Research Paper Rubric

Category
Title Page

Thesis Statement

Introduction

Body
OrganizationStructural
Development of
the Idea
Conclusion
Mechanics
Usage
Citation

Bibliography

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Score: __________

Exceeds Standard

Meets Standard

Nearly Meets Standard

Does Not Meet Standard

Title
Your Name, Teachers Name,
Course Period,
Date, Neatly finished-no
errors
Clearly and concisely states
the papers purpose in a single
sentence, which is engaging,
and thought provoking.
The introduction is engaging,
states the main topic and
previews the structure of the
paper.
Each paragraph has thoughtful
supporting detail sentences
that develop the main idea.
Writer demonstrates logical
and subtle sequencing of ideas
through well-developed
paragraphs; transitions are
used to enhance organization.
The conclusion is engaging
and restates the thesis.
No errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.

Evidence of four

Evidence of 3

Evidence of 2 or less

Clearly states the papers

purpose in a single sentence.

States the papers purpose in a

single sentence.

Incomplete and/or unfocused.

Absent,
no
evidence

The introduction states the

main topic and previews the
structure of the paper.

The introduction states the

main topic but does not
adequately preview the
structure of the paper.
Each paragraph lacks
supporting detail sentences.

There is no clear introduction

or main topic and the structure
of the paper is missing.

Absent,
no
evidence

Each paragraph fails to

develop the main idea.

Not
applicable

Logical organization;
organization of ideas not fully
developed.

No evidence of structure or
organization.

Not
applicable

The conclusion restates the

thesis.
Almost no errors in
punctuation, capitalization
and spelling.
Almost no errors in sentence
structure and word usage.

The conclusion does not

adequately restate the thesis.
Many errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.

Incomplete and/or unfocused.

Absent
Not
applicable

Some cited works, both text

and visual, are done in the
correct format.
Inconsistencies evident.
Done in the correct format
with few errors. . Includes 5
major references (e.g. science
journal articles, books, but no
more than two internet sites.
Periodicals available on-line
are not considered internet).

Few cited works, both text

and visual, are done in the
correct format.

Numerous and distracting

errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.
Numerous and distracting
errors in sentence structure
and word usage.
Absent

Done in the correct format

with many errors. Includes 3
major references (e.g. science
journal articles, books, but no
more than two internet sites.
Periodicals available on-line
are not considered internet
sites.)

Absent or
the only
sites are
internet
sites.

No errors sentence structure

and word usage.
All cited works, both text and
visual, are done in the correct
format with no errors.
Done in the correct format
with no errors. Includes more
than 5 major references (e.g.
science journal articles,
books, but no more than two
internet sites. Periodicals
available on-line are not
considered internet sites)

Each paragraph has sufficient

supporting detail sentences
that develop the main idea.
Paragraph development
present but not perfected.

Many errors in sentence

structure and word usage.

Done in the correct format

with some errors. Includes 4
major references (e.g. science
journal articles, books, but no
more than two internet sites.
Periodicals available on-line
are not considered internet).

No
Evidence
Absent

Not
applicable
Not
applicable

Score

Portfolio Rubric
Appearance

Contents

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Score: __________

Exceeds Standard
Creative and attractive
cover with color and
graphics, clear organization,
readable and neat, title page,
table of contents, section
dividers, and three ring
binder.
All required information is
discerned with clarity and
precision and contains all
items listed in Meets
category

Reflective Essay

OrganizationStructural
Development of
the Idea
Conclusion
Mechanics

Usage

Nearly Meets Standard

Contains 3 of 4 criteria for
meets; and /or poorly
organized and difficult to
read;
lacking neatness.

Does Not Meet Standard

No organization, missing
significant 2 of 4 criteria.

No Evidence
Absent structure
and organization.

Contains:
application, abstract,
research paper, lab report,
observation log, reflective
essay, guide and rubrics.

Contains 5 6 of criteria for

meets; and /or poorly
organized

Contains less than 5 criteria

for meets.

Absent contents,
structure and
organization.

Score

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Score: __________

Exceeds Standard

Reflect personal
learning stretch
in Science Project

Meets Standard
Contains title page, table of
contents, section dividers,
and three ring binder.

Meets Standard

Nearly Meets Standard

Does Not Meet Standard

No Evidence
Shows no evidence
of learning or
reflection.

Shows great depth of

knowledge and learning,
reveals feelings and
thoughts, abstract ideas
reflected through use of
specific details.
Writer demonstrates logical
and subtle sequencing of
ideas through welldeveloped paragraphs;
transitions are used to
enhance organization.
The conclusion is engaging
and restates personal
learning.
No errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.

