Name: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Essay Rubric
Directions: Your essay will be graded based on this rubric. Consequently, use this rubric as a guide when writing your essay
and check it again before you submit your essay.

Traits 4 3 2 1
Focus & There is one clear, well- There is one clear, well- There is one topic. The topic and main
Details focused topic. Main ideas focused topic. Main ideas Main ideas are ideas are not clear.
are clear and are clear but are not well somewhat clear.
are well supported by supported by detailed
detailed and accurate information.
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction states The introduction states There is no clear
inviting, states the main the main topic and the main topic. A introduction, structure, or
topic, and provides provides an overview of conclusion is included. conclusion.
an overview of the paper. the paper. A conclusion
Information is relevant is included.
and presented in a logical
order. The conclusion is
strong.

Voice The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of
writing is very clear, and writing is somewhat clear, writing is somewhat writing is unclear.
there is strong evidence and there is some clear, and there is
of attention to audience. evidence of attention to evidence of attention to
The author’s extensive audience. The author’s audience. The author’s
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or knowledge and/or
experience with the topic experience with the topic experience with the topic
is/are evident. is/are evident. is/are limited.

Word Choice The author uses vivid The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
words and phrases. The words and phrases. The that communicate vocabulary. Jargon or
choice and placement of choice and placement of clearly, but the writing clichés may be present
words seems accurate, words is inaccurate at lacks variety. and detract from the
natural, and not forced. times and/or seems meaning.
overdone.

Sentence All sentences are well Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound
Structure, constructed and have constructed and have constructed, but they have awkward, are
Grammar, varied structure and varied structure and a similar structure and/or distractingly repetitive, or
length. The author length. The author makes length. The author makes are difficult to
Mechanics, &
makes no errors in a few errors in grammar, several errors in grammar, understand. The author
Spelling grammar, mechanics, mechanics, and/or mechanics, and/or makes numerous errors in
and/or spelling. spelling, but they do not spelling that interfere with grammar, mechanics,
interfere with understanding. and/or spelling
understanding. that interfere with
understanding.

Reviewer’s
Comments