iRubric: Research Essay rubric

Introduction does not introduce topic.
A hook is missing or weak and important information is absent. There is an attempt at an introduction paragraph, but it is not developed
No thesis provided.
Fails to organize ideas.
No conclusion is apparent in the essay.
Errors are glaring, making the essay difficult to read. Verb tense changes.
Writing is jumbled and confusing.

Introduction attempts to introduce topic. Points are not obvious.
A hook is present though not followed by important information. The essay includes an attempt at an introduction paragraph, though it is not smooth
There is some evidence of thesis, but it is confusing
Shows some evidence of an organizational plan.
Conclusion may be attempted, but does not summarize or restate thesis.
Flow of writing is hard to follow.
Some minor verb tense errors.

Introduction introduces topic but is wordy or too specific.
The introduction includes a hook, transitions to the thesis statement, and is mostly effective.
Thesis is somewhat clear, but could be worded better.
Uses an identifiable organizational plan.
Conclusion provides a summary of supporting points: it is wordy or does not restate the thesis.
Some errors found but they do not detract from the flow of the paper.
The writing is generally clear

Introduction is concise and introduces topic in a general but interesting way.
The introduction includes a hook.
Thesis is thorough and stated clearly
Establishes a clear and logical organization.
Conclusion is concise and summarizes supporting points: restates the thesis in a new way.
Few or no errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Strong vocabulary and sentence structure.
Writing is clear and easy to understand.

No evidence or details are provided. Commentary is missing or unrelated.


makes connections within and between various contexts with limited effectiveness

There may be some evidence and commentary, but details are inadequate and comments are missing or repetitive.
makes connections within and between various contexts with some effectiveness

There is adequate evidence, though some may be missing. Commentary is included, but may not fully support the thesis.
makes connections within and between various contexts with considerable effectiveness

Evidence and Commentary clearly provide support for the thesis and are interesting and well written.
makes connections within and between various contexts with high degree of effectiveness

WC is not present or in-text citations are missing or formatted incorrectly.
Many requirements were not met.

WC is present, but is not MLA formatted or does not match the in-text citations.
Most of the written requirements were met.

WC and in-text citations are present in MLA style. May not be in alphabetic order or missing a minor element.
Almost all of the written requirements were met.

WC and in-text citations are correctly formatted, present and assist the reader.
All of the written requirements (# of paragraphs, 12pt font, Times New Roman, heading)