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iRubric: Research Paper - 8th Grade rubric

iRubric: Research Paper - 8th Grade rubric

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Research Paper - 8th Grade 
Research Paper Final Grade 7
The 8th grade research paper should be a minimum of 5 pages double-spaced with a clear introduction, a well-developed body of the paper, and a conclusion. The paper should include in-text citations and a works cited (bibliography) and follow MLA format.
Rubric Code: RXC3594
By lrmcbride
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12

Powered by iRubric 8th Grade Research Paper
  Excellent/Above Grade Level

5 pts

Good/At Grade Level

4 pts

Promising/Approaching Grade Level

3 pts

Poor/Considerably Grade Level

2 pts

Unacceptable

1 pts

Introduction 5 pts

Excellent/Above Grade Level

The student has introduced the topic of the paper well and has a insightful thesis statement. The sentences flow logically throughout the paragraph. The student has used a great hook to grab the reader's attention.
Good/At Grade Level

The student has introduced the topic of the paper and has a clear thesis statement. The sentences flow logically throughout the paragraph. The student has used a decent hook to grab the reader's attention.
Promising/Approaching Grade Level

The student has introduced the topic of the paper, and the sentences flow throughout the paragraph, but the introduction is lacking a hook and/or needs a better thesis statement.
Poor/Considerably Grade Level

The student has an introduction, but he/she needs to work on making the sentences flow, adding a hook, and/or adding a thesis statement.
Unacceptable

The student does not have an introductory paragraph.
Organization 10 pts

Excellent/Above Grade Level

The paper follows proper format, and paragraphs have solid topic sentences and stay on topic. The paper flows well from one paragraph to the next.
Good/At Grade Level

The paper mostly follows proper format, and most paragraphs have topic sentences and stay on topic. The paper flows from one paragraph to the next, but there may be some areas where paragraphs don't stay on topic and/or the paper flows awkwardly.
Promising/Approaching Grade Level

The author attempts to create an organized paper, but he/she needs to work on transitions, formatting, and staying on topic.
Poor/Considerably Grade Level

The paper is quite disorganized or difficult to follow. The author needs to work on significant revision.
Unacceptable

The paper is extremely disjointed and difficult to follow, or the student has not written enough for a judgment to be made on the quality of organization.
Conclusion 5 pts

Excellent/Above Grade Level

Conclusion accurately sums up what is said in the paper, includes a restatement of the thesis sentence (not word for word), provides meaningful insight into the topic, and ends in a satisfying manner.
Good/At Grade Level

Conclusion accurately sums up what is said in the paper, includes a restatement of the thesis sentence (not word for word), and has a feeling of closure at the end.
Promising/Approaching Grade Level

Conclusion sums up what is said in the paper and includes a restatement of the thesis sentence.
Poor/Considerably Grade Level

Conclusion attempts to sum up what is said in the paper but does so awkwardly and disjointedly. Thesis sentence may be repeated word for word or may be missing.
Unacceptable

There is no conclusion, or the conclusion does not sum up what is said in the paper and is merely a collection of details.
Paper Length & Development 10 pts

Excellent/Above Grade Level

The paper is at least 5-10 full pages long, with well-developed paragraphs and thorough information. There is an excellent balance between the research and the student's assertions. Researcher has synthesized the material and has a high level understanding of the topic.
Good/At Grade Level

The paper is at least 5 pages long, with mostly well-developed paragraphs and thorough information.There is balance between the research and the student's assertions. Researcher has synthesized the research and has analysis along with the summarization.
Promising/Approaching Grade Level

The paper is at least 3-4 pages long, but the paragraphs need to be better developed. The author has often just summarized the research, but more analysis or more information (evidence) is needed.
Poor/Considerably Grade Level

The paper is 2 or 3 pages long, and/or the the paragraphs need to be better developed. The author has simply summarized the research without analysis and/or does not have enough specific evidence and information to make a credible argument.
Unacceptable

The paper is incomplete and/or needs significant development.
Citations 10 pts

Works Cited and In-Text Citations
Excellent/Above Grade Level

Works Cited includes all required information in proper MLA format. All sources match in-text citation. In-text citation is done correctly.
Good/At Grade Level

Works Cited includes required information, perhaps with minor errors in MLA format. Sources match in-text citation with maybe one or two errors. There may be some minor errors with the in-text citations.
Promising/Approaching Grade Level

Works Cited is missing a significant amount of required information with more than 3 errors or may need more sources. In-text citation and works cited may have several discrepancies. In-text citation may be incorrectly done, but an attempt has been made to do it.
Poor/Considerably Grade Level

Works Cited does not include required information, is not in MLA format, has many errors and/or does not contain enough sources. In-text citation may be missing or has been done incorrectly.
Unacceptable

There is no Works Cited page. There is no in-text citation.
Conventions 5 pts

Excellent/Above Grade Level

The paper has almost no errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar.
Good/At Grade Level

The paper contains a few errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and/or grammar, but the reader's understanding is not affected by these.
Promising/Approaching Grade Level

The paper contains only a few errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and/or grammar.
Poor/Considerably Grade Level

The paper contains errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and/or grammar that are distracting to the reader. The author may have inserted personal opinions or statements directed at the reader such as "I've told you about...now I will tell you about..."
Unacceptable

The paper contains many errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and/or grammar.
Formatting 5 pts

Excellent/Above Grade Level

The paper is formatted correctly, with the heading in the upper left corner and an engaging title. Margins, line spacing, and font are done to assignment specifications. Paper looks neat and professional.
Good/At Grade Level

The paper is mostly formatted correctly, but may be lacking in 1-2 of the following requirements: heading, title, margins, line spacing, or font. Paper looks relatively neat and professional.
Promising/Approaching Grade Level

The student has attempted to format the paper correctly, but there are problems with 2-3 of the following requirements: heading, title, margins, line spacing, or font. Paper does not look as neat or professional as an 8th grade research paper should look.
Poor/Considerably Grade Level

There are multiple problems with formatting (heading, title, margins, line spacing, and font), making it distracting and disappointing for the reader. Paper does not look as neat or professional as an 8th grade research paper should look.
Unacceptable

There are multiple problems with formatting. The paper does not look anything like what an 8th grade research paper should look like.




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