Name:____________________
Research Paper Rubric
4 3
 Exceptionally clear, focused,
interesting thesis.
Content and  Strong, rich supporting
details and examples that
Focus prove thesis.
 A meaningful conclusion
explaining the importance of
the research and how it can
be used.
 Strong introduction and
conclusion.
Organization  Consistent and coherent
logical progression.
 Uses clear and skillful
transitions.
 Written in formal language
(avoids slang completely).
 Elaborate and colorful
language.
Style  Consistently strong and
varied sentence structure.
 Direct quotes support
student’s ideas.
 Paper written in student’s
own words.
Follows MLA guidelines:
 Uses 5 or more cited
sources.
Sources/Format  Sources meet the guidelines
for types of sources.
 All parenthetical
documentation is MLA
correct (author’s name, pg.
#).
 Works Cited page is MLA
correct.
 All researched info is
documented.
Superior editing. Rarely makes
errors in the following areas:
Conventions
 Spelling and mechanics.
 Correct usage and grammar.
Score:_______ / 4
Evaluated by:_______________________________ Date:__________
 Clear thesis which
maintains a consistent
focus from beginning to
end.
 Specific supporting
details are present.
 A clear conclusion as to
why the research is
important.
 Clear introduction and
conclusion.
 Illustrates some
consistency and
shows some logical
progression.
 Uses clear transitions.
 Majority of paper written
in formal language.
 Language appropriate to
topic.
 Words convey intended
message.
 Direct quotes support
student’s ideas.
 Majority of paper written
in student’s own words.
Follows MLA Guidelines
with few exceptions:
 3-4 cited sources used.
 Sources meet the
guidelines for types of
sources.
 Few errors noted in
parenthetical
documentation
 Majority of Works Cited
page is MLA correct.
 Most research info is
Documented.
Careful editing. Makes few
errors in the following areas:
 Spelling and mechanics
 Correct usage and
grammar
2 1
 Contains thesis but  Thesis statement lacks
with inconsistent clarity and focus.
focus.  Inadequate or missing
 Generalized supporting details.
supporting details that  Missing a summarizing
prove thesis. conclusion
 Conclusion tends to
summarize research.
 Introduction and  Unable to clearly identify
conclusion is present introduction and
but not clear conclusion.
 Show some attempt of  Lack of consistency and
consistency and order. order.
Paper shows attempt of  Paper shows little or no
transitions between attempt of transitions
paragraphs. between paragraphs.
 Some use of formal  Paper frequently uses
language recognized; informal language.
informal language is  Language is not
dominant. appropriate to topic.
 Most language is  Message is unclear.
appropriate to topic.  Majority of paper is
 Able to get vague idea plagiarized.
of message.
 Some parts of paper
written in student’s
own words.
 Inconsistent use of  Fails to follow MLA style
MLA style guidelines. Guidelines.
 Less than 3 cited  Less than 3 cited sources
sources used. used little or no
 Majority of parenthetical
parenthetical documentation.
documentation done  Works Cited page is not
incorrectly. understandable.
 Random MLA
documentation.
 Rarely documents
sources.
Some evidence of editing: Poor editing:
 Extensive spelling and  Spelling and grammatical
grammatical errors. errors make it difficult to
read paper.