Research Evaluation

Physical Format (10%) The paper must look like an MLA research paper.

• General
  • Double spaced
  • Courier 10cpi or Times Roman 12 pt. font size
  • One inch margins
• MLA Title page
• Outline
  • Contains thesis written as a single sentence
  • Contains appropriate and accurate major, minor, subordinate headings
  • Format (Hierarchical [I,A,1,a . . .], indented levels, double spaced)
  • Consistent style (topical or full sentence)
  • Page numbering (student's last name plus small Roman numerals in upper right corner)
• Body
  • Centered title, first page
  • Page numbering (last name plus cardinal numbers in upper right corner)
  • Required length
• Works Cited page
  • Works Cited centered at top of page
  • Double spaced, each citation with hanging indent in alphabetical order

Documentation (45%) The paper must follow the latest MLA format as given in the handbook/class notes

• Works Cited
  • Minimum number of sources
  • Format - MLA
• Internal citations
  • Format of citation - current MLA (from handbook)
  • Accuracy of citation--citations match sources (information can be found in source/page cited) and citations identify specific sources on Works Cited page
  • Extent of citations-every paragraph containing information from sources is properly identified by source and every source listed on works cited is used
  • Types of citation
    • paraphrases not plagiarized (words not too similar to source)
    • appropriate use of quotations (quotes not overused or used just to provide information)
    • format of quotations (quotation marks, block indent, etc.)
  • Breadth of source material - range, variety, quality, and appropriateness of sources used

Content (45%) The paper must be a well written essay.

• Organization (follows assignment design--organization as outlined by assignment)
  • contains introduction, supporting evidence, conclusion and appropriate transitions
• Depth (sufficient evidence provided for each element of the paper)
• Clarity (clear, understandable, readable, fluid)
• Awareness of audience
• Professional appearance and format
  • Correct grammar and spelling
  • Neat
  • Appropriate level of diction (no contractions, slang, or conversational speech patterns)