iRubric: Formal Research Outline rubric

Thesis is weak due to a lack of clarity, structural issues, or lack of argument. There is little or no rationale for the argument, and the main points and sub points are not representative of the proposed argument.

Thesis is somewhat clear and may need structural revision. The thesis provides an argument, but the rationale for that argument may be slightly obscure. The thesis does not provide many, if any, specifics of the essay.

Thesis is clear and well structured; it is clearly argumentative, provides some rationale for the argument (so what?), and may establish specifics of the essay.

Thesis is clear and gracefully structured; it is clearly argumentative, provides a compelling argument (so what?), and establishes specifics of the essay.

The key points and sub points of the outline are underdeveloped; ideas need to be added and established in order for the argument to make sense and be worthwhile. The outline is, at times, illogical in regard to the arrangement of main ideas, and there may be areas that could use restructuring.

The key points and sub points of the outline are slightly underdeveloped; ideas need to be added and established in order for the argument to make sense. The outline is mostly logical in regard to the arrangement of main ideas, but there may be areas that could use restructuring.

The key points and sub points of the outline are adequately developed (there are sub points and sub sub points where needed), and the outline is developed enough to logically follow the ideas present in the argument.
Main points are placed in a logical order that may enhance the argument proposed in the thesis.

The key points and sub points of the outline are well-developed (there are sub points and sub sub points where needed), and the outline is developed enough to easily and logically follow the ideas present in the argument.
Main points are placed in a logical and clearly purposeful order that enhances the argument proposed in the thesis.

The outline is not written in sentences and has many errors in formatting, punctuation, or usage. The voice may be too informal or colloquial for the task. MLA formatting is absent or there are more than 7 errors.

The outline is mostly written in sentences and may have some minor errors in formatting, punctuation, or usage. The voice is inconsistent or may lack the formality necessary to the task. MLA formatting is inconsistent with 4-6 errors.

The outline is written in clear sentences with minimal errors in formatting, punctuation, or usage. The voice is mostly formal and objective, and it fits the task. MLA formatting is consistently applied with 1-3 errors.

The outline is written in complete and clear sentences and has essentially no errors in formatting, punctuation or usage. The voice is consistently formal and objective and enhances the argument of the essay. MLA formatting is expertly applied.