Research paper

Category

Excellent

Good

Fair

Not Evident

Introduction / Claim / Thesis

Exceptional introduction that grabs interest of reader and clearly states topic.

Claim is exceptionally clear, well-developed, and a definitive statement.

Proficient introduction that is interesting and states topic.

Claim is clear and arguable statement of position.

Basic introduction that states topic but lacks interest.

Claim is somewhat clear and arguable.

Weak or no introduction of topic.

Paper’s purpose is unclear/thesis is weak or missing.

Content Knowledge and Quality of Research

Essay is exceptionally researched, contains a minimum of 10 sources that relate to the thesis argument in a logical manner.

Information relates to the main topic.

Essay, is well-researched in detail and from 10 good sources.

Information relates to the main topic, but few details and/or examples are given. Shows a limited variety of sources.

Information has little or nothing to do with the thesis.

Research has weak or no connection to the thesis

Content Application: Support of Claim and argument and analysis

Exceptionally critical, relevant and consistent connections made between evidence and thesis.

Excellent analysis.

Consistent connections made between evidence and thesis

Good analysis.

Some connections made between evidence and thesis.

Some analysis.

Limited or no connections made between evidence and thesis.

Lack of analysis.

Writing Mechanics

Writing is clear and relevant, with no grammatical and/or spelling errors – polished and professional.

Most ideas are stated clearly and are related to the topic, with only minor grammatical and/or spelling errors.

Many ideas require clarification and/or are off-topic or have marginal relevance to the assignment. Many grammatical and/or spellings errors throughout the paper. The paper is very challenging to read due to poor writing flow.

Paper does not meet the criteria for the assignment (too short or incomplete, too long, and/or completely off-topic).

MLA and Formatting

Excellent formatting, reference page, and citation according to MLA requirements.

Reference page, formatting, and citation according to MLA is well done with minor errors.

Reference page, formatting, and citation according to MLA has major errors.

There is no Reference page and/or citations and/or formatting according to MLA.