CATEGORY

Exceeds the standard

Meets the standard

Almost meets the standard

Does not meet the standard

Source

All internal citations correspond correctly to works cited and the entire works cited page is properly written and accurately presented in MLA format

All internal citations correspond correctly to works cited and the works cited page is properly written and accurately presented in MLA format with minimal exception

Internal citations correspond to works cited, in some cases information is inaccurate or incomplete; the works cited page contains some errors in formatting

Excessive citation errors. Plagiarism is a possibility.

Note Cards

Notes are recorded organized,properly written and accurately presented in MLA format (25 note cards)

Notes are recorded legibly and are somewhat organized. All notes correspond correctly to works cited. The note cards are properly written and accurately presented in MLA format with minimal exception (20 cards)

Notes are recorded. The note cards correspond to the works cited, in some cases information is inaccurate or incomplete. The note cards contain some errors in formatting. (18 note cards)

Notes are recorded. Plagiarism is a possibility. (1-17 note cards)

Outline

Graphic organizer or outline has been completed and shows clear, logical relationships between all topics and subtopics.

Graphic organizer or outline has been completed and shows clear, logical relationships between most topics and subtopics.

Graphic organizer or outline has been started and includes some topics and subtopics.

Graphic organizer or outline has not been attempted.

Thesis

Thesis, which is unique, and academically significant, is clearly stated

Thesis, which is clearly stated, reflects some complexity and significance

Thesis is understandable but lacks depth and/or significance

Thesis is difficult to understand and lacks significance

Introductory Paragraph

Introductory paragraph states topic of paper, generates interest , reflects deep understanding of topic and establishes the scope of the paper and conveys broad research findings

Introductory paragraph establishes the scope of the paper and conveys broad research findings

Introductory paragraph identifies some research findings but does not clearly establish the scope of the paper

Introductory paragraph does not establish the scope of the paper and does not convey research findings

Supporting paragraphs

Supporting paragraphs, based on focus question notes, consistently reinforce the thesis and show thoughtful sequencing that advances the overall message of the paper

Supporting paragraphs, based on focus question notes, consistently reinforce the thesis

Supporting paragraphs are based on focus question notes, but do not reinforce the thesis consistently

Supporting paragraphs are not based on focus question notes and consequently do not consistently reinforce the thesis

Integrates information

Integrates information from a variety of sources in order to address each focus question in supporting paragraphs and the paper reflects a balanced use of all resources

Most focus questions are answered by integrating information from several sources and the paper reflects a balanced use of all resources

Some focus questions are answered by integrating information from several sources, but some rely on only one source and the overall balance of resources is not well rounded

Most focus questions are only supported with information from one source

Conclusion

Provides closure by reiterating the thesis and summarizing most important findings while providing the significance of the research in a broad context

Provides closure by reiterating the thesis and summarizing most important findings

Provides closure by restating the thesis and providing only a partial summary of findings

Conclusion does not provide closure because thesis is not revisited and/or research findings are not summarized

Use of quotations and research

Smoothly embeds carefully selected quotations to advance the understanding of the quote and its relationship to the thesis; skillfully integrates research findings to enhance the overall message of the paper

Includes relevant quotations and research findings to answer focus questions and to support thesis

Includes some evidence to support thesis,but the use of additional quotes or research findings could have been used to support the thesis and advance overall understanding

The use of quotes and research findings is noticeably limited and results in an unsupported thesis

Mechanics

No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Citations appropriately annotated, correct font & size (12 pt.), works cited page, correct length, proper margins

There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation or paper formatting

A few grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. There are several errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation or paper formatting

Grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors are excessive. Numerous errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting impact readability of the paper

Quality of Information

Information clearly relates to the main topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples. The writing incorporates varying sentence structure, transitional phrasing and rich word usage and is written in the 3rd person; does not use contractions, slang or abbreviations

Information clearly relates to the main topic. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples. The paper uses appropriate vocabulary and is written in the 3rd person; and does not use contractions, slang or abbreviations

Information clearly relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given. While the paper is written in the 3rd person, a few contractions, slang expressions and/or abbreviations are present

Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic.The writing contains contractions, slang expressions and/or abbreviations and is not always written in the 3rd person

Amount of Information

All topics are addressed and all questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each.

All topics are addressed and most questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each.

All topics are addressed, and most questions answered with 1 sentence about each.

One or more topics were not addressed.

First Draft

Detailed draft is neatly presented and includes all required information. Meets page requirements. 9th-3; 10th-4; 11th-10; 12th-10

Draft includes all required information and is legible.

Draft includes most required information and is legible.

Draft is missing required information and is difficult to read. Draft does not meet page requirements. 9th-3; 10th-4; 11th-10; 12th-10