| Criterion | Poor 5-25 pts | Fair 25-40 pts | Good 40-50 pts |
| Content & Development 50 pts | Poor - Content is incomplete. - Major points are not clear and /or persuasive. | Fair - Content is not comprehensive and /or persuasive. - Major points are addressed, but not well supported. - Research is inadequate or does not address course concepts. - Content is inconsistent with regard to purpose and clarity of thought. | Good - Content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. - Major points are stated clearly and are well supported. - Research is adequate, timely and addresses course concepts. - Content and purpose of the writing are clear. |
| Criterion | Poor 5-25 pts | Fair 25-40 pts | Good 40-50 pts |
| Organization & Structure 50 pts | Poor - Organization and structure detract from the message of the writer. - Paragraph is disjointed and lack transition of thoughts. | Fair - Structure of the paragraph is not easy to follow. - Paragraph transitions need improvement. | Good - Structure of the paragraph is clear and easy to follow. |
| Criterion | Poor 5-25 pts | Fair 25-40 pts | Good 40-50 pts |
| Format 50 pts | Poor - Paper lacks many elements of correct formatting. - Paragraph is inadequate/excessive in length. | Fair - Paper follows most guidelines. - Paper is over/ under word length. | Good - Paper follows designated guidelines. - Paper is the appropriate length as described for the assignment. |
| Criterion | Poor 5-25 pts | Fair 25-40 pts | Good 40-50 pts |
| Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling 50 pts | Poor - Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. - Language uses jargon or conversational tone. | Fair - Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors. - Language lacks clarity or includes the use of some jargon or conversational tone. | Good - Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct. - Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure. |
For every day late, the research paper will have 5 points taken off for a total of a ¼ of a letter grade.
