Senior Thesis (Research Paper):
Grading Criteria
1.
Is there a sophisticated and in-depth presentation of a topic related to
your career interest? _______
2.
Does the writer effectively synthesize information from at least 10
sources in order to give a full discussion of the topic? _______
3.
Does the writer make warranted and reasonable assertions about the
authors’ arguments and philosophical beliefs? _______
4.
Does the writer use elements of the sources to defend and clarify
interpretations? _______
5.
Does the writer thoughtfully express his own opinion about the issues?
_______
6.
Does the writer use interesting and appropriate details and quotations
to make his/her paper more interesting, to make arguments, and to show evidence
of research? _______
7.
Are graphics, databases, or spreadsheets integrated into the document
to support the writing? ______
8.
Is there good use of the writer’s own descriptive words and vivid
writing (no plagiarism, sentence variety, interesting verbs, precise and clear
wording, etc.)? _______
9.
Are ideas organized clearly (by section, by paragraph, in logical
order, using transitions, etc.)? _______
10.
Is each quotation clearly introduced, explained, and reflected upon?
_______
11.
Is there a strong thesis statement and introductory paragraph that
clearly presents the focus of the paper? _______
12.
Is there a thoughtful conclusion that adds closure to the paper?
_______
13.
Is grammar correct? _______
14.
Is spelling correct? _______
15.
Are quotation marks, underlining, and citation punctuation used
correctly? _______
16.
Is the language used formal enough for a research paper (contractions
and numbers spelled out, limited use of “you” and colloquial language)? _______
17.
Did the author cite information and quotations correctly? _______
18.
Did the author prepare a correct Works Cited page? _______
19.
Are there at least 10 sources on the Works Cited page? _______
20.
Is there at least one personal interview on the Works Cited page and
referred to in the text? _______
21.
Did the author prepare a correct title page? _______
22.
Did the author choose at least 7 interesting and appropriate
quotations? _______
23.
Is the research paper of an appropriate length (18 pages minimum)? _______
24.
Is the research paper typed and double-spaced (12 point, 1 inch
margins)? _______
25.
Are the title page, final draft, bibliography, and first draft enclosed
in a report cover? _______