Technical Essay Evaluation Rubric
1 Writing Performance
Purpose: Evaluate a student’s ability to write a technical essay on a given topic.
Student Name:
Title:
Ranking: On a scale from 1 (lowest performance) to 10 (highest performance), assign points to each
dimension based on the criteria below.
Writing Does Not Meet
Dimensions/ Expectations
Weight (1-3 points)
Paragraphs are poorly
organized; some
Structure,
paragraphs may be
Organization,
missing. Sequence of
Coherence
paragraphs is illogical and
25%
hinders document
navigation.
Ideas are not formulated
and described clearly;
Focus, Clarity
long-winded and confusing
30%
sentences; does not focus
on task/topic at hand.
Document is formatted
poorly, lacks title, author,
Formatting date and/or page
15% numbering. Figures and
equations are of poor
quality.
Sentences are poorly
written; there are
Mechanics numerous incorrect word
15% choices and errors in
grammar, punctuation and
spelling.
Fails to correctly
Sources,
document sources and/or
References
to utilize appropriate
15%
forms of citation.
Total 100%
Evaluator:
Meets Expectations
(4-7 points)
Has introduction, body
and conclusion paragraphs.
Sequence of paragraphs is
for the most part logical
and helps to make
document navigation easy.
Ideas are described
adequately but some
refinement is missing.
Sentences are occasionally
hard to read but are
mostly focused on
task/topic at hand.
Formatting of the
document is mostly
consistent and adequate
and includes title, author,
date and page numbering.
Figures and equations are
of acceptable quality.
Sentences are generally
well-written; there are a
few incorrect word choices
and errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling.
Most sources are correctly
documented; appropriate
forms of citation are
generally utilized.
Writing Criteria
1
Date:
Exceeds Expectations
Score
(8-10 points)
Has well-organized
introduction, body, and
conclusion paragraphs.
Sequence of paragraphs is
logical and transitional
expressions are used to
allow for easy navigation
through the document.
Engaging, clear, elegant,
and concise description of
ideas. Sentences are well
formulated and use
wording appropriate for
task/topic at hand.
Document is formatted
uniformly and
professionally, and includes
title, author, date and
page numbering. Figures
and equations are of high
quality.
Sentences are well-written;
there are no incorrect word
choices and the text is free
of errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling.
All Sources are correctly
and thoroughly
documented; appropriate
citation forms are utilized
throughout.
2 Technical/Content Performance

Student Name: Evaluator:

Title: Date:

Ranking: On a scale from 1 (lowest performance) to 10 (highest performance), assign points to each
dimension based on the criteria below.

Technical Does Not Meet

Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Dimensions/ Expectations Score
(4-7 points) (8-10 points)
Weight (1-3 points)
Provides an adequate
Provides an engaging
Fails to provide an overview, a general
overview, thoroughly
Overview overview and define the explanation on the scope
defines the scope of the
15% scope of the work. Fails to of the work, and gives a
work, and gives a clear
give any sense of purpose. reasonable sense of
sense of purpose.
purpose.
Main concepts and ideas
Confused about Ideas and concepts are
are visible but not always
Concepts, assignment and relevant logical and work together
logical and/or too broad.
Reasoning concepts. Lack of support as a unified whole. Main
Support for main points is
25% for main points. Illogical points are supported with
given but not always
presentation of ideas. specific evidence.
sufficient and/or focused.
All necessary analysis
Analysis and/or sources of Sufficient information and/or sources of
Soundness, information are either not and/or analysis is given information are clearly
Relevance clearly specified, or not but results are not always stated. All results and
25% reliable, and/or not credible, reliable, and/or references are valid,
relevant to the assignment. relevant to the assignment. reliable, specific and
relevant to the assignment.
Most of the directions are
Directions are not followed followed and most parts of Followed all directions and
and/or work is incomplete the assignment are responded to all parts of
Completeness and does not address one addressed. Work covers the assignment. Work is
20% or more of the points most of the stated scope self-contained and
necessary to treat the and is reasonably complete with respect to
given topic. self-contained and the stated scope.
complete.
Ideas are unrefined and/or Some ideas display
Content clearly displays
Originality fail to demonstrate capability of independent
evidence of independent
15% independent and critical and critical thinking or
and critical thinking.
thinking. perspective.
Total 100% Technical/Content Criteria

8/10 PM