Rubric and Assignment for Exploratory Research Paper

Assignment:
Write a 8 - 10 page exploratory research paper using the framework below.
First Draft Due:   March 7
Final Draft Due:  March 18

Framework for the exploratory research paper (p. 162, The Allyn and Bacon Guide to Writing)

Introduction (one or more paragraphs)

• Establishes that your question is complex, problematic, and significant
• Shows why you are interested in it
• Presents relevant background information
• Contains an agenda for the reader to follow for the body of the paper
• You can begin with your question of build up to it using it to end your introduction

Body (review sources and their relevance to your question)

• Introduce each source summarizing the source's content and argument
• Offer your strong response to the source
• Discuss what this source contributes to your understanding of your question
• Repeat the process with each source selected to advance the inquiry
• Illustrate how your cumulative reading of sources is shaping your thinking or leading to more questions

Conclusion

• Wraps up your intellectual journey and explains where you are now in your thinking and how your understanding of the problem has changed
• Presents your current answer to your question on all that you have read and learned so far and explains unanswered questions or further research you might do

Rubric for Exploratory Research Report (60 points)

Introduction (10 points)

•  Establishes that your question is complex, problematic, and significant
• Shows why you are interested in it
• Presents relevant background information
• Contains an agenda for the reader to follow for the body of the paper
• You can begin with your question of build up to it using it to end your introduction

 Body (25 points)

• Introduce each source summarizing the source's content and argument
• Offer your strong response to the source
• Discuss what this source contributes to your understanding of your question
• Repeat the process with each source selected to advance the inquiry
• Illustrate how your cumulative reading of sources is shaping your thinking or leading to more questions

Closing (10 points)

• Wraps up your intellectual journey and explains where you are now in your thinking and how your understanding of the problem has changed
• Presents your current answer to your question on all that you have read and learned so far and explains unanswered questions or further research you might do

Conventions (10 points) (Spelling, Punctuation, Paragraphing, Capitalization, and Sentence Structure)

MLA Format (5 points) (In-Text Citations, Works Cited page, Essay Format)

 For further information, review pp. 160 - 165 and pp. 468 - 475 of the textbook.