TOPIC: ____________________________________

GROUP #_______________________

RUBRIC FOR ESSSAY

CRITERIA 5 4 3 2
Format Includes typed final, Includes typed final, prewrite Includes typed final, Missing prewrite/outline,
prewrite or outline, or outline, marked draft, & prewrite/ outline, draft, & draft or Works Cited;
marked draft, & Works Cited in prescribed Works Cited, but insufficient editing of draft
Works Cited in format. insufficient editing of or outline; numerous errors
prescribed format draft; several errors in in format.
prescribed format.
Understanding Writing shows Writing shows strong, clear Writing shows adequate Writing shows little or no
of literature/ unusual insight understanding. understanding but may be understanding of text.
texts understanding. too general or superficial.
Idea Presents fresh thesis Presents an effective thesis Presents a clearly defined Poorly defined or
Development in an original and development using a thesis, but the inconsistent development
manner while consistent, careful manner development is too general of thesis that displays little
displaying unusual incorporating examples. or may not be marked by insight.
insight. independent thought.
Text Support More than Adequate/some errors in Inadequate/several errors Inadequate/numerous
adequate/correct format; generally smooth in format; some faulty errors in format; ineffective
format; smooth embedding. embedding. embedding.
embedding.
Organizational Strong, interesting; Organized; clear Somewhat organized; No attempt at organization;
Pattern clear beg/middle/end; clear thesis attempt at lacks clear beg/middle/ end;
beg/middle/end; that is marked on draft. beg/middle/end; thesis is thesis lacking or
strong thesis that is weak or unclear - not inappropriate - not marked
marked on draft. marked on draft. on draft.
Sentence Correct/varied Correct, but lacks variety sometimes incorrect & Frequent errors & lacks
Structure lacks variety variety
Transitional Smooth & effective; Somewhat smooth & many not smooth & some Not used &/or frequent
Devices marked on draft. generally effective; most errors in usage; many not errors in usage; many not
marked on draft. marked on draft. marked on draft.
Language Very few (if any) Few errors; generally, well several errors; requires Numerous errors; appears
Mechanics errors; very well proofread. additional proofreading. not to have been
proofread. proofread.