Research Paper Evaluation Criteria

written by Nancy Stephen & Karen Bingert
Southern Regional High School
http://oii.org/nsba/research.html

IMPACT CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH PAPER

Possible Points = 50

EXCELLENT (50)

Memorable - Generates and sustains interest in subject for reader, i.e. anecdote, quote, compare/contrast, etc. to create strong emotional impact
Convincing - Extensive use of credible research; fully documented
Persuasive - Compels the reader to believe writer's viewpoint and/or desired action
Unique - Totally demonstrates new way of thinking or looking at a topic
Transformative - Changes the way both the writer and the reader thinks about the subject; outstanding link between topic and other contexts

GOOD (40)

Memorable - Creates interest for reader but may not sustain it, i.e. may use above devices in introduction and paper but lacks emotional impact.
Convincing - Demonstrated use of credible research; documentation apparent
Persuasive - Proves viewpoint or states desired outcome
Unique - Demonstrates new way of thinking or looking at a topic by generating one or two new ideas
Transformative - May change the way the writer and/or the reader thinks about the subject; topic linked between subject and other contexts

FAIR (30)

Memorable - Creates some interest for reader but sustained briefly, i.e. may attempt device(s) above in introduction but not in rest of paper and lacks emotional impact
Convincing - Some use of credible research; some documentation apparent
Persuasive - May prove some points or may state desired outcome
Unique - Attempts to demonstrate new way of thinking or looking at a topic but has difficulty generating one or two new ideas
Transformative - May change the way writer and/or reader thinks about subject, but argument is not sustained; may make some links between topic and other contexts