Research Paper Rubric

CriterionExcellent
10
Good
8
Fair
6
Poor
4
Substandard
2
Content and DiscussionPurpose of the writing is clear.

All required points are clearly explained.
Major points are stated clearly and well supported.Content is accurate.

Content is mostly complete.
Major idea is not well-supported or discussed.Content is incomplete. Topic supports are lacking or topic is poorly discussed.
Organization and StructureThe conclusion flows logically from the body of paper.Introduction previews major points. Paragraph transitions are logical.The structure of the paper is clear.The structure of the paper is not easy to follow.

Introduction does not preview all major points. Paragraph transitions need improvement.

The conclusion does not flow well.
Structure detracts from the message of the writer.

Introduction and/or conclusion is missing.
Paragraphs are disjointed and lack transition of thoughts.
MLA/APA FormattingPaper follows MLA/APA designated guidelines with all required components.Paper follows most of MLA/APA-designated guidelines with all required components.Paper follows a relative amount of MLA/APA guidelines. Formatting is mostly accurate, with most required components.Paper lacks some elements of correct MLA/APA formatting such as citations, title page, works cited page, page numbers.Paper lacks many elements of correct MLA/APA formatting such as citations, title page, works cited page, page numbers.
Accuracy and Factuality of ResourcesThe data informing the paper are accurate and objective.The Paper is generally well-researched, but there is one or two missing or unclear information.The Paper is generally well-researched, but there’s a few missing or unclear information.The Paper is not well-researched with few missing information or contradictory statements.The Paper is not well-researched with a lot of missing information or contradictory statements.