Essay Rubric

Traits 4 3 2 1
Focus & Details There is one clear, well- There is one clear, well- There is one topic. Main The topic and main
focused topic. Main ideas focused topic. Main ideas ideas are somewhat ideas are not clear.
are clear and are clear but are not well clear.
are well supported by supported by detailed
detailed and accurate information.
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction states The introduction states There is no clear
inviting, states the main the main topic and the main topic. A introduction, structure, or
topic, and provides provides an overview of conclusion is included. conclusion.
an overview of the the paper. A conclusion
paper. Information is is included.
relevant and presented in
a logical order. The
conclusion is strong.

Style The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of
writing is very clear, and writing is somewhat writing is somewhat writing is unclear.
there is strong evidence clear, and there is some clear, and there is
of attention to audience. evidence of attention to evidence of attention to
The author’s extensive audience. The author’s audience. The author’s
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or knowledge and/or
experience with the topic experience with the topic experience with the topic
is/are evident. is/are evident. is/are limited.

Word Choice The author uses vivid The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a
words and phrases. The words and phrases. The that communicate limited vocabulary.
choice and placement of choice and placement of clearly, but the writing Jargon or clichés may
words seems accurate, words is inaccurate at lacks variety. be present and detract
natural, and not forced. times and/or seems from the meaning.
overdone.

Sentence All sentences are well Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound
Structure, constructed and have constructed and have constructed, but they awkward, are
Grammar, varied structure and varied structure and have a similar structure distractingly repetitive,
length. The author makes length. The author and/or length. The author or are difficult to
Mechanics, &
no errors in grammar, makes a few errors in makes several errors in understand. The author
Spelling mechanics, and/or grammar, mechanics, grammar, mechanics, makes numerous errors
spelling. and/or spelling, but they and/or spelling that in grammar, mechanics,
do not interfere with interfere with and/or spelling
understanding. understanding. that interfere with
understanding.
Student’s name:

Traits 4 3 2 1
Focus & Details

Organization

Voice

Word Choice

Sentence
Structure,
Grammar,
Mechanics, &
Spelling