iRubric: Research Paper-RS 3030 rubric

Topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. An engaging and thought-provoking thesis statement or research question is included in the opening paragraph, and provides clear direction for the paper.

Topic is focused but lacks direction. A thesis statement or research question is provided in the opening paragraph, but does not provide clear direction for the paper.

Topic lacks focus and direction. The intended focus can be determined, but does not provide clear direction for the paper.

The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment.

The topic is not clearly defined.

Clear explanation of the topic:
?Written language (spelling, grammar, sentence structure) has minimal errors
?Work is well organized (clear introduction, paragraph division, topic sentences,
conclusion, sub-headings as necessary)
?Organization reinforces and clarifies main
idea of the paper
?Draws upon relevant and compelling
examples to EVALUATE the subject
?The work follows the prompt and addresses
the purpose of the assignment.

Somewhat clear explanation of the topic:
?Written language (spelling, grammar, sentence structure) has some errors
?The work is mostly organized (includes introduction, some paragraph division, some topic sentences, conclusion, may include sub-headings)
?Organization mostly clarifies the main idea of the paper
?Draws upon some relevant examples to ANALYZE the subject
The work addresses the prompt and purpose of the assignment, but might require some further development

Presentation of the topic lacks focus:
?Written language includes errors and is inconsistent
?May not include a proper introduction, topic sentences, paragraph division, or conclusion
?Examples may be general, resulting in a superficial APPLICATION of the associated ideas (may rely too heavily on quoted passages)
Attempts to address the prompt and purpose of the assignment, but lacks development.

Does not demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the prompt and purpose of the assignment:
?Written language (spelling, grammar, sentence structure) includes many errors, and requires extensive revising
?The work is missing many of the organizational elements (introduction, paragraph division, topic sentences, and conclusion)
The work falls short in terms of word count and development

The work fails to demonstrate an understanding of the prompt and purpose of the assignment:
?Poorly written and difficult to read
?Poorly organized and extremely difficult to follow
?Work is incomplete

Demonstrates strong SYNTHESIS of topic through at least FIVE well chosen, quality sources and THREE annotations from books, database articles, or academic/professional websites.
?Sources appear as in-text citations and
on a works cited page
?Annotations include:
1. Author’s credentials
2. Description of source type/audience
3. Discussion of purpose/bias/point of view
4. Discussion of currency of the source
5. Explain why the source is relevant to
the assignment.

Demonstrates successful COMPILATION of topic info from FOUR quality sources and THREE annotations from books, academic/professional websites,
database articles.
?Sources appear as in-text citations and on a works cited page.
?Annotations include 4 of the following:
1. Author’s credentials
2. Description of source type/audience
3. Discussion of purpose/bias/point of view
4. Discussion of currency of the source
5. Explain why the source is relevant to
the assignment.

Sources CATEGORIZED to support topic & include THREE well chosen, quality sources & TWO annotations from books, database articles, or academic/professional websites.
?Sources are in-text citations and on a works cited page.
?Annotations include:
1. Author’s credentials related to topic
2. Description of source type/audience
3. Discussion of purpose/bias/point of view
4. Discussion of currency of the source
5. Explain why the source is relevant to the assignment.

Demonstrates minimal effort to use two annotated sources effectively:
?Includes ONE annotation*
?The annotation may be incomplete
?The source(s) may be of low quality
?The sources do not appear as in-text citations and/or on a works cited page.
*****
The annotation may contain all 5 components of an Excellent-level annotation, but if 4 well-chosen sources with associated info has not been satisfied, the paper should receive the highest Below Expectations-level evaluation.

?No annotations
?No quality sources