english final essay

Research Paper Grading Scale

Your Research Essay will be graded using the following criteria.

I. Use of source material (20 points total)

A. Choice of sources (10 points)

· quality of sources

· current sources

· balance of viewpoints

· variety of types of sources

B. Choosing appropriate content from sources (10 points)

· adequate amount of research

· including credentials to show expertise

· smooth integration of quotes and sources into the paper

· fair and accurate reporting of source contents

· integrating appropriate visuals

II. Writing (50 points total)

A. Use of thesis (10 points)

· placement at end of introduction

· defines position on issue

· reinforced or extended in conclusion.

B. Introduction and Conclusion (10 points)

· Introduction leads into thesis smoothly.

· Introduction gets reader's attention effectively.

· Conclusion reinforces thesis.

· Conclusion does not introduce new subtopic.

C. Contents (30 points)

· all parts of thesis supported

· all material relevant to thesis

· use of appropriate transitions

· good logical argument

· audience-appropriate choices of language

· key terms defined clearly

· generalizations supported with research evidence

· at least one visual with a caption and citation

· logical arrangement of ideas

· length (research paper needs to be at least six pages not counting the works cited page)

III. Mechanics (10 points)

· grammar and usage at college level

· spelling correctly

· MLA manuscript form followed

· all instructions followed

· MLA heading used

· pages numbered

· academic style used consistently

· third person point of view, without first or second person pronouns (I, we, you, etc.)

· no contractions

· no slang or informal expressions

III. Documentation (20 points total)

A. Citations in text (10 points)

· used where needed

· correct MLA form

B. Works Cited page (10 points)

· correct MLA form

· content matches the parenthetical citations

· at least 7 sources used

Possible total 100 Points