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Research Paper Rubric

__________Research Process and MLA Formatting

The form and presentation of the text adheres to the guidelines of the Modern Language Association. The writer demonstrates an understanding of research writing process and conventions.

· The writer used class time appropriately and followed a research process/plan.

· Notecards follow class guidelines and contain information corresponding to the text.

· At least one rough draft reflects the writer’s thought process beyond surface corrections.

· A sentence or topic outline follows MLA form.

· The heading is located and spaced correctly.

· A specific title is attention-getting and also indicates the content/direction of the paper.

· The Works Cited or Works Consulted is arranged according to MLA guidelines.

· Parenthetical documentation throughout the text adheres to MLA guidelines.

__________Development

Content: The paper is clear and focused. It holds the reader’s attention. Relevant anecdotes and details enrich the central theme.

· Materials reflect appropriate quality/quantity of sources.

· Writing demonstrates writer’s knowledge, perceptions.

· Information is based on investigation of a topic and goes beyond common knowledge.

· Details provide the reader with important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.

· Accurate details support the main ideas.

· Writing demonstrates an understanding of selecting material that is significant.

· The reader’s questions are anticipated and addressed.

Organization: The organization enhances and showcases the central theme or idea. The order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling and moves the reader through the text.

· The thesis statement has a clear focus that reflects the paper’s purpose, content, and order.

· An inviting introduction draws the reader in.

· Thoughtful, creative, and appropriate transitions between sentences and thoughts clearly show how each relates to, and builds upon, the one before it.

· Pacing is well controlled: The writer knows when to slow down and elaborate and when to pick up the pace and move on.

· Organization flows so smoothly the reader hardly thinks about it; the choice of structure matches the purpose and audience.

· A satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure and resolution.

__________ Research Writing Skills

The text reflects an academic/research rhetorical situation.

· The writer uses sources to support his/her points.

· The writer uses a variety of sources without an over-reliance on one source.

· The text demonstrates synthesis as the writer combines his/her own ideas with those of documented sources.

· The text demonstrates synthesis as the writer combines ideas from varied sources.

· Paraphrased ideas include appropriate attribution and documentation.

· Quoted material is attributed, documented, and blended with the text, not left to “stand alone.”

· Documentation is clearly linked to Works Cited/Works Consulted entries.

· Documentation is accurate!!!

__________ Style

Voice: The writer speaks to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and engaging. The writer crafts the writing with an awareness of and respect for the purpose of the writing.

· The tone of the writing adds interest to the message and is research appropriate.

Word Choice: Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful and engaging.

· Words are specific and accurate. It is easy to understand just what the writer means.

· Striking words and phrases often catch the reader’s eye and linger in the reader’s mind.

· Lively verbs add energy while specific nouns and modifiers add depth.

· Precision is obvious. The writer has taken care to put just the right word or phrase in just the right spot.

Sentence Fluency: The writing has an easy flow, rhythm, and cadence. Sentences are well built, with strong and varied structure that invites expressive oral reading.

· Sentences are constructed in a way that underscores and enhances meaning.

· Sentences vary in length as well as structure.

· Purposeful and varied sentence beginnings add variety and energy.

· The writing has a cadence; the writer has thought about the sound of the words as well as the meaning.

__________ Conventions

The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage) and uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors tend to be so few that just minor touch-ups would get this piece ready to publish.

· Spelling is generally correct, even on more difficult words.

o Homonyms are in the correct form.

o Plurals and possessives are used correctly.

· Capitalization is consistent and uppercases all first words, initials, proper names and adjectives, and follows formal title rules.

· Grammar and usage are research appropriate.

o        Fragments and/or run-on are not used.

o        Pronoun/antecedent references are accurate/

o        Pronouns are not ambiguous.

o        Modifying phrases are not misplaced or dangling.

o        Verb tense is consistent.

· Punctuation is accurate and guides the reader through the text.

· The writing is sufficiently complex to allow the writer to show skill in using a wide range of conventions.