iRubric: Junior Research Paper rubric

Introduction consists of a sufficient amount of sentences and ends with a clear thesis statement. The sentences flow throughout the paragraph. The student has included a strong or effective attention getter.

Introduction consists of sentences of which one, the last sentence, is the thesis statement and the sentences flow throughout the paragraph. Attention getter is very good.

Introduction consists of 3-4 sentences including the thesis statement. The sentences have a weak connection throughout the paragraph. Weak or uninteresting attention getter.

Introduction consists of 3 sentences including the thesis statement. The sentences have no connection in the paragraph OR there is no thesis statement in the introduction. Weak or no attention getter.

Paper flows with interesting transitions, and paper is always on topic. Paper content is in student's voice and contains paraphrased/summarized information. Follows outline completely. Meets minimal page length. No plagiarism issues.

Paper mostly flows with transitions, and most (80-90%) of the paper follows the outline and stays on topic. Paper content is in student's voice and contains paraphrased/summarized information. Meets minimal page guidelines. No plagiarism issues.

Some (50-75%) of the paper follows the outline. Paper is a little choppy or has parts that are difficult to understand. Most of paper is in student's voice and contains paraphrased/summarized information. Meets minimal page guidelines. May have language that does not sound like student.

Very little (25-50%) of the paper follows the outline. Paper needs better focus on thesis. Some parts of the paper are repetitive or hard to understand. Paper does not meet page guidelines. Paper not really in student's voice and, although paraphrased or summarized, does not sound like student. Information may be intentionally or unintentionally plagiarized.

Paper contains very few spelling errors. No first or second person is included except in quotes. Paper uses formal language throughout and does not contain any contractions. Paper is written in present tense unless historical information.

Paper contains no more than three spelling errors. No second person is used and first person is used minimally. Formal language is used most of the time. Paper is written in present tense unless historical information.

Paper contains no more than five spelling errors. No second person is used and some first person is used. Paper may contain some contractions or other forms of informal language. Paper does not always stay in present tense in appropriate areas.

Paper contains more than five spelling errors. Paper may contain "you"s and/or first person. Language is not always formal. Present tense is not always used in appropriate areas.