Writing Rubric for Research Paper

This can be used for the research paper, and or any written assignments used by a module.  The rubric for writing can be divided into thesis and introduction, number of arguments, explanation of arguments, conclusion, and grammar and organization.

 

Sample scoring system: Total Points 1-50

 

Thesis and Introduction

Superior-points: 9-10

Writer provides excellent thesis/position  and introduction on topic.

 

Above Average: 7-8

Writer provides above average thesis/position and introduction on topic.

 

Average: 5-6

Writer provides above average thesis/position and introduction on topic.

 

Below Average: 3-4

Writer provides a below average thesis/position and introduction on topic.

 

Failure:  0-2

Writer does not provide a clear thesis/position and introduction on topic.

 

Number of Arguments

Superior:  9-10

4 arguments are used to support position.

 

Above Average:  7-8

3 arguments are used to support position.

 

Average:  5-6

2 arguments are used to support position.

 

Below Average:  3-4

1 argument is used to support position.

 

Failure:  0-2

No arguments are presented.

 

Explanation of Arguments

Superior:  9-10

Arguments are explained in a superior manner.

 

Above Average:  7-8

Arguments are explained in an above average manner.

 

 

Average:  5-6

Arguments are explained in an average manner.

 

Below Average:  3-4

Arguments are explained in a below average manner.

 

Failure:  0-2

Arguments are not explained.

 

Conclusion

 

Superior:  9-10

The paper contains an excellent conclusion linking the writer’s position to his or her thesis/position.

 

Above Average:  7-8

The paper contains an above average conclusion linking the writer’s position to his or thesis/position.

 

 

Average:  5-6

The paper contains an average conclusion linking the writer’s position to his or thesis/position.

 

 

Below Average:  3-4

The paper contains a below average conclusion linking the writer’s position to his or thesis/position.

 

 

Failure:  0-2

No conclusion is evident.

 

 

 

Grammar and Organization

 

Superior:  9-10

The writer’s paper is always highly organized and structured with minimal grammatical errors.

 

Above Average:  7-8

The writer’s paper is usually organized and structured and contains few grammatical errors.

 

Average:  5-6

The writer’s paper is fairly organized and structured and contains some grammatical errors.

 

Below Average:  3-4

The writer’s paper is rarely organized and structured and contains many grammatical errors.

 

Failure:  0-2

The writer’s paper is not organized and structured and contains many grammatical errors.