NAME:

Exceeds Standard 15-14 Thesis/preview statement is clear, concise, specific, and arguable goes beyond a statement of historical fact Thesis/preview statement reveals an in-depth understanding of the assignment and texts/activities Clearly lays out themes of the paper Introduction is sophisticated, contains a hook and logically leads to thesis statement 40-38 Topic sentences clearly identify the focus of the paragraphs Topic sentence clearly connects to themes presented in introduction Paragraph proves topic sentence Evidence strongly supports argument/topics Frequent and correct use of citations and/or paraphrases Analysis is consistently thorough and specific. Uses details from text to support argument All historical references serve to further the argument. No content errors Transitions are fluid and logical

Meets Standard

Approaching Standard 10-8 Thesis/preview statement is either unclear or not arguable tends to state historical facts rather than present an argument Thesis/preview statement reveals an adequate understanding of the assignment and corresponding texts/activities Themes of the paper unclear or presented in list fashion Hook does not logically lead to thesis statement 31-24 Topic sentences are vague or off topic Topic sentence merely a statement of fact and does not reflect a major theme of the paper Paragraphs superficially address topic sentences Evidence loosely supports argument/topics Contains numerous content errors Few citations or incorrect citations Analysis of evidence is vague. Historical references do not necessarily further the argument. Transitions are missing or unfocused

Insufficient Evidence 7 or below Thesis/preview statement is missing Thesis/preview statement is simplistic and may not fully follow the assignment No or unrelated background information given Missing hook Missing connection between introduction and assignment 24 or below No identifiable topic sentences Paragraphs are off topic or do not address topic sentences Evidence unfocused or not applicable Major Content Errors No citations No connections are made between sources List of names and dates with little or no connection to the argument Little to no analysis of evidence No logical flow

Introduction 15%

Topic Sentences Organization and Development

Content/ Evidence

Analysis of Evidence

13-11 Thesis/preview statement is clear and arguable goes beyond a statement of historical fact Thesis/preview statement reveals a thorough understanding of the assignment and corresponding texts/activities Clearly lays out themes of the paper but may be less sophisticated in presentation Introduction contains a hook and logically leads to thesis, but is not sophisticated 37-31 Topic sentences generally identify the focus of the paragraphs Topic sentence clearly connects to themes presented in introduction Paragraph supports topic sentence Evidence supports argument/topics Few content errors Some use of citations and/or paraphrases Analysis of evidence and ideas is mostly thorough and specific. Historical references mostly serve to further the argument Transitions are evident and logical

40%

Conclusion 15%

15-14 Clear, sophisticated reinforcement of argument/themes Clearly summarizes the main ideas from each body paragraph Suggest something larger about the historical time period/impact Brings complete closure to argument 20-19 Free from grammatical errors Free of punctuation, spelling, and capitalization errors Free of unnecessary wordiness or slang Careful and correct word choices Authentic and appropriate voice is consistent throughout the paper First or second person is not used 10 Correct work cited page attached All sources listed on the works cited page are cited at least once in the body of the paper using parenthetical references Correct MLA format Follows the Xavier High School Social Studies Dept. Research paper writing guidelines

13-11 Satisfactory restatement of argument/themes is present Adequately summarizes the main ideas Attempts to suggest something larger about the historical time period/impact Brings adequate closure to argument

10-8 Restatement of argument/themes is present but vague Some ideas are summarized Weak attempt at the larger connection to the historical time period/impact Brings some closure to paper and/or introduces new ideas

Grammar Language and Writing Conventions 20% Spelling and Punctuation Formatting

18-15 Few usage and agreement errors Few punctuation, spelling, or capitalization mistakes with no impact on understanding Some unnecessary wordiness or slang Word choices are mostly careful and correct Voice is mostly authentic and appropriate

14-11 Usage and agreement errors interfere with argument presented Numerous punctuation, spelling, and/or capitalization mistakes Wordiness or slang is consistent throughout paper Inappropriate or redundant word choices interfere with understanding Voice is mostly inappropriate or inauthentic

Process 10%

9-8 Some mistakes in work cited page All sources listed on the works cited page are cited at least once but there may be some mistakes in the content of the parenthetical reference Some mistakes with MLA format Follows the Xavier High School Social Studies Dept. Research paper writing guidelines

7-6 Many mistakes in work cited page There are sources listed on the works cited page that do not appear in the body of the paper (or vice versa) but still uses the correct number of sources in total. Many mistakes with MLA format Does not completely follow the Xavier High School Social Studies Dept. Research paper writing guidelines

7 or below Conclusion reveals a faulty understanding of assignment and/or topic Does not summarize main points Makes no connection to the historical time period/impact Paper ends without closure and introduces new ideas that are off topic 10 or below Frequent grammatical errors interfere with understanding and clarity Frequent punctuation, spelling, and/or capitalization mistakes Frequent wordiness or slang impacts understanding and clarity Word choice severely inappropriate Voice is inappropriate or inauthentic 5 or below Work cited page incorrect Sources missing or incorrectly cited MLA format incorrect Does not follow the Xavier High School Social Studies Dept. Research paper writing guidelines

SCORE ___________/100