Name: Rubric for Research Paper 100 pts.
10 pts. 8 pts. 5 pts. 0 pt.
Criteria Exemplary Good Acceptable Unacceptable
Purpose
The writer’s central
purpose or argument is
readily apparent to the
reader.
The writing has a clear
purpose or argument, but may
sometimes digress from it.
The central purpose or
argument is not
consistently clear
throughout the paper.
The purpose or
argument is generally
unclear.
Content
Balanced presentation of
relevant and legitimate
information that clearly
supports a central purpose
or argument and shows a
thoughtful, in-depth
analysis of a significant
topic. Reader gains
important insights.
Information provides
reasonable support for a
central purpose or argument
and displays evidence of a
basic analysis of a significant
topic. Reader gains some
insights.
Information supports a
central purpose or
argument at times.
Analysis is basic or
general. Reader gains
few insights.
Central purpose or
argument is not clearly
identified. Analysis is
vague or not evident.
Reader is confused or
may be misinformed.
Organization
The ideas are arranged
logically to support the
purpose or argument.
They flow smoothly from
one to another and are
clearly linked to each
other. The reader can
follow the line of
reasoning.
The ideas are arranged
logically to support the
central purpose or argument.
They are usually clearly
linked to each other. For the
most part, the reader can
follow the line of reasoning.
In general, the writing is
arranged logically,
although occasionally
ideas fail to make sense
together. The reader is
fairly clear about what
writer intends.
The writing is not
logically organized.
Frequently, ideas fail to
make sense together.
The reader cannot
identify a line of
reasoning and loses
interest.
Feel
The writing is
compelling. It hooks the
reader and sustains
interest throughout.
The writing is generally
engaging, but has some dry
spots. In general, it is
focused and keeps the
reader’s attention.
The writing is dull and
unengaging. Though the
paper has some
interesting parts, the
reader finds it difficult to
maintain interest.
The writing has little
personality. The reader
quickly loses interest
and stops reading.
Tone
The tone is consistently
professional and
appropriate for an
academic research paper.
The tone is generally
professional. For the most
part, it is appropriate for an
academic research paper.
The tone is not
consistent-ly
professional or
appropriate for an
academic research paper.
The tone is
unprofessional. It is not
appropriate for an
academic research paper.
Sentence
Structure
Sentences are well-
phrased and varied in
length and structure.
They flow smoothly
from one to another.
Sentences are well-phrased
and there is some variety in
length and structure. The
flow from sentence to
sentence is generally smooth.
Some sentences are
awkwardly constructed
so that the reader is
occasionally distracted.
Errors in sentence
structure are frequent
enough to be a major
distraction to the reader.
Word Choice
Word choice is
consistently precise and
accurate.
Word choice is generally
good. The writer often goes
beyond the generic word to
find one more precise and
effective.
Word choice is merely
adequate, and the range
of words is limited.
Some words are used
inappropriately.
Many words are used
inappropriately,
confusing the reader.
Grammar,
Spelling,
Writing
Mechanics
The writing is free or
almost free of errors.
There are occasional errors,
but they don’t represent a
major distraction or obscure
meaning.
The writing has many
errors, and the reader is
distracted by them.
There are so many errors
that meaning is
obscured. The reader is
confused and stops
reading.
Length
Paper is the number of
paragraphs/pages
specified in the
assignment. Introduction
and conclusion are at least
five (5) sentences each.
Paper is the number of
paragraphs/pages specified in
the assignment; Introduction
and/or conclusion are not the
required length.
Introduction and/or
conclusion are the
required length but the
paper is not.
Paper has more or fewer
pages/paragraphs than
specified in the
assignment.
MLA
The paper is in proper
MLA formatting
(including in-text
citations) as is the title
page and outline.
There are some errors with
formatting.
There are numerous
errors in formatting on
paper, title page and/or
outline.
The paper is not in
MLA, there is no title
page and/or outline.
