Cause-effect essay rubric
D - F / Developing,
A / Excellent
The essay contains a thesis that
clearly indicates the cause-effect
Thesis & focus
focus and the essay’s position.
There is consistent focus
throughout the essay solely on
supporting the thesis, with no
irrelevant details.
An effective introduction captures
reader interest.
Subsequent paragraphs are
Organization &
Development
arranged in a logical, purposeful
manner, with smooth transitions
that make for an effortless read.
The thesis is clearly developed both
within paragraphs and from
paragraph to paragraph, to
establish coherence and cohesion.
Descriptive language skillfully
Rhetorical Skill
brings the narrative to life, likely
through vivid diction, imagery, or
Language &
figurative devices, with a majority
use of active voice
Appropriate selection of and variety
of sentence structures are utilized
to create an engaging read.
Mechanics
Draft is devoid of misspellings,
flawed sentence structure, or any
other convention errors. Follows
correct MLA format precisely.
Holistic grade: ______
B / Competent
The essay contains a thesis that
indicates the cause-effect focus and
the essay’s position.
There is consistent focus
throughout the essay on supporting
the thesis, with very few irrelevant
details.
The introduction captures reader
interest.
Subsequent paragraphs are
arranged in a logical, purposeful
manner, with transitions that make
for a mostly effortless read.
The thesis is developed both within
paragraphs and from paragraph to
paragraph, to establish coherence
and cohesion.
Descriptive language, whether
objective or subjective, brings the
thesis to life, with appropriate
diction, imagery, and selection of
detail, mostly in active voice
Selection and variety of sentence
structure create an engaging read.
Devoid of misspellings & contains
only a few minor usage errors that
don’t interfere with fluency. Mostly
observes correct MLA format.
name: ______________________________________
C / Adequate
The essay contains a thesis
(although it may not clearly identify
the cause-effect focus).
Focus is mostly maintained
throughout the essay with perhaps
a few inclusions of irrelevant
details.
The introduction, while not entirely
engaging, sets up the purpose and
or tone of the essay.
There is at least a recognizable
organization plan in the
arrangement of paragraphs.
Coherence is mostly maintained
within paragraphs, and cohesion is
evident even though some
transitions are unclear or missing.
Although descriptive, some vague
or flat language exists. Passive
voice may dominate, rendering a
less energetic or lively effect.
Sentence variety is present, but
could possibly be enhanced to
produce a more engaging read.
Draft may contain some spelling or
usage errors that rarely impact
understanding or fluency. Mostly
observes correct MLA format.
Inconsistent, Weak
A thesis is either lacking, unclear,
such that no cause-effect focus is
established or the writer’s position
is not mentioned.
The essay is marked by a distinct
lack of focus, causing the reader
confusion and/or frustration.
An ineffective introduction either
does not seek to engage the reader
or sets the essay off on the wrong
footing by introducing confusion.
Very little evident organization in
the arrangement of paragraphs.
Little coherence within paragraphs
or absence of transitions between
paragraphs lead to poor
development of the thesis.
The essay is largely devoid of vivid
descriptive language that renders
its subject matter dull or confusing.
Sentence structure variety is
lacking, lending either a monotone
or unnatural kind of fluency or
rhythm.
Draft contains spelling or usage
errors that seriously impact
understanding or fluency. Multiple
MLA format errors exist.