English | First Draft Checklist and Grading Rubric | Checklist for Research Paper
First Draft Checklist and Grading Rubric
Checklist for Research Paper
Your first draft will be graded on the basis of the checklist below.
□
The purpose of the research paper—to inform the reader—is evident.
□
The essay has an introduction with a thesis statement.
□
The body paragraphs contain facts and quotations from research.
□
The research paper ends with a conclusion.
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The paper is organized in a clear pattern and includes some transitions.
□
The research paper includes internal citations.
□
The language of the research paper is formal and includes domain-specific vocabulary and literary
techniques or devices that help convey complex ideas.
□
The language of the research paper is formal.
□
The tone of the paper is serious and the voice is objective.
□
The paper has 1,500–2,400 words.
Total possible points for first draft is 100 points.
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English | First Draft Checklist and Grading Rubric | Checklist for Research Paper
Research Paper Grading Rubric
The final draft of the research paper will be graded on the basis of the rubric below.
Criterion
4
3
2
1
Purpose and Voice
The research paper does an
outstanding job of fulfilling its
purpose of providing substantial
information on the chosen topic.
The writer’s voice is clear and
shows great interest in the
topic.
The research paper does a
good job of fulfilling the purpose
of providing information on a
topic. The writer’s voice is
present although at times it is
inconsistent. The writer seems
interested in the topic.
The research paper does a fair
job of fulfilling the purpose of
providing information on a
topic. The writer’s voice is hard
to find, and it is difficult to
determine whether the writer is
interested in the topic.
The purpose of the paper is
unclear because the topic is
unclear. The voice of the writer
is absent.
Ideas and Content
The topic of the research paper
is narrow enough that it can be
covered thoroughly, and a
thesis statement provides a
clear focus for the paper. The
topic is fully researched and
very well developed with facts
and quotations from cited
sources that include both offline
and online sources. The
research paper includes a
comprehensive Works Cited
page.
The topic of the research paper
is appropriate, and the paper
contains a thesis statement.
The topic is researched, but
more evidence is needed to
fully support the thesis. Print
and online sources have been
cited, and there is a Works
Cited page.
The topic of the research paper
is appropriate, but the thesis
statement is unclear. Because
the thesis statement is unclear,
the evidence cited is
unfocused. It is sometimes
difficult to differentiate between
cited material and the student’s
own ideas. Citations and the
Works Cited page are
incomplete.
The topic of the research paper
is too broad or too narrow to be
covered thoroughly. There is no
thesis statement. Research is
minimal, and citations are
mostly missing.
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English | First Draft Checklist and Grading Rubric | Checklist for Research Paper
Criterion
Structure and
Organization
4
3
2
1
The research paper has a clear
structure with an introductory
paragraph that grabs the
reader's attention. Each body
paragraph contains evidence
that supports the thesis. The
conclusion tells the reader what
the writer has learned or leaves
the reader with something to
think about. The writer uses an
appropriate pattern of
organization that fits the topic
and thesis. Transitions are used
to clarify ideas and to move
smoothly within and between
paragraphs. The paper includes
thought-provoking and specific
headings, interesting and
informative graphics, and an
instructive multimedia
component that aids
comprehension.
The research paper has a clear
structure—introduction, body
paragraphs, and a conclusion—
although one part of the
structure may not be developed
well. The writer occasionally
strays from the pattern of
organization, but transitions are
generally used effectively. The
paper includes useful headings,
most of which are specific,
relevant graphics, and a
multimedia component that aids
in comprehension.
The structure of the research
paper is somewhat clear. There
is an introduction, body, and
conclusion. However, there is
only one long body paragraph.
The pattern of organization is
somewhat unclear, and the
writer tends to jump around.
Minimal transitions are used to
connect ideas. The paper is
either missing headings,
graphics, or a multimedia
component, or it uses one or
more of these elements in ways
that detract from the writing of
the piece.
The structure of the research
paper is hard to determine.
Paragraphing seems random or
nonexistent, and there are no
transitions between ideas. The
paper has neither headings, nor
graphics, nor a multimedia
component.
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English | First Draft Checklist and Grading Rubric | Checklist for Research Paper
Criterion
4
3
2
Language and
Word Choice
The writer considers purpose
and audience in the language,
tone, and voice of the research
paper. The writer uses formal
language, several domainspecific words, and several
literary techniques such as
similes, metaphors and
analogies to explain concepts
and provide clear information.
The tone is serious, and the
voice is consistently objective,
with no personal opinions
offered.
The writer usually considers
purpose and audience in the
language, tone, and voice of
the research paper. The writer
usually employs formal
language, uses at least one
domain-specific word, and
includes at least one simile,
metaphor, or analogy to explain
concepts and provide clear
information. The tone is
serious, and the voice is usually
objective, although sometimes
the writer might state an
opinion.
The writer attempts to consider
purpose and audience in the
language, tone, and voice of
the research paper. However,
the writer sometimes loses
sight of one of these aspects
and includes inappropriate
language or wording, misses
opportunities to incorporate
domain-specific words, or fails
to use literary techniques such
as similes, metaphors, or
analogies to explain concepts
and provide clear information.
Imprecise language is
sometimes confusing, but
readers can usually figure out
the meaning. The tone of the
paper is serious, but some of
the language is informal. The
voice of the research paper is
not consistently objective, and
the writer’s opinions are
present.
There is little consideration for
purpose and audience in the
writer’s choice of language,
tone, and voice. The research
paper lacks any domainspecific vocabulary and
contains no literary techniques
that might explain concepts or
provide clear information to
readers. The research paper
contains personal opinions,
comments, and exclamations.
The research paper contains
informal language, including
slang and other inappropriate
expressions.
Sentences and
Mechanics
Each sentence expresses a
complete thought. Quotations
contain the exact words of the
source and are punctuated
correctly. All citations within the
research paper and on the
Works Cited page are in proper
citation format. There are
extremely few errors in
grammar, usage, and
mechanics, and those that exist
do not impede understanding.
Most sentences contain
complete thoughts. Quotations
are used for the exact words of
a source, but sometimes they
are not punctuated correctly.
Most citations in the paper and
on the Works Cited page are in
proper citation format. There
are few errors in grammar,
usage, and mechanics, and
they rarely interfere with a
reader's ability to understand.
Sentences do not all contain
complete thoughts. There are
several unintentional fragments
and run-ons. Some quotations
are not punctuated correctly,
and not all citations are in
proper citation format. There
are errors in grammar, usage,
and mechanics that sometimes
interfere with the reader's ability
to understand.
Many sentences contain errors
in structure. Quotations, if used,
are incorrectly punctuated.
Most citations, if present, are in
improper format. Multiple errors
in grammar, usage, and
mechanics make the paper
difficult to understand.
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Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.
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English | First Draft Checklist and Grading Rubric | Checklist for Research Paper
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Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.
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