Short Writing Responses Rubric

Research credible sources; cite these sources accurately. Write an informative response to examine and
convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection,
organization, and analysis of content.

NOTE: If you do everything per the above instructions, you have “Met Requirements.” This means your grade will be
in the B range (B- to B+). In order to be in the A range, that is to “Exceed Requirements,” you do not simply have to
do MORE of the same. In order to be in the A range, your answers have to demonstrate critical thinking by making
unusual and rich connections between the text, you, and the world in which you live. Your responses will use
complex sentence structure, and invoke eloquent/meaningful diction in the explanations.

Exceeds Meets (B- / B / B+) Partially Meets/Does Not Meet

Requirements All requirements are met and Response fulfills all the requirements of Response is missing some elements
exceeded, in a meaningful way, the assignment. required by the assignment.
qualitatively and expansively, based
on what was stated in the project
document.
Response is strongly focused on the
prompt, and goes beyond making
additional relevant connections to a
world beyond the literature.

Critical Thinking Response shows a large amount of
original thought. Ideas demonstrate
critical thinking, going beyond the
obvious, providing new insights.
Response introduces highly relevant
ideas from the text (paraphrased or
direct quotations)
Ideas are developed logically, and are
supported with a good amount of
evidence and sound reasoning.
Response introduces some ideas from
the text (paraphrased or direct
quotations)
Ideas are lacking in clarity. Evidence
that the writing prompt has not been
adhered to
Evidence has not been elaborated on
sufficiently, or incorrectly. Indication
that tet has not been read or not read
thoroughly.

Evidence/Elaboration
Uses accurate and relevant
information appropriate to audience
and purpose, and to the writing
prompt(s). Uses citations as needed
with MLA format. Smoothly
integrated and smoothly parsed
quotations (if required). Correctly
formatted Works Cited included (if
required) including valid primary/
secondary sources (where required)
Uses accurate and relevant information
appropriate to audience and purpose,
and to the writing prompt(s). Uses
citations as needed with MLA format.
Quotations are relevant and have been
parsed/elaborated on. Correctly
formatted Works Cited included (if
required) including valid primary/
secondary sources (where required).
Inadequate/insufficient or missing
evidence. Missing citations or
citations are incorrect. Insufficient
elaboration of quotations/evidence.
Incorrect Works Cited page or Works
Cited page is missing.

Mechanics/Timeliness
Strong literary writing style and
personal voice.
Word choice is specific and
purposeful, and varied throughout.
Elevated diction and use of the
English language.
Sentences are clear, active (strong,
active verbs), and to the point.
Complex sentence structure is used.
Style and voice are generally Response lacks smoothness, perhaps
appropriate to the given audience, due to writing mechanic errors. A
purpose, genre, and claims. number of grammar/spelling errors are
Writing mechanics (spelling and present including capitalization of
grammar) are appropriate for the proper nouns and punctuation.
audience/purpose and are grade
appropriate.
This includes capitalization of proper
nouns and punctuation.
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