Research Paper on Earth Science Topic

Figure 1: Research Paper Rubric

EXPERT PROFICIENT APPRENTICE NOVICE

INTEGRATION
OF

KNOWLEDGE

The paper demonstrates that
the author fully understands
and has applied concepts
learned in the course.
Concepts are integrated into
the writer’s own insights. The
writer provides concluding
remarks that show analysis
and synthesis of ideas.

The paper demonstrates that
the author, for the most part,
understands and has applied
concepts learned in the
course. Some of the
conclusions, however, are
not supported in the body of
the paper.

The paper demonstrates that
the author, to a certain
extent, understands and has
applied concepts learned in
the course.

The paper does not
demonstrate that the
author has fully
understood and applied
concepts learned in the
course.

TOPIC
FOCUS

The topic is focused narrowly
enough for the scope of this
assignment. A thesis
statement provides direction
for the paper, either by
statement of a position or
hypothesis.

The topic is focused but lacks
direction. The paper is about
a specific topic but the
writer has not established a
position.

The topic is too broad for the
scope of this assignment.

The topic is not clearly
defined.

DEPTH OF
DISCUSSION

In-depth discussion &
elaboration in all sections of
the paper.

In-depth discussion &
elaboration in most sections
of the paper.

The writer has omitted
pertinent content or content
runs-on excessively.
Quotations from others
outweigh the writer’s own
ideas excessively.

Cursory discussion in all
the sections of the paper
or brief discussion in
only a few sections.

COHESIVENESS

Ties together information
from all sources. Paper flows
from one issue to the next
without the need for
headings. Author’s writing
demonstrates an
understanding of the
relationship among material
obtained from all sources.

For the most part, ties
together information from
all sources. Paper flows with
only some disjointedness.
Author’s writing
demonstrates an
understanding of the
relationship among material
obtained from all sources.

Sometimes ties together
information from all sources.
Paper does not flow –
disjointedness is apparent.
Author’s writing does not
demonstrate an
understanding of the
relationship among material
obtained from all sources.

Does not tie together
information. Paper does
not flow and appears to
be created from
disparate issues.
Headings are necessary
to link concepts. Writing
does not demonstrate
understanding any
relationships

SPELLING &
GRAMMAR

No spelling &/or grammar
mistakes.

Minimal spelling &/or
grammar mistakes.

Noticeable spelling &
grammar mistakes.

Unacceptable number of
spelling and/or
grammar mistakes.

SOURCES

More than 5 current sources,
of which at least 3 are peer-
review journal articles or
scholarly books. Sources
include both general
background sources and
specialized sources. Special-
interest sources and popular
literature are acknowledged
as such if they are cited. All
web sites utilized are
authoritative.

5 current sources, of which
at least 2 are peer-review
journal articles or scholarly
books. All web sites utilized
are authoritative.

Fewer than 5 current sources,
or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-
reviewed journal articles or
scholarly books. All web sites
utilized are credible.

Fewer than 5 current
sources, or fewer than 2
of 5 are peer-reviewed
journal articles or
scholarly books. Not all
web sites utilized are
credible, and/or sources
are not current.

CITATIONS

Cites all data obtained from
other sources. APA citation
style is used in both text and
bibliography.

Cites most data obtained
from other sources. APA
citation style is used in both
text and bibliography.

Cites some data obtained
from other sources. Citation
style is either inconsistent or
incorrect.

Does not cite sources.

Adapted from: Whalen, S. “Rubric from Contemporary Health Issues Research Paper”
http://academics.adelphi.edu/edu/hpe/healthstudies/whalen/HED601_r2.shtml