RESEARCH PAPER GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria
Content Advanced
Content 100 to 90 points
The paper is of excellent quality.
Topic is well-framed; strong and
clear thesis is stated; material has
direction and purpose. Historical
analysis meets general college
standards. Sources are cited in the
paper, using footnotes.
Sources 30 to 27 points
Research Paper is based on the
correct number (6) and types (3
primary and 3 secondary) sources,
which are of scholarly nature.
Writing 30 to 27 points
Paper is well-organized and
relatively free of grammatical and
stylistic problems. Thesis is
defended.
Structure Advanced
Format 40 to 36 points
Paper is free of all or almost all
Turabian/ Chicago citation errors (in
footnotes and bibliography). Paper is
between 6-8 full pages.
Levels of Achievement
Proficient
89 to 80 points
The paper is of good quality, but
may lack focus, such as a weak or
incomplete thesis and poor
conclusion. Some personal
viewpoints are expressed, instead of
relying upon historical work. Some
sources are cited, plagiarism is not
present.
26 to 21 points
Research Paper lacks the sufficient
number (6) or types primary and
secondary) of sources, which are of
scholarly nature.
26 to 21 points
Paper is relatively clear and
organized but has some stylistic
and/or grammatical problems.
Weak thesis makes the paper
unclear or directionless.
Proficient
35 to 32 points
Paper has some Turabian/ Chicago
citation errors (in footnotes or
bibliography).
Paper is 5 full pages or more than 9
pages
Developing Not present
79 to 1 point 0 points
The paper lacks a significant level Not present.
of focus. There is a weak or no Many parts of
thesis. Historical evidence is not the paper is
used. Paper is disorganized and plagiarized.
unclear of purpose and reason.
Paper lacks a conclusion. Paper if
full of personal viewpoints and
poor research. Some elements of
plagiarism is detected.
20 to 1 point 0 points
Research Paper shows significant Not present
weakness in number (6) or types
(primary and secondary) of sources.
20 to1 points 0 points
Paper lacks organization and/or Not present.
clarity. It may have significant
grammatical or stylistic problems.
Thesis is missing or poorly stated
Developing Not present
31 to 1 points 0 points
Paper has serious Turabian/ Not present.
Chicago citation errors (in
footnotes or bibliography).
Necessary footnotes may be
missing.
Paper is less than 4 full pages or
more than 10 full pages