Final Research Essay – Rubric
Developing (3-4 pts) Approaching (5-6
pts)
Some research is shown
through the essay’s use of
historical sources with
some variation in medium
and type.
Historical research is
shown through the
essay’s use of some types
and mediums of historical
sources of differing
reliability.
Essay is somewhat
organized, but little
consideration is given to
the structure, flow, and
trajectory of the narrative.
Some argument(s) are
accompanied by
reasoning and evidence.
Essay is partly organized
logically, with some
consideration given to the
structure, flow, and
trajectory of the narrative.
Argument(s) are generally
accompanied by
reasoning and evidence.
A thesis statement is
made and somewhat
sustained throughout the
essay that fits some SNAP
requirements, with some
arguments relating to and
in support of the thesis.
A thesis statement is
made and sustained
throughout the essay that
fits most SNAP
requirements, with some
arguments relating to and
in support of the thesis.
Somewhat accurate and
relevant evidence is
provided in support of the
thesis.
Mostly accurate and
relevant evidence is
provided through various
means (quotations,
Proficient (7-8) Accurate historical
research is evident
through the essay’s use of
a few types and mediums
of reliable historical
sources, with primary and
secondary sources, and
in-print and online
sources.
Essay is mostly organized
logically, with
consideration given to the
structure, flow, and
trajectory of the narrative.
Argument(s) are
accompanied by
reasoning and evidence.
A specific, non-obvious,
arguable, and provable
(SNAPpy) thesis
statement is made and
generally sustained
throughout the essay,
with most arguments
relating to and in support
of the thesis.
Historically accurate,
relevant and extensive
evidence is provided
through various means
Exemplary (9-10 pts)
In–depth historical
research is evident
through the essay’s use of
a variety of types and
mediums of reliable
historical sources, with
both primary and
secondary sources, and
in-print and online
sources.
Essay is organized
logically, with significant
consideration given to the
structure, flow, and
trajectory of the narrative.
Argument(s) are easy to
follow and accompanied
by reasoning and
evidence.
A specific, non-obvious,
arguable, and provable
(SNAPpy) thesis
statement is made and
sustained throughout the
essay, with all arguments
relating to and in support
of the thesis.
Specific, historically
accurate and
comprehensive evidence
is provided throughAnalysis Transitions Tone and Style Works Cited Little historical reasoning
or analysis of evidence,
and little demonstration
of critical thinking or
reasoning skills.
Little to no transitions are
provided between ideas
or paragraphs. Essay is
disjointed with no
connections made.
Tone and style of the
essay are inappropriate or
inconsistent for the
historical context.
Language is overly casual
or colloquial and does not
engage the reader.
Few to no sources cited in
Chicago Style. Footnotes
are not utilized or utilized
improperly. Limited to no
bibliography included.
Historical reasoning and
analysis of evidence
demonstrates developing
critical thinking and
reasoning skills, but little
consideration is given to
multiple perspectives and
points of view.
Transitions attempted
between ideas or
paragraphs. Attempts at
connections between
ideas are made to
enhance the essay.
Tone and style of the
essay generally suit the
historical context but are
somewhat inconsistent.
Language is mostly
appropriate but has
lapses in engagement.
Fewer than 8 sources are
cited in Chicago Style
format with many errors.
Footnotes are utilized for
in-text citations but
contain errors in
placement and usage.
Bibliography is included
paraphrasing, etc.) in
support of the thesis.
Historical reasoning and
analysis of evidence
demonstrates some
critical thinking and
reasoning skills, with
some consideration of
multiple perspectives and
points of view.
Transitions between ideas
lead the reader through
the narrative. Some
connections between
ideas are made to
enhance the essay.
Tone and style of the
essay are appropriate and
consistent with the
historical context.
Language is formal and
engages the reader at
many points.
8 sources are cited in
Chicago Style format with
some errors. Footnotes
are utilized for in-text
citations. Full
bibliography is included
at the end of the essay.
(quotations,
paraphrasing, etc.) in
support of the thesis.
Historical reasoning and
analysis of evidence
demonstrates proficient
critical thinking and
reasoning skills, and
consideration of multiple
perspectives and points of
view.
Transitions between ideas
effectively guide the
reader through the
narrative. Connections
between ideas are made
proficiently to enhance
the essay.
Tone and style of the
essay reflect a high level
understanding of the
historical context and the
nuances of language.
Language is formal and
exhibits a distinctive voice
that engages the reader.
At least 8 distinct sources
are cited in Chicago Style
format with few errors,
with mostly proper
footnotes utilized to cite
information in-text. Full
bibliography is included
at the end of the essay.
various means
(quotations,
paraphrasing, etc.) in
support of the thesis.
Historical reasoning and
analysis of evidence
demonstrates strong and
nuanced critical thinking
and reasoning skills, and
consideration of multiple
perspectives and points of
view.
Transitions between ideas
are seamless and
effectively guide the
reader through the
narrative. Connections
between ideas enhance
the overall coherence and
persuasiveness of the
essay.
Tone and style of the
essay reflect a profound
understanding of the
historical context and the
nuances of language.
Language is elegant,
compelling, and exhibits a
distinctive voice that
engages the reader.
At least 8 distinct sources
are cited in precise
Chicago Style format, with
proper footnotes utilized
to cite information in-text.
Full bibliography is
included at the end of the
essay