Term Paper Rubric
5
10
15
20
Introduction
No introduction
or introduction
does not give any
information about
what to expect in
the report.
Gives very little
information.
Gives too much
information –
is more like a
summary.
Presents a
concise lead-in
to report that
piques the
reader’s
interest.
Graphics
There are no
photos, diagrams,
tables or clip
art or they are
inappropriate or
of low quality.
Photos are blurry
or fuzzy and clip
art, diagrams,
and tables do not
“fit with the
topic. Too many
pictures
distracts from
text.
Photos,
diagrams,
tables and clip
art are
appropriate and
of high quality.
Photos,
diagrams,
tables, and clip
art are used
creatively and
may follow a
theme.
Information /
Content
Information is
poorly written,
inaccurate, or
incomplete.
Information could
be better written
and/or too much
information is
given in each
section
Information is
well written,
interesting to
read and is
presented in
short sections.
 
Information is
creatively
written and
cleverly
presented.  
Writing
Mechanics
Errors in
spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation,
usage and grammar
repeatedly
distract reader.
(5 or more)
Errors in
spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation,
usage and grammar
distract or
impair
readability. (3
or more errors)
The text is
clearly written
with little or
no errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and spelling.
The text is
written with no
errors in
grammar,
capitalization,
and spelling.
Citations
No way to check
validity of
information.
No way to check
validity of
information.
Sometimes
copyright
guidelines are
followed, some
information,
photos and
graphics do not
use proper MLA
citations.
Most sources
use proper MLA
citation, some
sources are
documented to
make it
possible to
check on
accuracy of
information.
Sources are
properly cited
so the audience
can determine
the credibility
and authority of
the information.
All sources of
information are
clearly
identified and
credited using
MLA citations.
Term Paper Rubric