Research Paper Rubric

As in all writing assignments, you will be assessed in accordance with the 6 + 1 Traits of
Writing rubric. For this particular assignment, a special emphasis will be placed upon
three traits: Ideas and Content, Organization, and Presentation. For the other traits (voice,
word choice, sentence fluency, conventions), refer to your course writing rubric.
Ideas and Content
In addition to the descriptions in the 6 +1 Traits of Writing rubric, use the following
specific guidelines:
Top Scores
The paper has a thesis that takes a clear position on the research question.
Research-based evidence provides clear and convincing support for the thesis.
Research includes a variety of sources, as specified in the assignment instructions.
Sources consulted are balanced and represent different viewpoints.
Prominent opposing viewpoints are identified and explained.
The paper has sufficient length complete its purpose and the requirements of the
assignment.
Sources are accurately acknowledged through documentation.
Middle Scores
The paper has a thesis, although it may by more of a general statement of fact
about the topic than a position, or the papers position is not totally clear.
Research-based evidence is related to the topic, but it does not always clearly
support the topic; it may be more of a collection of facts related to the topic. It
may be related but insufficient in amount to fully support the thesis.
Sources consulted do not show as much variety as is necessary to meet the needs
of the topic or the assignment requirements.
Sources consulted may tend to favor one side of a controversial issue only.
The argument may overlook or slight prominent opposing viewpoints.
The paper may not have sufficient length to complete its purpose or to meet the
assignment requirements.
Sources are accurately acknowledged through documentation, with some
unintentional errors.
Lower Scores
A unifying thesis is not clearly stated or the paper seems to shift its focus.
Research based facts do not have a clear purpose in support, or there is not
sufficient research to justify a conclusion, or facts are inaccurate.
Research comes from a very limited range of resources.
Sources consulted may be limited to biased viewpoints.
Opposing viewpoints are ignored.

The paper does not have sufficient length to meet its purpose or satisfy the
assignment requirements.
Sources are not always accurately acknowledged through documentation, with
portions of the paper appearing as if they originated with the student rather than
the actual source.

Organization
In addition to the descriptions in the 6 +1 traits of Writing rubric, use the following
specific guidelines:
Top Scores
The paper has an introduction that includes the thesis statement.
The paper is primarily the students writing, with evidence blended in effectively
in support.
Supporting evidence is arranged in paragraphs in a sequence that makes the
relation to the thesis clear.
Paragraph structure presents supporting evidence in a unified and coherent
manner, blending effectively with the students writing.
Sections are clearly connected, and the development follows a logical pattern.
An effective ending brings a sense of closure and resolution.
Middle Scores
The introduction does not completely prepare the reader for the content of the
essay.
Although much of the writing is the students, a high percentage of the content is
taken directly from sources.
Supporting evidence is not as clearly organized in support of a thesis. It may be
organized instead by listing facts from one source followed by facts from another
source.
Evidence is quoted without blending effectively with student writing.
The sequence of ideas in the paper does not follow a logical pattern.
A conclusion is attempted, but it does not effectively wrap up ideas or bring the
paper to an effective close.
Lower Scores
The introduction is absent or does not introduce a thesis.
If the paper has an adequate number of sources, it may be more of a collection of
quotations than an essay written by the student.
There is no clear sequence of the presentation of evidence.
The conclusion of the paper does not effectively wrap up ideas or bring the paper
to an effective close.
The conclusion is absent.

Presentation
Top Scores
In addition to the descriptions in the 6 +1 traits of Writing rubric, use the following
specific guidelines:
The paper follows MLA format in page setup.
The paper follows MLA format with the use of parenthetical documentation.
The paper follows MLA style in its Works Cited page.
Middle Scores
The paper attempts to follow MLA format in page setup, with minor variations.
The paper attempts to follow MLA format with the use of parenthetical
documentation, although some punctuation errors may occur.
The paper attempts to follow MLA style in its Works Cited page, although some
errors do occur.
Lower Scores
The paper generally does not follow MLA format in page setup.
The paper generally does not follow MLA format with the use of parenthetical
documentation.
The paper generally does not follow MLA style in its Works Cited page, or the
Works Cited page is absent.
Other Areas of Grading
Please consult the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing rubric for the following areas of evaluation:
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions