4

3

2

1

Score

Group Responsibility

Each student in the group can clearly explain information needed by the group, what information s/he is responsible for locating, and due date.

Each student in the group can clearly explain what information s/he is responsible for locating.

Each student in the group can, with minimal prompting from peers, clearly explain what information s/he is responsible for locating.

One or more students in the group cannot clearly explain what information they are responsible for locating.

Organizing

of Information

Students have developed a clear plan for organizing the information as it is gathered and in the final research product. All students can independently explain the planned organization of the research findings.

Students have developed a clear plan for organizing the information in the final research product. All students can independently explain this plan.

Students have developed a clear plan for organizing the information as it is gathered. All students can independently explain most of this plan.

Students have no clear plan for organizing the information AND/OR students in the group cannot explain their organizational plan.

Quality of Resources

Researchers independently locate at least 3 reliable, information sources for EACH of their topics.

Researchers independently locate at least 2 reliable information sources for EACH of their topics.

Researchers, with some adult help, locate at least 1 reliable information sources for EACH of their topics.

Researchers have found minimal reliable resources for their topics.

Position Statement

The position statement provides a clear, strong statement of the author\'s position on the topic.

The position statement provides a clear statement of the author\'s position on the topic.

A position statement is present, but does not make the author\'s position clear.

There is no position statement.

Evidence & Examples

All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\'s position.

Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\'s position.

At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author\'s position.

Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained.

Accuracy

All supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.

Almost all supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.

Most supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.

Most supportive facts and statistics were inaccurately reported.

Final Position

Students create an original, accurate and interesting product that adequately addresses the issue.

Students create an accurate product that adequately addresses the issue.

Students create an accurate product but it does not adequately address the issue.

The product is not accurate.

Final Score