Completed/Nearly Revised 
Developing Draft: Apply Strategies  Preliminary Draft: Review/Apply
5-4
The outline is well-organized.
Introduction, response
paragraphs and conclusion are
Organization unified around one topic. Topic
and Structure sentences are clearly and
logically linked to support the
thesis.  Next:
Thesis statement clearly states
Content and the main opinion. Main points
Ideas in the response section are
valid and strong. Supporting
details are relevant and
adequate. Conclusion
reinforces main opinion and
prompts further thought.  Next:
Writing Sentences are clear and well-
Strategies worded. Transitional signals are
used to connect ideas and add
cohesion to the writing.  The
outline shows no or almost no
spelling or grammar errors.
Critique Essay Outline Rubric (10%)
3-2
The outline has introduction,
response paragraphs and
conclusion. Topic sentences are
somewhat linked to support the
thesis.
- Improve clarity and coherence  - Learn how to write precisely and
- Include more structure for the
argument
Thesis statement somewhat states
the main opinion. Main points are
stated. There is a lack of supporting
details. Some details are irrelevant.
Conclusion somewhat reinforces
main opinion.
- Revise the thesis statement for
clear response
- Include further evidence
- Improve coherence
- Strengthen conclusion
Some sentences are vague and
wordy. Transitional signals are
sometimes used to connect ideas
and add cohesion to the writing.  the writing. The outline shows many
The outline shows some spelling or
grammar errors.
Next:  - Study the fundamentals of sentence
- Edit sentences for excess
wordiness
- Add effective transitions
- Correct errors of spelling,
grammar, etc.
Core Conventions/Concepts 
1-0 
The outline may lack introduction,
response paragraphs or conclusion.
Body paragraphs are not clearly
linked to support the thesis. 
Next: 
- Study fundamentals of essay outline
coherently
Thesis statement is unclear. Main
points are vague. Many supporting
details are irrelevant. Conclusion is
confusing or absent and may not
reinforce main opinion.
Next: 
- Recreate the thesis statement 
- Add clear and relevant points 
- Close the argument with a clear
conclusion
Many sentences are unclear. No
transitional signals are used to
connect ideas and add cohesion to
grammar errors. 
Next:
structure
- Study the fundamentals of clear
writing 
Total: /15