Research Paper

Criteria

Levels of Achievement

Content

Advanced

Proficient

Developing

Not Present

Points Earned

Substance of Analysis/Evaluation

54 to 60 points

Sophisticated, insightful analysis and evaluation; well-developed and deftly presented argument

42 to 53 points

Good analysis and evaluation; solid presentation of analysis and helpful evaluation of material

1 to 41 points

Weak to poor analysis or evaluation; not particularly well supported

0 points

Missing or unacceptable analysis or evaluation

Organization of Research and Analysis

45 to 50 points

Research and assessment/analysis is developed effectively, with a clear setup in introduction and wrap-up in conclusion; paragraphs are well unified and coherent, headed by strong topic sentences; paragraphs are well connected through transitions and are arranged in a logical manner

35 to 44 points

Overview of research and assessment/analysis is arranged so that readers can follow argument; one element might need to be strengthened (such as introduction or conclusion, transitions, or topic sentences); paragraphs are coherent and unified

1 to 34 points

Research or individual assessment/analysis undercuts argument—whether missing introduction or conclusion, unclear connections between ideas, paragraphs not well unified or coherent, or topic sentences missing

0 points

No clear organization plan

Clarity of Voice

33 to 37 point

Research argument is supported by clear communication; strong, engaging sentences; and precise word choice throughout

26 to 32 points

Research argument is conveyed by logically constructed sentences; they may not be as engaging as those that earn the “advanced” rating

1 to 25 points

Ideas are undermined by unclear communication (either in the sentence structure or unclear or weak word choice)

0 points

Opaque, extremely difficult to follow

Structure

Advanced

Proficient

Developing

Not Present

Points Earned

Grammar and Mechanics

32 to 35 points

Rare grammar errors or stylistic flaws

25 to 31 points

Some minor grammar issues

1 to 24 points

A range from minor grammar errors that occur throughout paper to major errors (score depends on level of grammar errors present)

0 points

Egregious grammar errors that mar most sentences

Documentation

25 to 28 points

Perfectly cited material (both in-text documentation and Works Cited entry)

20 to 24 points

Mostly correct citations (in-text documentation and Works Cited); may have some minor errors

1 to 19 points

Poor citations (citations are attempted, but major errors in either punctuation or format)

0 points

No documentation (in-text citations or Works Cited)

Total

/210

Instructor's Comments: