Checklist for Assessing Essays

Name of Student: Grade:

1 = low rating, 5 = high rating

Dimensions
1 2 3 4 5
Substance (e.g. thoroughness/depth of exploration
into topic, completeness of data)

Organisation (e.g. clarity of controlling argument/

main ideas, usefulness of introduction/conclusion in
providing overview/summary)

Coherence of discussion (e.g. systematic development

of argument/ideas, connections between the parts)

Relevance (e.g. addresses question, evidence of

discriminate use of information/readings)

Use of data/illustrations

Analytical thinking/problem solving

Creativity/originality

Language competence (e.g. grammar, vocabulary,

spelling)

Fluency (e.g. syntax, variation in sentence lengths,

logical subdivision of argument through paragraphing)

Succinctness

Intellectual integrity (e.g. absence of plagiarism,

acknowledgment of sources, proper referencing)

Bibliography (e.g. completeness, accuracy, usefulness)

Comments (if any)

Note: Items in the checklist may be variously weighted. It would be more meaningful for
departments/individuals to establish their own hierarchies and design ‘customised’ checklists,
e.g. by excluding less relevant items or including additional ones.