Research paper

Grading Rubric

Intro and Conclusion: Clear thesis statement in the intro. Focus. Topic is explained in both intro and conclusion

Focus and Organization: Essay stays on topic. Main ideas connect to thesis and follow a logical order.

Development: Clear paragraph ideas with main ideas, details, information, and other support. (Severe language issues may effect meaning)

Grammar: Attention to rules of standard written English.

Style: Attention to basic strategies for effective writing.

5 – The introduction and conclusion capture the reader’s attention and fully reveal the topic and the writer’s purpose. Goes above and beyond.

5 – All paragraphs relate to explaining the thesis. Main ideas flow in a logical order. The construction of the essay is solid and focused.

5 – The paragraphs thorough the essay are interesting and full of rich, appropriate details on the topic.

5 – The essay has no more than 5 grammar errors. MLA format is correct.

5 – Attention to transitions, word choice, concise language, sentence flow, and readability.

4 – The introduction and conclusion are interesting and reveal the topic and the writer’s purpose, but they lack the above and beyond effort of a “5.”

4 –All paragraphs relate to the thesis statement. All ideas are in a logical order, but there may be minor deviations from the focus.

4 – Most of the paragraphs are interesting and developed with adequate details supporting the main ideas.

4 – The essay has no more than 10 grammar errors. MLA is correct.

4 – Efficient use of above style components overall.

3 – The essay has an introduction with a clear thesis statement, but the intro/conclusion may be too basic or general.

3 – The essay is generally on-topic, but may not be in the most logical order and may have one or two instances of going off-topic.

3 – The paragraphs

may be clear, but

they lack enough

details and

information to fully

explain the main

ideas.

3 - The essay has no more than 15 grammar errors. Errors in MLA Format.

3 – Some attention to the attributes of style mentioned above, but may occasionally read awkward.

2 – The introduction and conclusion are weak, unfocused and/or lack basic explanation for the topic.

2 – The main ideas are rarely organized around a clear focus. The order of paragraphs feels random.

2 – The paragraphs are under- developed and need more information and support for the main ideas.

2 - The essay has significant grammar and/or language errors. Less than 20 errors.

2 – Does not make use of effective style strategies. Often reads awkward.

1 – The introduction and conclusion are not developed enough for a reader to understand the point of the essay.

1 – The essay fails to meet all aspects of focus and organization for college level writing.

1 – Severely underdeveloped paragraphs. *Severe language errors.

1 – The essay has severe grammar and language errors. It does not meet college-level writing standards. MLA errors.

1 – Very frequently reads awkward. Does not meet college-level writing standards.

(Each column is given a score out of 5) ↓

INTRO AND CONLUSION: 4/5

FOCUS AND ORGANIZATION: 5/5

DEVELOPMENT: 3/5

GRAMMAR: 5/5

STYLE: 4/5

(Each column’s score is then multiplied by four, so each column is then worth 20

points) ↓

4x4=16/20

5x4=20/20

3x5=12/20

5x4=20/20

4x4=16/20

(Each of the five column’s scores out of 20 are then added together) ↓

16+20+12+20+16 = 84

(The final score is scored out of 100) ↓

Final Score: 84/100