Name: ______Period: ______

Research Paper Directions and Rubric

Directions: Write a research paper discussing one of the approved topics. Be sure to write in MLA format, cite your sources throughout the paper, and provide personal analysis that supports an arguable thesis you create regarding your topic.

You will attach your research notes, RQAB, and rough draft to your final draft.

RQAB due: 2/6/15

Rough Draft due: 2/20/15

Final Draft due: 2/26/15

YES TEST: You must receive all “yeses” for your paper to be scored. Any “no” will stop the process.

Yes / No / Basic Requirement
1. Paper typed and in MLA format
2. Arguable thesis clearly stated in intro and referenced in conclusion
3. Correct documentation style used in text
4. Citing evident
5. Minimum 3 sources cited in text and in Works Cited (at least one book)
6. Works Cited accurate and correctly formatted
7. Paper written in 3rd person; content not personal; non-biased research
8. Paper meets minimum length standard (2-3 pages, excluding title and WC page)
9. Evidence of consistent and conscientious editing since Rough Draft

RUBRIC

Use of Sources

4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Researched information appropriately documented (abundant MLA citations)
Enough outside information to clearly represent a research process
Demonstrates use of paraphrasing, direct, and indirect quotations
Information connects to thesis
Sources on Works Cited accurately match sources cited within the text

Content/ Organization

4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Introduction engaging and clearly defines thesis
Thesis is focused
Content connecting to thesis is clarifying, explaining, developing
Text organization flows sensibly and smoothly
Conclusion thoughtful, engaging, and clear

Mechanics/Format

4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Pagination/ running header
12 point Times New Roman, 1” margins on all sides, Works Cited in MLA
Usage/ Grammar
Correct paragraphing
Written in formal style

Topics: The Jim Crow South, The Scottsboro Incident, Brown vs. Board of Education, The NAACP, The Ku Klux Klan, The Great Depression