Topic & Thesis
Social Studies Research Paper Rubric
Superior
Good
Strong, well-developed thesis;
Clearly addresses topic; Easily
identifiable, sophisticated,
insightful, crystal clear.
Valid thesis; deals with the
topic; may be lacking in
insight or originality.
Organization
10
Argument
9
Masterful organization
contributes to effective
argument. Intro gives clues to
structure of argument. Effective
introduction and conclusion.
Excellent transitions from point
to point. All args have minithesis--mini-conclu structure.
20
19
Argument is identifiable,
reasonable, sound, and flows
logically; thoughtful sequencing
of arguments.
Use of Evidence
19
Abundant, accurate
primary/secondary source
information used to support
every argument. Information
supports mini-thesis and fits
within paragraph.
Sources &
Citations
20
Impeccable primary and
secondary sources. Superior
research. Thorough use of intext citations. Error-free Works
Cited page.
20
19
20
Writing Style
Grade 9/10
19
Clear yet sophisticated style,
engaging; powerful word
choice. Consistent use of past
tense and third person. No
contractions. Scholarly voice.
10
17
7
16
Argument is clear, flows
logically and makes sense.
One argument may lack
development or have
inadequate support.
18
17
16
Accurate, relevant information
used to support most
arguments.
18
17
16
Solid choice of primary and
secondary sources; adequate
use of in-text citations.
Proficient Works Cited page
format.
18
17
16
Style is straightforward and
clear; appropriate word
choice. Use of past tense
and third person. Avoids
contractions. Approaching
scholarly voice.
9
Limited, confused, or poorly
developed thesis; fails to
focus on the topic; position is
vague or unclear.
8
Demonstrates clear & approp
plan; minor instances of
repetition or statements out of
order. May have a few
unclear transitions, or at most
one arg w/o strong minithesis/mini-conclu structure.
18
Name ______________________________
Limited
Unacceptable
8
6
5
Vague, unclear, often
wanders or jumps around.
Few or weak transitions,
More than one argument
lacks mini-thesis/miniconclusion structure; lack of
org. interferes w/ argument.
15
14
13
Logic may often fail, or
argument may often be
unclear. More than one
argument lacks adequate
support.
15
14
13
Arguments often lack
supporting evidence.
Evidence used
inappropriately or
superficially. Evidence is
limited in depth and/or
quantity.
15
14
13
Minimal or questionable
sources. Numerous citation
errors in text or Works Cited
page.
15
14
13
Style is simplistic, vague, or
informal; inappropriate word
choice. Frequent
awkwardness or passive
voice. Lacks clarity.
Inconsistent verb tense.
Lapses into first or second
person, or the use of
contractions.
7
6
Topic lacks academic
seriousness; thesis is not
identifiable, or does not
address the topic.
4
3
2
1 0
Plan is unclear. Transitions
confusing and unclear. Lack
of mini-thesis-evidencemini-conclusion structure
within arguments.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Lack of coherent, logical
argument. Simplistic view of
topic. Many logical
contradictions. Arguments
generally lack adequate
support.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Weak, superficial, inapprop,
erroneous or insufficient
info. General failure to
support arguments, or the
evidence supports no
argument.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Lack of acceptable sources.
Inconsistent or frequent
major errors in citation style
and/or Works Cited page.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Inappropriate style.
Frequent errors block
meaning. Failure to use
past tense and third person,
or to avoid contractions.
5
4
Mechanics: Grammatical and mechanical errors are -1 point each from total score and are noted within the paper.
3
2
1 0
Topic & Thesis
Social Studies Research Paper Rubric
Superior
Good
Strong, well-developed thesis;
clearly addresses topic; deals
w/significant issues & trends
relevant to topic. Easily
identifiable, plausible, novel,
sophisticated, insightful, crystal
clear.
Valid thesis; deals with relatively
significant issues and trends;
may be lacking in insight or
originality.
Organization
10
9
Masterful organization contributes
to effective argument. Intro gives
clues to structure of argument.
Effective introduction and
conclusion. Excellent transitions
from point to point. All args have
mini-thesis--mini-conclu structure.
Argument
Use of Evidence
20
19
Abundant, accurate
primary/secondary source
information used to support every
argument. Information supports
mini-thesis and fits within
paragraph. Excellent integration of
quoted material.
Analysis
20
19
Deep analysis of patterns,
relationships of events and people,
cause & effect, continuity &
change. Analysis is fresh &
exciting, posing new approaches
to material. Never fails to interpret
info given.
20
Writing Style
9
Argument is identifiable,
reasonable, sound, & flows
logically. Anticipates and
successfully defuses counterarguments. Thoughtful sequencing
of arguments.
19
Clear yet sophisticated style,
engaging; powerful word choice.
Consistent use of past tense and
third person. No contractions.
Scholarly voice.
10
Impeccable primary and secondary
sources. Superior research.
Thorough use of in- text citations.
Error-free Works Cited page.
10
7
16
Accurate, relevant information
used to support most arguments.
Quotes well integrated.
17
16
Analyzes and interprets
information; uses data to support
thesis and mini thesis;
recognizes historical causation,
change and continuity. Frequent
interpretation of evidence.
18
17
16
Style is straightforward and clear;
appropriate word choice. Use of
past tense and third person.
Avoids contractions.
Approaching scholarly voice.
9
8
Solid choice of primary and
secondary sources; adequate
use of in-text citations. Proficient
Works Cited page format.
9
8
6
6
14
13
Arguments often lack supporting
evidence. Evidence used
inappropriately or superficially.
Evidence is limited in depth
and/or quantity. Quotes poorly
integrated.
