Research Paper

CATEGORY

Unacceptable (Below Standards)

Acceptable (Meets Standards)

Good

(Occasionally Exceeds)

Excellent (Exceeds Standards)

SCORE

Introduction

Does not adequately convey topic. Does not describe subtopics to be reviewed. Lacks adequate theses statement.

Conveys topic, but not key question(s). Describes subtopics to be reviewed. General theses statement.

Conveys topic and key question(s). Clearly delineates subtopics to be reviewed. General thesis statement.

Strong introduction of topic’s key question(s), terms. Clearly delineates subtopics to be reviewed. Specific thesis statement.

10 points

Focus & Sequencing

Little evidence material is not logically organized

into topic, subtopics or related to topic. Many transitions are unclear or nonexistent.

Most material clearly related to subtopic, main topic. Material may not be organized within subtopics. Attempts to provide variety of

transitions

All material clearly related to subtopic, main topic and logically organized within subtopics. Clear, varied transitions linking subtopics, and main topic.

All material clearly related to subtopic, main topic. Strong organization and integration of material within subtopics. Strong transitions linking subtopics, and main topic.

20 points

Support

Few sources supporting thesis. Sources insignificant or unsubstantiated.

Sources generally acceptable but not peer-reviewed research

(evidence) based.

Sources well selected to support thesis with some research in support of thesis.

Strong peer reviewed research based support for thesis.

15 points

Conclusion

Does not summarize evidence with respect to thesis statement. Does not discuss the impact of researched material on topic.

Review of key conclusions. Some integration with thesis statement. Discusses impact of researched material on topic.

Strong review of key conclusions. Strong integration with thesis statement. Discusses impact of researched material on topic.

Strong review of key conclusions. Strong integration with thesis statement. Insightful discussion of impact of the researched material on topic.

10 points

Grammar & Mechanics

Grammatical

errors or spelling & punctuation substantially detract from the paper.

Very few grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors interfere with reading the paper.

Grammatical errors or spelling & punctuation are rare and do not detract from the paper.

The paper is free of grammatical errors and spelling & punctuation.

15 points

APA Style & Communication

Errors in APA style detract substantially from the paper. Word choice is informal in tone. Writing is choppy, with many awkward or unclear passages.

Errors in APA style are noticeable. Word choice occasionally informal in tone. Writing has a few awkward or unclear passages.

Rare errors in APA style that do not detract from the paper. Scholarly style. Writing has minimal awkward of unclear passages.

No errors in APA style. Scholarly style. Writing is flowing and easy to follow.

15 points

Citations & References

Reference and citation errors detract significantly from paper.

Two references or citations missing or incorrectly written.

One reference or citations missing or incorrectly written.

All references and citations are correctly written and present.

15 points