10 pages , annotated bibliography, 5 primary sources, 5 secondary sources, footnotes and Chicago style Grading Rubric Research Papers:
Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Does not meet expectations Significant Problems
Introduction Provides all necessary background information; introduces topic and leads into thesis
Some background info; but not sufficient to set up paper; includes thesis
Minimal background info and unclear transition to thesis or missing thesis completely.
No background info; poorly constructed intro.
Conclusion Effectively pulls paper together; restates thesis and major points and indicates overall significance of the paper
Present, but not fully developed; doesn’t hit all main points or doesn’t indicate overall significance of the work
Minimal; fails in some way to restate main points or thesis
Missing completely
Argument and analysis Clearly stated in introduction and signposted throughout paper. Truly ties paper together effectively. Thesis is specific enough to be significant and to answer the “so what” question.
Clearly stated in introduction; appears inconsistently through paper. Thesis may or may not be strong and effective in answering “so what.”
Thesis is either too narrow, broad, or vague. May be supported by part, but not all of paper. Analysis not tied to argument.
Minimal or missing thesis; too vague to really tie paper together. No real analysis of sources in the paper and minimal ties to argument.
Use of Evidence Extensive use of primary sources that support argument. Close analysis of sources is directly tied to the larger argument.
Significant number of primary sources, but they are not fully explained or analyzed in some way. Analysis may not be tied to the overall argument of the paper.
A few primary sources, but not enough to fully support argument. Evidence not tied to argument.
Minimal or no primary sources.
Integration of historiography Recognition of the work of other scholars on the subject and a clear analysis of how your work fits with theirs.
Some mention of other scholars’ work, and attempt to tie your work to theirs.
Mention of other scholars, but no tie made between your work and theirs.
No mention of the work of previous scholars on the subject.
Organization Paper flows logically and is well organized. Good signposting and transitions. Strong topic sentences.
Paper generally flows well, but has a few places that need reorganizing. Some transitions and signposting. Parts of the paper flow, but overall organization needs reworking. Paper is jerky and doesn?t support thesis. Lacks transitions. Poorly organized and hard to follow.
Vocabulary Demonstrates rich and varied vocabulary. Uses words correctly.
Uses effective and appropriate vocabulary.
Lacks precision of word choice or regular misuse of words. Significant wordiness
Incorrect use of many words. Wordiness makes paper hard to understand.
Grammar Few grammar errors or typos and paper is well written. Effective sentence and paragraph structure.
Some grammar errors, but generally well-written.
Many grammar errors and unclear use of grammar. Poorly constructed paragraphs.
Rife with grammar errors and difficult to follow.
Citations Correctly uses footnotes in Chicago style. Uses them in all necessary places in text.
Minor citation errors.
Inconsistent use of citations. Citations missing or minimal.
Grade Bundle: Length: Primary Sources* Secondary Sources
C bundle Minimum 2500 words Minimum 5 Minimum 5
B bundle Minimum 3500 words Minimum 7 Minimum 7
A or AB bundle Minimum 4500 words Minimum 10 Minimum 10
*number of primary sources depends on the quality and type of sources as well; 5 newspaper articles are not the same as 5 diaries. There is some wiggle room on this criteria.
