Research Paper Rubric Best Writing
Criteria Poor
Cover Page Unclear title, No relation to
APA format paper, not in correct format,
and missing information.
Abstract and Information is not reflective on
Table of Contents research paper.
More than 120 words and does
A brief summary of not define unique terms. Table
the paper and table of contents is confusing, lacks
of contents of correct formatting, or is
paper incomplete/missing.
Format/Layout Poorly follows the requirements
Quotes and of APA format.
citations in APA
style
Quality of Writing The paper is not well written,
and contains many spelling
The grammar, errors and/or grammar errors.
spelling, and The paper is badly organized,
punctuation within lacks clarity and/or does not
the paper present ideas coherently. Is not
written at graduate level and is
not sophisticated.
Content The paper is not objective and
The paper is poorly addresses the topic of
focused and well- research. The information
developed provided is not necessary or
sufficient to discuss this topic.
References Some sources are listed, but
APA Format they are not accurately
documented in APA format.
Organization Not organized at all. Paper does
The thoughts and not flow. Little to no transitions,
ideas within the introductions, conclusions,
paper choppy and difficult to follow.
Does not follow a logical order
in regard to what topics are
presented first, second, etc.
Fair
All information is listed
but one it's not in correct
format or title is not
related to subject.
Information is related to
body of paper, but has a
few errors in format. Table
of contents is generally
clear with few errors.
Follows APA format.
Follows, for the most part,
all of the requirements
related to APA format.
Some requirements are
not followed.
The paper is well written
for the most part, and
contains few spelling or
grammar errors, and
addresses most of the
issues regarding the topic
with an in-depth analysis.
Is generally with graduate
level writing skills, but not
very sophisticated.
The paper is objective and
for the most part
addresses the issues of
the proposed topic. The
information provided is
necessary and sufficient
for this topic.
All sources are accurately
documented, but a few
are not in the APA format.
Somewhat organized with
a few errors. Needs more
transitions and further
work on introductions and
conclusions. Follows a
logical order in regard to
how the material is
presented.
Excellent
Creative title related to
subject and follows correct
APA format (Title, Authors
name, Institution, and
Proper Headings).
Correctly reflects purpose
of paper, self-contained,
concise, and specific. 120
words or less. Most
important information
included (concepts,
findings, or implications).
Table of contents is
informative, clear, and has
no errors. Follows APA
format.
Closely follows all the
requirements related to
APA format.
The paper is well written
and addresses all of the
issues regarding the
research topic with an in-
depth analysis. Is written
with graduate level writing
skills and sophistication.
The paper is objective and
addresses the issues of the
proposed topic. The
information provided is
necessary and sufficient to
discuss this topic.
All sources are accurately
documented in the APA
format.
Clear with an Introduction,
body, and conclusion.
Subheadings when needed.
Paper flows with transitions
into each paragraph.
Logical order is created and
develops a gradual
unfolding of increased
complexity of concepts that
build upon each other.
Length Paper has fewer than 10 pages
Follows classroom in total. Excludes title page,
guidelines table of contents, and/or
references in page length.
Paper has 10 pages in Paper has more than 10
total. Does not include pages in total. Does not
title page, table of include title page, table of
contents, or references in contents, or references in
page length. page length.