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Research report rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This research report rubric scores the focus, the facts and research, the use of sources, organization, and writing conventions. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with research counting twice, and 6–8 asks for cited, reliable sources and facts in the writer's own words; K–2 uses three levels in plain words, with no points. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Research report rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
My topicMy first sentence tells my topic in a fun way.I tell what my report is about.It is hard to tell what my report is about.
My factsI share three or more true facts I found.I share two true facts I found.I share one fact or none yet.
Where I lookedI name the book or page where I found my facts.I tell the teacher where I found my facts.I do not know where my facts came from.
Writing it downI use capitals, spaces and periods every time.I use capitals, spaces and periods most times.I forget capitals, spaces or periods.
Open in the maker
  • I can tell what my report is about.
  • I can share true facts I found.
  • I can tell where I found my facts.
  • I can write with capitals, spaces and periods.

Grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Research report rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
FocusAn introduction that hooks the reader and states the topic and what the report will cover.An introduction that states the topic.The topic is unclear, or the report drifts off topic.No clear topic./ 4
Researchcounts ×2Many accurate, interesting facts and details, all in the student's own words.Several accurate facts, mostly in the student's own words.Few facts, or some are wrong or copied.Facts are missing, wrong or copied./ 8
SourcesUses three or more good sources and lists each one with title and author.Uses two sources and lists them.Uses one source, or the list is incomplete.No sources listed./ 4
OrganizationParagraphs each cover one subtopic, with headings, linking words and a conclusion.Paragraphs cover subtopics, with a conclusion.Some paragraphs mix subtopics; the ending is weak.No paragraphs or order./ 4
ConventionsAlmost no errors in spelling, capitals or punctuation.A few errors that do not get in the way.Several errors that slow the reader.Many errors make it hard to read./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can write an introduction that names my topic and grabs the reader.
  • I can include accurate facts and details from my research.
  • I can use more than one source and list them.
  • I can organize my report into paragraphs with headings.
  • I can use correct spelling, capitals and punctuation.

Grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Research report rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Focus and thesisA focused research question or thesis that the whole report answers.A clear research question or thesis that most of the report answers.The question or thesis is broad, or the report drifts from it.No research question or thesis./ 4
Research and evidencecounts ×2Each point is supported by accurate, relevant evidence, paraphrased or quoted correctly, and explained.Most points are supported by accurate evidence, paraphrased or quoted.Evidence is thin, partly inaccurate, or not explained.Little evidence; text is copied without credit./ 8
Sources and citationsFour or more reliable, varied sources, cited in the text and in a consistent works cited list.Three reliable sources in a works cited list, with most cited in the text.Sources are few or unreliable, or citations are incomplete.No sources cited./ 4
OrganizationLogical sections with headings and transitions, and a conclusion that answers the question and says why it matters.Logical sections with transitions and a conclusion.Order is sometimes unclear; transitions are few.No clear organization./ 4
Language and conventionsFormal, precise vocabulary for the topic, varied sentences, and almost no errors.Mostly formal with topic vocabulary and few errors.Informal or vague in places; errors distract.Errors make it hard to understand./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can write a focused research question or thesis.
  • I can support each point with accurate evidence I paraphrase or quote correctly.
  • I can choose reliable sources and cite them in a consistent format.
  • I can organize my report so each section builds the answer.
  • I can write in a formal style with precise vocabulary and correct conventions.

When to use it

  • Any report built from reading: an animal report, a state report, a biography, a science topic.
  • Hand it out with the note-taking sheet, so students know sources count before they start reading.
  • At the draft stage, for a partner check of the sources row and the organization row.

What to say to students

  • Pick a question you really want answered. Your report answers it.
  • Take notes in your own words, and write down where each fact came from.
  • Use at least two sources, and check that they agree.
  • Each paragraph is about one part of your topic.

Related

The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.