GRADING RUBRIC FOR PREJUDICE RESEARCH PAPER

CATEGORY
Introduction/
Claim
____

4 (100)

3 (85)

2 (70)

1 (50)

*exceptional
introduction that grabs
interest of reader and
states topic.
**thesis (argument) is
exceptionally clear,
reasonable, welldeveloped, and a
definitive statement.

*proficient introduction that

is interesting and states
topic.
**thesis (argument) is clear
and reasonable statement of
position.

*basic introduction
that states topic but
lacks interest.
**thesis (argument) is
somewhat clear and
arguable.

*weak or no
introduction of
topic.
**papers purpose is
unclear/thesis
(argument) is weak
or missing.

Quality of
Information/
Research
____

*paper is exceptionally
researched, extremely
detailed, and
historically accurate.
**information clearly
relates to the main
topic and thesis.
***has 2-5 reliable
sources

*information relates to the

main topic and thesis.
**paper is well-researched
in detail and from a variety
of sources.
***has 2-5 reliable sources

*information relates to
the main topic, few
details and/or
examples are given.
**shows a limited
variety of sources.
***has one reliable
source

Support of
Claim/Analysis
____

*defends claim with

evidence (research)
that directly relates to
the topic.
**excellent analysis of
issue of prejudice.

*consistent connections
made between
evidence/research and claim
**good analysis of issue of
prejudice.

*some connections
made between
evidence and thesis.
**some analysis of
issue of prejudice.

*information has
little or nothing to
do with the main
topic.
**information has
weak or no
connection to the
main topic.
***has one source
which may not be
reliable
*limited or no
connections made
between evidence
and thesis.
**lack of analysis of
issue of prejudice.

Organization/
Development of
Claim
____

*exceptionally clear,
logical, mature, and
thorough development
of claim using topic
sentences and
supporting evidence in
body paragraphs

*clear and logical order that

supports claim using topic
sentences and supporting
evidence in body paragraphs

*somewhat clear and

logical development
with basic transitions
and topic sentences
between body
paragraphs.

*lacks development
of ideas with weak
or no topic
sentences between
body paragraphs.

Conclusion
____

*excellent summary of
topic with concluding
ideas that impact
reader.
**introduces no new
information.

*good summary of topic

with clear concluding ideas.
**introduces no new
information.

*basic summary of
topic with some final
concluding ideas.
**introduces no new
information.

*lack of summary of
topic.

Style/Voice
____

*style and voice are

not only appropriate to
the given audience and
purpose, but also show
originality and
creativity.
**word choice is
specific, purposeful,
and varied.
***sentences are clear,
active (subject-verbobject), and to the
point.

*style and voice appropriate

to the given audience and
purpose.
**word choice is specific
and purposeful, and
somewhat varied
throughout.
***sentences are mostly
clear, active (SVO), and to
the point.

*style and voice

somewhat appropriate
to given audience and
purpose.
**word choice is often
unspecific, generic,
and repetitive.
***sentences are
somewhat unclear;
excessive use of
passive voice.

*style and voice

inappropriate or do
not address given
audience, purpose,
etc.
**word choice is
excessively
repetitive, and
unspecific.
***sentences are
very unclear.

Grammar/Usage/
Mechanics

*control of grammar,
usage, and mechanics.

*may contain few spelling,

punctuation, and grammar

*contains several
spelling, punctuation,

*so many spelling,

punctuation, and

____

MLA
____

Paper Length
____

**almost entirely free

of spelling,
punctuation, and
grammatical errors.
*paper (including
works cited page)
correctly meets all
requirements of MLA
format (header, 12
point font, centered
title, and 1-inch
margins)
**see example
handouts from class
* paper is minimum of
2 full pages single
spaced (typed)
**paper is minimum of
3 full pages single
spaced (handwritten)

errors.

and grammar errors

which detract from the
papers readability.

grammar errors that

the paper cannot be
understood.

*paper (including works

cited page) correctly meets
most requirements of MLA
format (header, 12 point
font, centered title, and 1inch margins).
**see example handouts
from class

*paper (including
works cited page)
meets some
requirements of MLA
format (header, 12
point font, centered
title, and 1-inch
margins)
**see example
handouts from class
*paper is 1 page single
spaced (typed)
**paper is 2 pages
single spaced
(handwritten)

*paper (including
works cited page)
meets none of the
MLA format
requirements
(header, 12 point
font, centered title,
and 1-inch margins)
**see example
handouts from class
*paper is less than 1
page single spaced
(typed)
*paper is less than 2
pages single spaced
(handwritten)

*paper is minimum of 2
pages single spaced (typed)
**paper is minimum of 3
pages single spaced
(handwritten)