English 9 Honors Research Rubric
Thesis
6 Has original and complex thesis that is clear and leads the reader to the organization and content of the paper
5 Has a sophisticated thesis that is clear and forecasts the organization and content of the paper
4 Has a clear thesis that forecasts the organization and content of the paper
3 Has an understandable thesis that corresponds with the paper or the majority of the paper
2 Has an inadequate thesis which may be too general to support or too narrow to investigate. Thesis does not correspond to the majority of body paragraphs
*1 Has no identifiable thesis
Structural Elements
6 Reads as a unified whole and masterfully uses all structural elements (introduction, body and conclusion). No repetition of information exists. Transitions between paragraphs are seamless. All paragraphs are flawlessly developed and support thesis
5 Reads as a unified whole and skillfully uses all structural elements. No repetition of information exists. Transitions between paragraphs arepurposeful. Allparagraphs are effectively developed and support the thesis
4 Reads as a unified whole and effectively uses all structural elements. Minimal repetition of information exists. Transitions between paragraphs are consistent. Paragraphs are well-organized and support the thesis
3 Reads in a disjointed manner, but uses all structural elements. Repetition of information exists. Transitions between paragraphs are weak. Some paragraphs are organized and support the thesis
2 Reads in an illogical/disorganized manner and is missing one or more structural elements. Excessive repetition of information exists. Transitions are missing. Paragraphs are poorly developed, and few support the thesis
*1 Major structural errors. Paragraphing is not evident
**Support/Documentation
6 Research is factually relevant and accurate; numerous and varied citation methods are used (direct and embedded quotes and paraphrases). All of the paragraphs work to support the thesis. Employs six (6) or more acceptable sources. Sources are timely, valid, and represent a diverse breadth and depth of research
5 Research is factually relevant and accurate; varied citation methods are used. The majority of the paragraphs work to support the thesis. Employs five (5) or more acceptable sources. Sources are timely, valid, and represent a variety of mediums.
4 Research is factually relevant and accurate, but citation methods may be repetitive. The paper overall supports the thesis. Employs four (4) or more acceptable sources. Sources are timely, valid, and represent a variety of mediums
3 Research is accurate but may be partially relevant and citation methods are repetitive. Some support of the thesis is provided. Employs three (3)) or more acceptable sources. Sources, thoughvalid, lack variety and/or timeliness. Limited use of citations are used to support main points.
2 Research may be inaccurate and/or irrelevant with minimal (6) and repetitive citation methods. Little support of thesis is provided. Employs three (3) or more acceptable sources. Sources lack variety and/or timeliness.
*1 Research is inaccurate or irrelevant. 2 or more sources uses a method of citation other than MLA. Employs three (3) or fewer acceptable sources
Analysis
6 Demonstrates an extensive understanding of the topic. Analysis of the support is sophisticated and is directly connected to the thesis
5 Shows solid understanding of the topic. Analysis of research is insightful and supports the thesis
4 Shows solid understanding of the topic. Analysis of research is thoughtful and supports the thesis
3 Shows general understanding of the topic. Analysis of research is simplistic and/or paraphrased. Some of the analysis supports the thesis.
2 Shows little understanding of the topic. Analysis is based on opinion without supporting evidence. Analysis is minimal and/or is little more than a summary of the research
*1 Shows no understanding of the topic. No analysis is attempted
Style
6 Uses mature, specific vocabulary and formal language; strong voice and tone. Sentence variety elevates style
5 Expanded vocabulary/formal language. Varied sentence structure establishes a distinct voice and tone.
4 Some expanded vocabulary/formal language. Some sentence variety and expanded vocabulary creates a recognizable student voice.
3 Common vocabulary/use of informal language. Minimal sentence variety. Weak voice. Use of first or second person pronouns. Some incorrect word choice
2 Common vocabulary/use of slang and informal language. Demonstrates mastery of sentence structure. Lacks voice. Heavy use of first or second person pronouns. Incorrect word choice. Minimal sentence variety
*1 Limited vocabulary. Heavy use of slang/informal language. Incorrect word choice. Sentence structure is below mastery.
Mechanics
6 Nearly perfect grammar, punctuation, and spelling enhance strong voice and tone
5 Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling establish voice and tone
4 Few mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling
3 Distracting errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling create a weak voice
2 Heavily distracting errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling interfere with voice and/or readability
*1 Serious and numerous errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling impede voice and impede readability
Format
6 Utilizes MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting perfectly)
5 Utilizes a near-perfect formatting of MLA
4 Utilizes a near-perfect formatting of MLA (2-3 types of errors)
3 Accurately uses MLA format to cite sources (4-5 types of errors))
2 Serious errors in MLA format (6 types of errors)
*1 Does not use MLA format or has more than 7 MLA formatting errors.
**Works Cited
6 Works cited page utilizes perfect MLA format
5 Works cited page utilizes near-perfect MLA format (1-2 errors)
4 Works cited page utilizes MLA format, but contains a few errors (3-4)
3 Works cited page utilizes MLA format, but contains many errors (5-6)
2 Works cited page utilizes MLA format, but contains numerous errors (7-8)
*1 Works cited page does not utilize MLA format (9 or more errors)
*A paper cannot receive a score higher than 59% if it receives any score of 1.
**A paper will not be graded and will receive a grade of zero if: it does not include a Works Cited page, it does not meet the minimum word requirement, 2 or more sources not documented or ANY part is plagiarized.
