50 Point Essay Rubric Name______________________________________________
Organization Superior 10-8
10 points
Well-structured
introduction with strong,
sharply focused thesis
statement
Sharply focused topic
sentences and paragraphs
that are closely related to
thesis
Well-constructed and
clear conclusion that
strongly reaffirms thesis
Content Idea Superior 30-27
Development
30 points
Interesting and complete
explanation of topic, with
specific, accurate, and
relevant information.
Fully developed body
paragraphs that clearly
and effectively support
thesis with three
arguments
Mechanics Superior 10-8
10 points
Very clear and easily
understood, with few, if
any, grammatical errors
Paragraphs flow
smoothly, and transitions
between sentences and/or
paragraphs are seamless
and effective
/50 Bibliography ____/5
Proficient 7-6 Satisfactory 5-4
Well-structured Properly structured
introduction with clear introduction with
thesis satisfactory thesis
Topic sentences and Moderately effective topic
paragraphs are clearly sentences and paragraphs
related to thesis logically related to thesis
Sufficiently effective Somewhat effective
conclusion which conclusion which restates
reaffirms thesis and ties thesis, but does not fully
together main ideas and tie together main ideas
facts and facts
Proficient 26-23 Satisfactory 22-19
Content is accurate and Explanation of topic is
relevant, with sufficient satisfactory, with mostly
evidence to adequately sufficient evidence, but
explain topic mostly general. More
detail needed. Some
factual errors
Well-developed body Body paragraphs that
paragraphs sufficiently satisfactorily support
support thesis with three thesis but could be more
arguments developed; only two
arguments
Proficient 7-6 Satisfactory 5-4
Sufficiently clear and Mostly clear and
understandable, with few understandable, with
grammatical errors some grammatical errors
Sentences are sufficiently Sentences are mostly
complete, with only a few complete, with some
structural errors. structural errors.
Transitions are mostly Transitions are
effective satisfactory.
Date__________________________
Limited 3-2 Unsatisfactory 1-0
Poorly structured Introduction is
introduction with unclear incomplete, ineffective, or
thesis missing. No apparent
thesis.
Ineffective topic Topic sentences and
sentences and paragraphs paragraphs are irrelevant
that are not logically or missing
related to thesis
Incompletely developed Absent, incomplete, or
conclusion which fails to unfocused conclusion
effectively tie together
main ideas and facts
Limited 18-15 Unsatisfactory 14-0
Partial or incomplete Inadequate explanation of
explanation of topic, with topic with inadequate or
insufficient evidence and missing evidence and
inaccuracies many factual errors
Body paragraphs that Body paragraphs that do
provide limited and not support thesis
inadequate support of
thesis; only one argument
Limited 3-2 Unsatisfactory 1-0
Somewhat clear and Unclear and difficult to
difficult to understand, understand, with multiple
with many errors errors
Sentences are sometimes Sentences are often
incomplete, with more incomplete, with many
than a few structural structural errors.
errors. Transitions are Transitions are missing.
ineffective.