Research paper

Name: ______________________________________

BIO498 Final Paper Rubric

Excellent Adequate Inadequate Points
Possible

Score

Introduction:

Writing appropriate for
target audience

Paper has sufficient definitions
and explanations to make the
research accessible to non-
specialists readers

Some useful definitions or
explanations, but some
concepts still challenging for
non-specialist readers

The paper is written with excessive
jargon and is greatly lacking in
definitions and explanations making it
inaccessible to non-specialist readers

20

Significance of the
research within the field

Writing presents compelling
argument for significance/value
of research

Writing does not explicitly
present an argument for the
significance of the research

Writing does not explain the
significance of the research

25

Introduction Summary Clearly states content of review Attempts to state content of
review

Fails to state content of review 15

Body Content:

Literature Review of sufficient and
appropriate literature

Review of moderate literature
related to the chosen topic

Poor review of literature related to
the topic

100

Body Organization Body content thoroughly
organized, clear transitions
throughout

Body content adequately
organized, some transitions
difficult.

Body content does not flow smoothly
throughout the paper and transitions
are rough throughout.

30

Understanding of Topic Writer demonstrates excellent
understanding of topic
throughout text.

Writer demonstrates
adequate understanding of
topic throughout text.

Writer does not demonstrate full
understanding of topic throughout
text. Concepts become blurred and
confused when reading text.

30

Synthesis:

Synthesize, compare &
contrast, objectively
relate the merits of
opposing arguments
and assumptions

Synthesizes research carefully
and objectively. Demonstrates
similarities and differences
between research of different
scholars.

Attempts to synthesizes
research carefully and
objectively. Sometimes
demonstrates similarities and
differences between research
of different scholars.

May be biased in presentation of
research. Description of research may
be unclear. Fails to demonstrate
similarities and differences between
research of different scholars.

75

Conclusion: Clear conclusion about the
research studies analyzed

Adequate conclusion about
the research studies analyzed

Missing or unclear conclusion about
the research studies analyzed

40

Name: ______________________________________

Communicates
thoughts clearly:

Spelling, syntax, diction, and
punctuation allow for effective
communication and an
engaged audience.

Few mistakes in spelling,
syntax, diction, and
punctuation allows for little
distraction in communication.

Excessive mistakes in spelling, syntax,
diction, and punctuation impede
readability.

20

Length: 22 pages or > (text only) 20-22 pages (text only) < 19 pages 20

References: Correct format both in text
citations and Bibliography page

Moderate mistakes in both in
text citations and
Bibliography page

Numerous mistakes in both in text
citations and Bibliography page

25

Total Points (400)