Paper is properly formatted according to the guidelines of APA or MLA documentation. Illustrations are relevant to the research and properly described in the paper. The writer demonstrates little knowledge of standard writing conventions and does not use conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors impair readability of the paper. The writer demonstrates a grasp of standard writing conventions but does not use conventions effectively to enhance readability.
Errors tend to interrupt the flow of reading.
The writer demonstrates a grasp of standard writing conventions and uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors tend to be so few and minor that the reader can easily overlook them unless editing for publication. Student turns in all required assignments in the progression of writing the research paper.