Research Report : Argument
Teacher Name: Mrs. O'Brien
Student Name: ______
CATEGORY / 40 / 30 / 20 / 10
Organization/Development
(including the outline) / All information is very organized, and all paragraphs are well-developed. / Most information is organized, and /or most paragraphs are well-developed. / Only some information is organized, and/or some paragraphs are well-developed. / The information seems to be disorganized, and/or few paragraphs are well-developed.
Evidence
(both from source material and from personal opinion) / All evidence/ examples are specific and relevant, and explanations are given that support the thesis. / Mostof the evidence/ examples are specific and relevant, and explanations are given that support the thesis. / Only some of the evidence/ examples are specific and relevant, and only someexplanations are given that support the thesis. / Evidence/ examples are rarely relevant or nonexistent, and/or they do not support the thesis.
Transitions
(within and in between paragraphs) / A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected. / Transitions show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety. / Some transitions work well, and/or few transitions are used at all. / The transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistent.
Word Choice
(avoid 2nd person point of view, slang, contractions, etc.) / Vivid words and phrases are used that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. / Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. / Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety and/or flair. / Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon, slang, or cliché may be present and detract from the meaning.
Sources and Citations
(including the Works Cited page and using 5-8 total sources) / All sources are accurately documented in the desired MLA format. / All sources are documented, but a few are not in the desired MLA format. / All sources are documented, but many are not in the desired MLA format. / Some sources are not accurately documented.
Mechanics
(grammar, spelling, usage, etc.) / No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. / Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors / A few grammatical spelling or punctuation errors. / Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

If a paper lacks internal citations, it receives a zero score. A Works Cited page is not sufficient alone.

Notes:

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