15
14
13
Information appears often w/o
analysis or interpretation relating
to argument. Largely descriptive,
or narrative. Demonstrates
limited understanding or
exploration of historical issues
relevant to the topic.
15
14
13
Style is simplistic, vague, or
informal; inappropriate word
choice. Frequent awkwardness
or passive voice. Lacks clarity.
Inconsistent verb tense. Lapses
into first or second person, or the
use of contractions.
7
6
Minimal or questionable sources.
Numerous citation errors in text
or Works Cited page.
7
6
4
3
2
1 0
Plan is unclear. Transitions
confusing and unclear. Lack of
mini-thesis-evidence-miniconclusion structure within
arguments.
5
Logic may often fail, or argument
may often be unclear. Does not
address counter-arguments.
More than one argument lacks
adequate support.
15
Topic lacks academic
seriousness; thesis not
identifiable, or does not
address the topic.
5
Vague, unclear, often wanders or
jumps around. Few or weak
transitions, More than one
argument lacks mini-thesis/miniconclusion structure; lack of org.
interferes w/ argument.
8
17
18
Limited, confused or poorly
developed thesis; takes
superficial approach to topic,
failing to focus on the question;
position is vague or unclear.
7
Argument is clear, flows logically
and makes sense. Counterarguments acknowledged,
though perhaps not fully
addressed. One argument may
lack development or have
inadequate support.
18
Name ______________________________
Limited
Unacceptable
8
Demonstrates clear & approp
plan; minor instances of
repetition or statements out of
order. May have a few unclear
transitions, or at most one arg
w/o strong mini-thesis/miniconclu structure.
10
Sources &
Citations
Grade 11/12
4
3
2
1 0
Lack of coherent, logical
argument. Simplistic view of
topic. No effort to grasp
alternative views. Many logical
contradictions. Arguments
generally lack adequate
support.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Weak, superficial, inapprop,
erroneous or insufficient info.
General failure to support
arguments, or evidence
supports no argument. Quotes
used improperly.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Very little or very weak attempt
to relate evidence to argument.
Paper may be deficient in
identifiable argument or
evidence. Analysis is lacking or
fallacious.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Inappropriate style. Frequent
errors block meaning. Failure
to use past tense and third
person, or to avoid
contractions.
5
4
3
2
1 0
Lack of acceptable sources.
Inconsistent or frequent major
errors in citation style and/or
Works Cited page.
5
4
Mechanics: Grammatical and mechanical errors are -1 point each from total score and are noted within the paper.
3
2
1 0
Grade Skill
9
Evaluation—All Assignments cited and thesis driven
Thesis Development
Argument
ID Main Ideas in readings
ID Relevant Information
Organization
Paragraph Unity/Transitions
Effective Revision/Grammar Skills
Works cited page and in-text citations
Career Prep
Analytical Journal w/Conclusion page
News Story (2)
CP/Honors
Analytical Journal w/Conclusion page
Process Analysis Research Paper (3-5)
___________________________________________________
10
Expect demonstration of previous skills,
Career Prep
Continue to develop them, plus
ID Bias in Resources
Effective Introductions/Conclusions
Clarity of writing
Transitions from argument to argument
Annotated Bibliography
Independent Thesis Development
Development of formal writing
Heading, headers, and margins
Cause and Effect Research Paper (3-5)
Editorial (2) or Oral History (2-3)
CP/Honors
Cause and Effect Research Paper (5-7)
Editorial (2-3) or Oral History (2-3)
___________________________________________________
11
Expect demonstration of previous skills,
Career Prep
Continue to develop them, plus
Developing counterarguments
Quote selection/integration/formatting/Intro
Authentic voice
Locate and differentiate
(electronic and print)
Problem/Solution or
Comp/Contrast Research Paper (3-5)
Book Review (3) or Oral History (3)
CP/Honors
Problem/Solution or
Comp/Contrast Research Paper (7-9)
Book Review (3) or Oral History (3)
___________________________________________________
12 Expect demonstration of previous skills,
Career Prep
Continue to develop them, plus
Thesis Statements
Argument and counter arguments
Analyze bias in Resources
Effective use of scholarly sources
(electronic and print)
Peer editing/evaluate others writings
Evaluation Research Paper (5-7)
Persuasive Essay (3)
CP/Honors
Evaluation Research Paper (9-11)
Persuasive Essay (3)
Bibliography in MLA format
_____ /5
_____ /10
_____ /10
_____ /10
_____/0
_____/35
Your name, topic, and tentative thesis
Secondary Sources (scholarly)
Primary Source(s)
MLA Format
-2 pts for any inappropriate source
Total Score
Research Notes Rubric
_____/5
_____/5
_____/5
Name: _________________________
MLA Problems:
Hanging Indent
Double Space
Alphabetical
Titles in Caps
UL & “ “ Titles
Punctuation
Period at end
Author’s Name(s)
Incomplete info
Other
Name _______________________
Source is clear
Page Numbers or Online notation
Quoting and paraphrasing clearly distinguished
Argument Outline Rubric
Format
Pages
Index Cards
Name ___________________________
Thesis Statement
___/20
main clause is thesis, not fact
extension clause
specific, precise, sharp
appropriate academic risk
Arguments
___/20
arguments, not facts
(10 pts)
work together to firmly support thesis (10 pts)
Supporting information
___/ 5
Mini Conclusions
___/ 5
Counter Argument
___/ 5
Rough Draft Rubric
Name ____________________________
Page 1 MLA
Rough Draft Intro (3) Arg 1 (3) Arg 2 (3) Arg 3 (3) Conclu (3)
Works Cited Format (5)
Outline
_____/10
_____/15
_____/ 5
_____/ 5
_____/35