Final Research Paper Grading Rubric (English III)

FINAL DRAFTS of Junior Research Papers are DUE Friday, May 17!!!!

Final Research Paper Grading Rubric

Student:
Author:	Teacher:
Descriptor One:  Focus						Points Assigned
A.  Presents insightful and focused thesis statement.			0			2		4					6				8					10
B.  Draws strong and clear connections between the thesis and significant related ideas (information is relevant to thesis statement and limited to one topic).			0			2		4					5				6					7
Total Points this section  (17 possible points)
Descriptor Two:  Organization						Points Assigned
A.      Presents a compelling introduction with an effective transition to the thesis statement.			0			1			2					3								4
B.       Effectively provides a clear and logical progression of related ideas (follows the order of the thesis statement).			0			1								2								4
C.        Clear topic sentences begin each new paragraph of related information.			0			1								2								3
D.       Effectively uses transitions to connect supporting information between and within paragraphs and between original writing and cited material; uses signal phrases to introduce quotes.			0			1								2								3
E.       Effective analysis sentences/transitions at the end of each topic paragraph.			0			1								2								3
F.        Arrives at a well-documented, logical conclusion, involving critical thinking.			0			1			2					3							3
Total Points this section  (20 possible points)
Descriptor Three:  Support and Elaboration						Points Assigned
A.  Synthesizes complex ideas from research sources.			0			1			2				3								4
B.  Effectively demonstrates exceptional selection of supporting information relevant to the thesis and its related ideas; does not repeat information.			0			1								2								4
C.  Provides a meaningful presentation of multiple, credible, and current sources (no .com).			0			1								2								4
D.  Effectively balances use of quotations and student paraphrasing and summarizing.			0			1			2				3								5
E.  Skillfully integrates student-generated visual aids (diagrams, charts, graphs, pictures, graphic organizers to emphasize important content) which are properly formatted and/or block quotations.			0										+1
Total Points this section (17 possible points)
Descriptor Four:  Style									Points Assigned
A.  Exhibits skillful use of language, including effective word choice, clarity, and consistent voice (avoids wordiness, awkward phrase and repetition).			0						1				2					3
B.  Demonstrates exceptional fluency through varied sentence structure, paragraphing, flow of ideas, and transitions.			0						1				2					3
D.  Information is insightful and captures the readers’ attention; key items are defined and avoids unnecessary jargon.			0						1				2					3
E.  Avoids, clichés, slang, and “to be” verbs; no 1st or 2nd person.			0						1				2					3
Total Points this section (12 possible points)
Descriptor Five:  Conventions		Points Assigned
A.   Consistently uses standard sentence structure (no fragments or run-ons, avoids comma splices and subject/verb agreement is correct.).		0		1			2				3
B.  Sentences begin with a capital letter; proper nouns are capitalized; no unnecessary or arbitrary capitalization.		0		1			2				3
C.  Punctuation is used correctly (commas, parenthesis, semicolons, colons, hyphens, and parenthesis) to include MLA use of brackets, ellipsis, and sic.  Possession is correct.		0		1			2				3
D.  Spelling errors do not distract the reader; numbers under one hundred are spelled out.		0		1			2				3
Total Points this section    (12 possible points)
Descriptive Six:  Information Literacy		Points Assigned
A.  Employs proper MLA page formatting (one-inch margins, double-spaced, does not skip lines between paragraphs, half-inch indent for new paragraphs; uses Times New Roman, 12-point font).		0			1					2										3
B.  Correct header and heading; includes an interesting title; all pages are numbered.		0			1										2
C.  Meets minimum page requirements (3-5; 4-6).		0			1					3										5
D.  Correct MLA internal parenthetical citation format (context, author and page provided for all borrowed material within the text).		0			1					2										3
E. Works cited page is correctly formatted with one-inch margins and title; is in alphabetical order, doubled-spaced with no extra spaces between sources and 2nd line of each source indented.		0			1											2
F.      Works cited sources contain proper quotation marks, italics/underlining, proper order of information and punctuation within citation.		0			1										2							3
G.      Contains at least three (1) print source, one (1) internet , one (1) scholarly journal		0			1					3									4
Total Points this section  (22 possible points)
Conscientiously and consistently demonstrates integrity in citing practices – paper is not plagiarized.   Any student who plagiarizes will automatically fail with no appeal – this includes the lack of or improper internal documentation and the omission of a works cited page.  If “Yes” total final score; if “No” student receives a zero and fails the paper.		Yes										No
Total Points Earned (Final Score)
Comments: