Research Paper Grading Rubric

(CCLO #2)

·    Major points are stated clearly and are well-supported.

·    Content is persuasive and comprehensive.

·    Content and purpose of the writing are clear.

·    Thesis has a strong claim.

·    Audience is clear and appropriate for the topic.

·    Supportive information (if required) is strong and addresses writing focus.

·    Major points are addressed, but clarity or support is limited.

·    Content is somewhat persuasive or comprehensive.

·    Content is inconsistent (lack of clear purpose and/or clarity).

·    Thesis could be stronger.

·    Supportive information (if required) needs strengthening or does not address writing focus.

·    Major points are unclear and/or insufficiently supported.

·    Content is missing essentials.

·    Content has unsatisfactory purpose, focus, and clarity.

·    Supportive information (if required) is missing.

(CCLO #1)

·    Writing is well-structured, clear, and easy-to-follow.

·    Introduction is compelling and forecasts the topic and thesis.

·    Each paragraph is unified and has a clear central idea.

·    Transitional wording is present throughout the writing.

·    Conclusion is a logical end to the writing.

·    Word count is at least 1,500 words.

·    Paper is adequately organized, but some areas are difficult to follow.

·    Introduction needs to provide a stronger gateway into the writing.

·    Some paragraphs lack unity and coherence.

·    Better transitions are needed to provide fluency of ideas.

·    Conclusion is trite or barely serves its purpose.

·    Word count almost meets requirement.

·    Organization and structure detract from the writer’s message.

·    Introduction and/or conclusion is/are incomplete or missing.

·    Paragraphs are not unified (e.g. more than 1 topic is included, missing or inadequate controlling and concluding sentences).

·    Transitions are missing.

·    Conclusion, if present, fails to serve its purpose.

·    Word count does not meet requirement.

(CCLO #1, #3)

·    The writing reflects correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling standards.

·    Language is accurate, appropriate, and effective.

·    The writing’s tone is appropriate and highly effective.

·    The writing contains some grammar, punctuation, and/or spelling errors.

·    Language is unclear, awkward, or inappropriate in parts.

·    The writing’s tone is generally appropriate and moderately effective.

·    The writing contains many grammar, punctuation, and/or spelling errors.

·    Language use is largely inaccurate or inappropriate.

·    The writing’s tone is ineffective and/or inappropriate.

(CCLO #6)

·    Writing correctly follows formatting guidelines.

·    Parenthetical and bibliographical source citations are used correctly and appropriately.

·    Writing follows most formatting guidelines, but some flaws are detected.

·    Parenthetical and bibliographical source citations are incorrectly formatted or used.

·    Writing lacks many elements of correct formatting.

·    Parenthetical and bibliographical source citations and/or references are not provided.