Argument research paper

Understands how to correctly use and cite sources without plagiarizing as per APA Manual, 6th edition.

100

All exact words from sources are quoted and cited either parenthetically or in text as per APA 6th ed., p. 171 & p. 177 in APA Manual, Chapter 6.

All 1 sentence summaries and paraphrases are cited either parenthetically or in text as per APA p. 15.

Longer summaries or paraphrases (2 or more sentences in a row) are correctly cited as per p. 15

85

All words from sources are quoted and cited either parenthetically or in text. All quotations are close to original but may not be exact. One or two citations may not follow exact APA format as per p. 171 & p. 177 in APA Manual, Chapter 6.

All 1 sentence summaries and paraphrases are cited either parenthetically or in text as per APA.

Longer summaries or paraphrases (2 or more sentences in a row) are cited.

However, student may have cited every sentence formally, either parenthetically or in text.

70

Not all words within a quotation are quoted or quoted incorrectly or not cited correctly either parenthetically or in text as per APA.

All 1 sentence summaries and paraphrases are cited either parenthetically or in text as per APA.

Some citations do not follow APA format as per p. 171 & p. 177 in APA Manual, Chapter 6.

60

Missing quotation mark on one minor, short quote.

One short summary is too close to the original.

Only the last sentence of a long summary or paraphrase (2 sentences or more) is cited at the end of the summary or paraphrase.

Many citations do not match APA format.

0

When using exact word (word for word) of another, quotation marks are not used OR sources are not cited

Any summaries and/or paraphrases are not cited.

Summaries are almost word for word.

Paper or any part of paper is plagiarized from another person or from self.

Any of the above will result in a “0” for the paper and an “F” in the class.

Grammar, Usage and Punctuation

100

No major errors* in grammar or spelling and no or very few minor errors that do not distract the reader from the content.

*major errors include run ons, comma splices, fragments, subject verb agreement problems, use of 2nd person

85

One major errors* in grammar and/or some minor errors**

** minor errors include contractions, colloquialisms, pronoun agreement, pronoun reference, possession, comma placement, etc.

70

2-3 major errors in grammar and/or many minor errors

60

4 or more errors in grammar and/or numerous minor errors

0

Excessive grammar errors that interfere with the ability to understand the ideas in the paper will result in an "F" for the paper.

Support

51

Ideas are well developed. Evidence and examples are specific, relevant and tied to supporting point, supporting and proving thesis through own ideas, general claims, and by paraphrase, summary and quotes as per the paper directions

43

Ideas are well developed. Most evidence and examples are specific, relevant and tied to supporting point, supporting and proving thesis through own ideas, general claims, and by paraphrase, summary and quotes as per paper directions

35

Ideas are fairly general. Evidence and examples are either general, not relevant, and/or not tied to the supporting point. Some paragraphs do not prove thesis or do not use enough research support from sources. Paper directions not entirely followed.

25

Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained AND/OR many paper directions are not followed.

0

Paper directions not being followed will result in an F for the paper.

APA Basic Format

(Title page, Abstract, Reference page, Font, Spacing, Margins)

51

APA format is complete and correct.

43

APA format is mostly followed. 2 - 3 minor errors

35

APA is mostly followed 4 - 5 minor errors

25

Major errors or many minor errors in APA .

0

APA is rarely or not followed

Introduction and Thesis Statement

51

Introductory paragraph introduces paper. Thesis statement states topic and point of paper in one sentence. College level.

43

Introductory paragraph introduces paper. Topic and main point of paper is found in 2 or more sentences.

35

Introductory paragraph does not introduce the paper. Or topic and main point of the paper is not found.

25

No introduction. No thesis statement OR topic and main point stated is not the main point of the paper. Thesis introduces the general topic of the research, but does not include key words of the assignment.

0

No introduction & no thesis.

Organization/Structure

51

Paragraphs have topic sentences. All ideas in the paper flow logically; the argument is identifiable, reasonable, and sound. Structure flows smoothly. Excellent transitions from point to point. Paragraphs support topic sentences. Creates appropriate college level, academic tone.

43

Most paragraphs have topic sentences. Argument of paper is clear, flows logically and makes sense. Generally clear and appropriate structure. May have an unclear transition, or a paragraph without strong topic sentence. Mostly creates appropriate college level, academic tone.

35

Few paragraphs have topic sentences. Argument of paper is mainly clear, usually flows logically and makes sense. Generally clear and appropriate structure, though may wander occasionally. May have a few unclear transitions, or a few paragraphs without strong topic sentences. Occasionally creates appropriate college level, academic tone, but has some informal language or inappropriate slang.

25

Many or all paragraphs do not have topic sentences. OR Used quotations as topic sentences. Logic may often fail, or argument may often be unclear. Generally unclear, often wanders or jumps around. Few or no transitions. Informal language.

0

Cannot follow most ideas throughout paper