Research Paper Checklist and Evaluation Criteria
Christine Bauer-Ramazani

Name: _______________________________________

OUTLINE (logical organization, adequate detail)

 0 1 2
       
TEXT      
  1. Introduction (interesting background, statistics, rhetorical questions, anecdote, etc.)
 0 1 2
  1. Content (interesting, clear line of argumentation, convincing)
 0 1 2
  1. Organization (paragraphing, topic sentences)
 0 1 2
  1. Support for assertions / information (examples, explanations, reasons)
 0 1 2
  1. Support of arguments with secondary sources (in-text citations)
 0 1 2
  1. Definition of terms
 0 1 2
  1. Paraphrasing/summarizing/quoting/framing of sources
 0 1 2
  1. Written Expression
      
  1. Clarity of thesis statement
0 1 2
  1. Writing style and flow (coherence--transitions, key words, pronouns)
 0 1 2
  1. Sentence Structure (complexity, grammar)
 0 1 2
  1. Vocabulary (word choice, word form)
 0 1 2
  1. Mechanics (format, punctuation, spelling, appearance)
 0 1 2
  1. Conclusion (restatement of thesis, summary, recommendations, etc.)
 0 1 2
  1. In-text citations and references (APA format, alphabetical order)
 0 1 2
                                                                                                                          TOTAL:          / 30

0 = Major problems or omissions
1 = Some evidence of difficulty; minor or numerous errors
2 = no major problems or errors

GRADING SCALE: 30    -  28.5 A
  28    -  27 A-
  26.5 -  26 B+
  25.5 -  25 B
  24.5 -  24 B-
  23.5 -  23 C+
  22.5 -  22 C
  21.5 -  21 C-
  20.5 -  20 D+
  19.5  - 19 D
  below 19 F

    © 2006  Christine Bauer-Ramazani, Saint Michael's College. Last updated: October 15, 2019