8th Grade Research Paper Rubric

4 (20 points) 3 (18 points) 2 (16 points) 1 (14 points)

Focus Thesis is clearly stated or
implied and highly engages the
reader.
Organization Exhibits logical progression of
ideas and/or events and
skillfully uses transitions
between ideas.
Thesis is clearly stated or
implied.
Exhibits logical progression
of ideas, although there may
be minor weaknesses.
Transitions adequately
connect ideas.
Thesis is not clearly stated
or implied.
Exhibits major lapses in
the logical progression of
ideas, and transitions are
inconsistent or ineffective.
There is no thesis and no
understanding of
connection between thesis
and related ideas.
Ideas and/or events are
presented in a random
fashion with little or no
connections between ideas.

Support & Demonstrates exceptional
Elaboration selection of supporting
information clearly relevant to
the thesis within the minimum 2
to 5 page requirement.
Sources There are a minimum of three
sources which are properly cited
using correct MLA format. At
least one source is directly
referenced within the paper.
Grammar/ Exhibits strong control of
Vocabulary grammar and vocabulary
appropriate to 8th grade.
Points per
Category
Demonstrates sufficient
selection of supporting
information clearly relevant
to the thesis within the
minimum 2 to 5 page
requirement
There are a minimum of three
sources which are properly
cited using correct MLA
format.
Exhibits reasonable control of Exhibits minimal control of Lacks control of grammar
grammar and vocabulary
appropriate to 8th grade.
Demonstrates insufficient Lacks supporting
selection of supporting information clearly
information clearly relevant to thesis and its
relevant to the thesis OR related ideas and paper
paper does not meet the 2 does not meet minimum
to 5 page requirement. page requirements.
Fewer than three sources Sources are incomplete or
are used OR sources are non-existent.
not cited using proper
MLA format.
grammar and vocabulary and vocabulary appropriate
appropriate to 8th grade. to 8th grade.

Total Points __________/100