assignment 9

Criteria for Research Paper about Non-fiction book

Outstanding 5

Good 4

Adequate 3

Weak 2

Poor 1

Strong introduction with appropriate context that raises the overall topic and frames the project in an interesting way. Clear thesis statement which frames the four parts of the project. Part 1: Clear and concise definition of two concepts from the book.

Clearly differentiates between a formal and informal tone in two separate paragraphs. Part 2: Summarizes key points or issues of book.

Summary is framed from author's point of view and not the writer's. Part 3: Using four quotes, the writer explains whether or not the author has a bias. Part 4: The writer convincingly argues whether s/he agrees or disagrees with the ideas.

Uses examples from personal experience as supporting evidence.

Uses responses from surveys to support the argument being made.

Uses three scholarly sources as supporting evidence.

Shows clearly that the student read and understood the source texts that inform the paper. Develops specific ideas in depth with strong and appropriate examples, data, and experiences. Establishes clear pattern of development, so the paper feels organized and orderly from beginning to end

Uses effective generalization/support patterning

Strong paragraphing

Source materials are introduced, contextualized, and made relevant to the purpose of the paper.

It is always clear when information, opinions, or facts come from a source as opposed to coming from the student.

Source materials are conventionally documented according to academic MLA style.

Student controls the pace, rhythm, and sentence variety.

Sentence style is smooth and efficient, with good use of subordination and coordination.

Words are well-chosen and phrasing is apt and precise.

Sentences move smoothly from one to the next, with clear moves that open, develop, and close topics. Few if any errors of punctuation, spelling, and capitalization

Few if any grammatical errors such as agreement, tense, case, number, pronouns

Outstanding = 5

Good = 4

Adequate = 3

Weak = 2

Poor = 1

Total: ________/60 =_________