argumentative focus
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Controlling idea is vague or over-generalized or not present
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Topic sentences do not relate to thesis or are not present
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Documented material poorly chosen or absent and/or not embedded in lead-in sentences
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Commentary restates documented material, interpretation is superficial and demonstrates no insightful analysis
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No attention paid to audience or purpose
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Essay does not show understanding of topic
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Organization:
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No apparent organization to essay
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Points randomly made
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Essay lacks coherence and unity
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Language Use/Vocabulary:
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Diction inappropriate for academic writing
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Many syntax problems
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Word choices are poor
Number of Critical Errors __________
Works Cited (MLA)
( ) correct) ( ) incorrect
Works
Cited (MLA)
( )(correct)
___ sources
(2 gov, edu, org)
) yes ( )(incorrect
) no
6 sources (2 gov,
edu, org)
Parenthetical
Citations
(MLA) ( () )yes
correct)( )( no
) incorrect
____ sources (2 gov, edu, org)
( ) yes
( ) no
Number of Other Errors__________