Research Paper (APA STYLE)

Student:

Criteria

Points Possible

Points

Earned

Instructor’s Comments

Content/Development

All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way.

125

Content is comprehensive, accurate, and/or persuasive.

Major points are stated clearly and are supported by professional literature or logic.

Meaningful use of source material and analytical reasoning to elaborate upon the topic or theme.

Research is adequate and timely for the topic.

The context and purpose of the writing are clear.

Organization

The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.

25

Ideas flow in a logical sequence.

The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.

The paper’s organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose.

Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and direct the flow of thought throughout the paper.

The conclusion logically derives from the paper’s ideas.

The conclusion reviews the major points for the appropriate audience.

Format

The paper includes a title page, an abstract, 8–10 full pages of content, and a references page

50

The references page contains at least 5 scholarly sources.

The paper follows current APA format guidelines.

The paper is written in 12-pt. Times New Roman font, is double-spaced, and has 1” margins.

The work is original, giving credit to all borrowed ideas.

Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling

Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed.

25

Spelling is correct.

Readability/Style

Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.

25

Sentences are well constructed with consistently strong and varied structure.

Sentence transitions are present and direct the flow of thought.

Words used are precise and unambiguous.

Total

250