iRubric: AFTG--Research Paper 2014 rubric

Theme and purpose are not apparent or poorly constructed. Thesis statement and topic sentences are missing or do not make sense. Details are insufficient to make message clear.

Theme is clear only at certain points. The author's purpose is difficult to discern. Thesis statements and topic sentences are unclear or ineffective. Details are present but lacking in relevance or energy.

Theme is consistent throughout essay with the exception of a couple of digressions. The author's purpose is clear and supported moderately. Thesis statement and topic sentences are clear and generally effective. Details are relevant, and sometimes interesting, and engaging.

Theme is consistent throughout essay. The author's purpose is explicit and supported thoroughly. Thesis statement and topic sentences are clear, dynamic and effective. Details are relevant, interesting, and engaging.

Essay has no format or adheres poorly to an apparent format; introduction and/or conclusion are indistinguishable. Paragraphs are unstructured or poorly structured.

Essay strays from standard format; introduction and/or conclusion are weak. Paragraphs may be somewhat unclear.

Essay adheres to the format, with a satisfactory introduction and conclusion. Paragraphs are arranged coherently.

Essay adheres to the format with a strong introduction (including an engaging hook) and conclusion (which includes a "so what?" idea). Paragraphs flow in a coherent and logical manner and include all the required components.

This piece is not carefully crafted and therefore not ready to be read aloud. The writer's unique voice is not developed. Energy and tone is inappropriate to intended audience and purpose.

This piece is underdeveloped in terms of voice and not yet ready to be read aloud. The writer's unique voice is developing. Energy and tone is linked to intended audience and purpose, but not an effective match.

This piece is well crafted and almost ready to be read aloud. The writer's unique voice appears. Energy and tone is somewhat appropriate to intended audience and purpose.

This piece is skillfully crafted and ready to be read aloud. The writer's unique voice comes through clearly. Energy and tone is appropriate to intended audience and purpose.

Chronic capitalization, punctuation, grammar and/or spelling errors interfere with meaning. MLA format is not utilized.

Several capitalization, punctuation, spelling and/or grammar errors are present. Errors in MLA format show student has not mastered this skill.

A few capitalization, punctuation and grammar errors are present. There may be a few spelling errors, but they do not interfere with meaning. Minimal errors in MLA format appear.

Proper use of capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Spelling errors are virtually non-existent and correct MLA format is utilized--including the works cited list.