Relates learning with

research and project,
personal and general
reflections included, uses
concrete language.

Does not go deeply into the

reflection of learning,
generalizations and limited
insight, uses some detail.

Little or no explanation or
reflection on learning, no or
few details to support
reflection.

Paragraph development
present but not perfected.

Logical organization;
organization of ideas not
fully developed.

No evidence of structure or
organization.

The conclusion restates the

learning.

The conclusion does not

adequately restate the
learning.
Many errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.

Incomplete and/or
unfocused.
Numerous and distracting
errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.

Not applicable

No errors in sentence
structure and word usage.

Almost no errors in
sentence structure and word
usage.

Many errors in sentence

structure and word usage.

Numerous and distracting

errors in sentence structure
and word usage.

Not applicable

Almost no errors in
punctuation, capitalization
and spelling.

Score

Lab Report

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Score: __________

Exceeds Standard

Title Page

Question

Contains:
Title
Your Name, Teachers Name,
Course Period,
Date, Neatly finished-no errors
Clear and concise problem
stated that is testable.

Hypothe sis Follows ifthen because

format.
Is related to the question.
Clearly defines controls vs.
variables in if portion.
Predicts with correct facts.

Materials
Procedure

Results

Conclusion

Mechanics

Usage

Lists all materials and

equipment.
Lists all steps in a detailed,
sequential order that are easily
followed.
All safety precautions and
warnings are provided.
Provides diagrams of all set
ups.
All data is recorded and
organized in a clear manner.
All visible observations are
provided.
Complete and correct analysis
of data is provided.
Errors of Experimentation are
provided.
Restates the hypothesis,
supports or refutes it and
explains the role of the test in
making the decision
No errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.

No errors sentence structure

and word usage.

Meets Standard

Nearly Meets Standard

Does Not Meet Standard

Missing 1 component

Missing 2 4 components

Missing more than 4

components

Identifies the question in an

unclear manner, but is still
testable.
Follows ifthen because
format.
Is related to the question.
Defines controls vs. variables in
if portion in an unclear
manner.
Predicts with correct facts
Lists most materials and
equipment.
Lists all steps in a sequential
order that are not easily
followed.
All safety precautions and
warnings are provided.
Provides diagrams of all set
ups.
All data is recorded and
organized in a clear manner.
All visible observations are
provided.
Analysis of data is provided
with a few errors.
Errors of experimentation are
provided.
Restates the hypothesis and
supports or refutes it

Identifies only part of the

question, but is still testable

The question is not testable no

matter how clear and concise
the question is.
Follows ifthen because
format.
Is related to the question.
Defines controls vs. variables in
if portion in an unclear
manner.
Predicts with no facts
Lists wrong materials or
equipment.
Lists steps in an order that are
not sequential, not easily
followed, or incomplete.
Some safety precautions and
warnings are not provided.
Provides some diagrams of set
ups.
Incorrect data is provided
regardless of inclusion or
presentation of all other criteria.

Almost no errors in
punctuation, capitalization and
spelling.

Many errors in punctuation,

capitalization and spelling.

Numerous and distracting

errors in punctuation,
capitalization and spelling.

Almost no errors in sentence

structure and word usage.

Many errors in sentence

structure and word usage.

Numerous and distracting

errors in sentence structure and
word usage.

Follows ifthen because

format.
Is related to the question.
Defines controls vs. variables in
if portion in an unclear
manner.
Predicts with some facts.
Lists some of the materials &
equipment.
Lists all steps in a sequential
order that are not easily
followed.
All safety precautions and
warnings are missing.
Provides some diagrams of set
ups.
All data is recorded and
organized in a clear manner.
Visible observations are
missing.
Analysis of data is provided
with a few errors.
Errors of experimentation
are provided.
Supports or refutes the
hypothesis without restating it

Does not address the hypothesis

No
Evidence

Score

Oral Presentation:

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Score: __________

Select the box which most describes student performance. Alternatively you can "split the indicators" by using the che ck boxes before each indicator
to evaluate each item individually.
Exceeds Standard
Language Use
and Delivery
The student
communicates
ideas effectively

q Effectively uses eye contact.

q Speaks clearly, effectively and

Meets Standard
q Maintains eye contact.
q Speaks clearly and uses suitable

volume and pace.

Content
The student
explains the
process and
findings of the
project and the
resulting
learning.

