Formatting
The research thesis is written in proper MLA format with a header, page numbers including the student’s last name, Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced lines, indentions for paragraphs, appropriate margins, etc.
Exemplary-5, Above Average-4, Proficient-3, Emerging-2, Unsatisfactory-1
Introduction
The introduction is effective in presenting the problem in question in an engaging and informative manner to create an interest in the reader to continue reading the essay.
Exemplary-5, Above Average-4, Proficient-3, Emerging-2, Unsatisfactory-1
Literature Review
The student uses credible research from an ample amount of sources to explore the problem, its causes and effects, and possible solutions. The research is organized in a logical manner and provides sufficient detail and analysis. All of the information is cited internally with parenthetical citations. The research is succinctly summarized at the conclusion of the section.
Exemplary-30, Above Average-25, Proficient-20, Emerging-15, Unsatisfactory-10
Primary Research
The student gives a detailed description of the primary research that he/she conducted and explains the rationale behind his/her choices in research. The exercise(s) is/are sufficiently summarized and analyzed in order to supplement the original research conducted for the literature review. The student also compares and contrasts the information from his/her research with other scholars’ research.
Exemplary-20, Above Average-17, Proficient-13, Emerging-8, Unsatisfactory-3
Solution
The student presents a practical solution for the problem explored in the thesis. A clear and detailed plan of action explains the logistics and rationale behind the proposed solution and persuades the reader that the solution is the best course of action to take in solving or alleviating the problem.
Exemplary-15, Above Average-13, Proficient-10, Emerging-7, Unsatisfactory-3
Conclusion
The conclusion concisely restates the importance of the problem and reaffirms why action should be taken in order to solve or alleviate the problem in society. The conclusion leaves a powerful impact on the reader and embodies the essence of the research thesis well.
Exemplary-5, Above Average-4, Proficient-3, Emerging-2, Unsatisfactory-1
Works Cited
The sources used in the research thesis, mainly in the literature review and primary research sections, are listed on a new page in alphabetical order and follow the MLA guidelines as specified on Purdue OWL.
Exemplary-10, Above Average-9, Proficient-7, Emerging-4, Unsatisfactory-2
Language, Grammar, and Mechanics
The writer clearly and effectively expresses ideas, using precise words, phrases and clauses, academic and domain-specific vocabulary that is clearly appropriate for the audience and purpose, and effectively establishes and maintains a formal style and objective tone. The writer demonstrates a strong command of conventions with insignificant errors that need little or no editing.
Exemplary-10, Above Average-9, Proficient-7, Emerging-4, Unsatisfactory-2
Examples:
PowerPoint
The entirety of the student’s research thesis content is organized logically, and the presentation gives ample amount of detail of all of the required research components (see Final Research Paper Rubric for list of components).
The presentation flows well and reflects extensive use of PowerPoint tools in a creative way in that the transitions are smooth, interesting, and enhance the presentation to increase audience engagement, interest, and understanding.
The images used are appropriate, and the layout of images and text is balanced and pleasing to the eye. Slides are neither cluttered/busy nor lacking.
There are no spelling or grammar errors, and the text is in the authors' own words.
Exemplary-30, Above Average-25, Proficient-20, Emerging-15, Unsatisfactory-10
Content Explanation
The student demonstrates an impressive ownership of the research completed and the solution that is being proposed for the real-world problem.
The purpose of the project is clear and captures the listener’s attention.
Content is accurate and information is presented in a logical, meaningful manner.
Relevant examples work to interest the listener and further develop main ideas.
The student goes into enough detail of his/her project to meet the required time length of ten minutes with a two-minute grace period.
Exemplary-20, Above Average-17, Proficient-13, Emerging-8, Unsatisfactory-3
Physical Presence
Eye contact, interaction with aids (PowerPoint), and body language, such as facial expressions and physical gestures, demonstrate the speaker’s energy and interest, guiding the listener through the presentation and generate a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others.
Exemplary-10, Above Average-9, Proficient-7, Emerging-4, Unsatisfactory-2
Voice and Articulation
The speaker utilizes tone, speed, and volume, using these tools to emphasize important ideas and hold the listener’s attention.
Exemplary-10, Above Average-9, Proficient-7, Emerging-4, Unsatisfactory-2
Audience Engagement
The student involves part of or the entire audience in a creative demonstration or activity that is relevant in illustrating their project’s relevance and main ideas. The speaker must demonstrate an authentic example of involving audience members.
Exemplary-20, Above Average-17, Proficient-13, Emerging-8, Unsatisfactory-3
Question and Answer Session
The student responds appropriately and intelligently to all three peer questions following his/her presentation. The student gives thoughtful, detailed answers based on his/her research and educated opinions on the matter.
Exemplary-10, Above Average-9, Proficient-7, Emerging-4, Unsatisfactory-2
Examples: