General Essay Question Rubric
Makarios Christian School Secondary
Cat. Exceeds Expectations
5 Marks
The introduction includes a
and Thesis Statement
hook and transitions to the
thesis statement. The thesis
Introduction
statement names the topic of
the essay, is logically placed
within the paragraph, outlines
the main points to be discussed
and cites qualifications clearly.
Each of the body paragraphs
includes a creative and well-
And Organization
written topic sentence,
Paragraphs
effectively constructed
Body
sentences with supporting
details, and smooth transitions.
The essay uses a pattern of
organization appropriate for
compare/contrast writing.
The paragraphs include all
of the necessary points that
support the position statement.
Balance/Ideas
The ideas are presented in a
balanced and coherent way.
Each topic is balanced
throughout the essay.
The conclusion is strong
and Conclusion
Conventions
and leaves the reader solidly
understanding the writer's
position. There is an effective
restatement of the position
statement. The
author favors one institution
over the other.
Author makes virtually no
and Spelling
errors in grammar, spelling
Grammar
or punctuation that distract the
reader from the content.
Author correctly cites
statements and passages from
Works
Cited
the reading to support his/her
thesis.
NAME:___________________________________________________
CLASS:________ TEAM:___________________________________ DATE:____/____/2018
Meets Expectations Below Expectations
4 Marks
The introduction includes a
hook, transitions to the thesis
statement, and is mostly
effective. The thesis statement
names the topic of the essay,
but may not address all points
of the paper. Includes clear
qualifications.
Each of the body paragraphs
includes a well-written topic
sentence, sentences with
supporting details, and
transitions.
The paragraphs include the
some of the necessary points
that support the position
statement, as outlined in the
rough draft. One side is not
represented more than the
other.
The conclusion is
recognizable and is smooth
to read. The author's
position is restated.
Author makes few errors in
grammar, spelling or
punctuation that distract the
reader from the content.
Author cites some statements and
passages from the reading to
support his/her thesis.
3 Marks
A hook is present though not
followed by important
information. The introduction
is somewhat effective. The
thesis statement outlines
some or all of the main points
to be discussed. Not all
elements are addressed.
Each of the body paragraphs
includes a topic sentence
and supporting sentences, but
is not a smooth read and often
lacks transitions.
The paragraphs include few of
the necessary points that
support the position
statement, as outlined in the
rough draft. One side may be
represented somewhat more
than the other.
The conclusion is
recognizable. The
author's position is restated
within the closing paragraph.
Author makes some
errors in grammar,
spelling or punctuation that
distract the reader from the
content.
Author attempts to cite
statements and passages from
the reading to support his/her
thesis, but support falls short
of clearly supporting thesis.
EXAMINER
Far Below Exp. Score
0-2 Marks
The introduction is not
effective or is not
included. The thesis
statement does not name
the topic and
does not preview what
will be discussed.
Some or all of the body
paragraphs lack topic
sentences. The
organization of some or
all of the body paragraphs
make for a difficult read
because of poor sentence
structure or lack of
transitions.
The paragraphs
include few to none of
the necessary points
that support the
position statement, as
outlined in the rough
draft. One side is
represented more than
the other.
The thesis is not
restated or is found in
the same wording as the
introduction. The essay
is not summed up.
Author makes
excessive errors in
grammar, spelling or
punctuation that
distract the reader from
the content.
No works or support cited
Total:_______________/30
______________% _____