Questions and
Answers

maintained.
q Speaks clearly and unclearly in

Does Not Meet Standard

q Uses eye contact ineffectively.
q Fails to speak clearly and

confidently using suitable

volume and pace.
q Fully engages the audience.

q Takes steps to engage the

q Dresses appropriately,
q Selects rich and varied words for

q Dresses appropriately.
q Selects words appropriate for

context and uses correct

grammar.
q Introduces the topic clearly and
creatively.
q Maintains clear focus on the
topic..
q Effectively includes smooth
transitions to connect key points.
q Ends with logical, effective and
relevant conclusion.

context and uses correct

grammar.
q Introduces the topic clearly.

q Introduces the topic.

q Does not clearly introduce the

q Maintains focus on the topic.

q Somewhat maintains focus on

q Does not establish or maintain

q Include transitions to connect

q Includes some transitions to

audience.

Organization
and
Preparation
The student
exhibits logical
organization.

Nearly Meets Standards

q Some eye contact, but not

q Clearly defines the topic or

thesis and its significance.

q Supports the thesis and key
findings with an analysis of
relevant and accurate evidence
q Provides evidence of extensive
and valid research with multiple
and varied sources
q Provides evidence of complex
problem solving and learning
stretch.
q Combines and evaluates existing
ideas to form new insights.
Demonstrates extensive knowledge
of the topic by responding
confidently, precisely and
appropriately to all audience
questions and feedback.

different portions.
q Occasionally engages audience.
q Dresses inappropriately.
q Selects words inappropriate for
context; uses incorrect grammar.

audibly and uses unsuitable

pace.
q Does not engage audience.
q Dresses inappropriately.
q Selects words inappropriate for

context; uses incorrect grammar.

topic.
the topic.
key points.

connect key points.

focus on the topic.

q Uses ineffective transitions that

rarely connect points.

q Ends with coherent conclusion

q Ends with a conclusion based on

q Ends without a conclusion.

based on evidence.
q Clearly defines the topic or
thesis.
q Supports the thesis and key
findings with evidence.

evidence.
q Defines the topic or thesis.

q Does not clearly define the topic

q Supports the thesis with

q Does not support the thesis with

q Presents evidence of valid

q Presents evidence of research

research with multiple sources.

q Provides evidence of problem

solving and learning stretch.

q Combines existing ideas to form

or thesis.
evidence.

with sources.

evidence.
q Presents little or no evidence of

valid research.

q Provides some evidence of

q Shows little evidence of problem

problem solving and learning

stretch.
q Combines existing ideas.

q Shows little evidence of the

solving and learning stretch.

combination of ideas.

new insights.
Demonstrates knowledge of the
topic by responding accurately and
appropriately to questions and
feedback.

Demonstrates some knowledge of

the topic by responding accurately
and appropriately to questions and
feedback.

Demonstrates incomplete
knowledge of the topic by
responding inaccurately and
inappropriately to questions and
feedback.

Score

Backboard
Clarity of Topic
Details of
Research
Effectiveness

Quality

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Score: __________

Exceeds Standard
Includes a clear title which
gives specific information
about main topic.
Includes all details from
research and has clear
labels, phrases, or
sentence descriptions.
Viewer has a thorough
understanding of topic
researched. Backboard
includes specific examples
and/or illustrations in an
organized manner.
Includes illustrations and
labels. Content is edited
for spelling and
punctuation and has no
errors.

Meets Standard
Includes a title which
gives information about
the main topic.
Includes most details from
research and has clear
labels or phrases.

Nearly Meets Standard

Includes a title that gives
some information about
the main topic.
Includes some details
from research and has
labels or phrases.

Does Not Meet Standard

Missing a title or
statement of the main
topic.
Includes only a few details
from research using labels
or phrases.

No Evidence
Not present

Viewer has an
understanding of the topic
researched. Backboard
includes examples and /or
illustrations.

Viewer has some

understanding of the topic
researched. Backboard
includes some examples
and/or illustrations.

Viewer has difficulty

understanding topic
researched. Backboard
includes few examples
and/or illustrations.

Backboard does not

communicate topic
researched.

Includes illustrations and

labels. Content is edited
for spelling and
punctuation and has less
than 3 errors.

Includes illustrations and

labels. Content is not
edited for spelling and
punctuation and has more
than 3 errors.

Does not include

illustrations and labels
and/or contains more than
3 errors in spelling and
punctuation.

Work is haphazard and

careless. Has none of the
required elements.

No details from research.

Score