Informational Writing Rubric
Student Name:
Class Period:
3 2
Content The content of the writing clearly address
the question or prompt. The information
is well-developed throughout the writing
piece.
Organization The writing piece is organized clearly into
an introduction, body paragraphs, and
conclusion. There are smooth transitions.
The writing piece is easy to follow.
Thesis There is a clear, strong thesis statement
located near the end of the introductory
paragraph. It is supported throughout the
piece and is reiterated in the concluding
paragraph.
Vocabulary/ The piece uses upper level, compelling, and
Voice content specific vocabulary. It is written
using formal academic vocabulary.
Grammar/ There are very few errors in spelling,
Conventions grammar, and convention. Errors do not
interfere with the reader’s ability to
understand the writing.
Research The evidence and reasoning is sound and
from credible sources. If required, the
research is cited using appropriate style
(MLA, APA) and resources are listed.
Total Points
Deductions
(Late, Etc)
Total Score
Notes:
The content partially
addresses the question or
prompt. It is somewhat
developed.
The writing has occasional
lapses in organization.
There are times when the
writing is somewhat difficult
to follow.
The writing piece contains a
thesis, but it may not be
thoroughly supported
throughout the writing piece.
The piece contains grade
level vocabulary words.
Some informal language is
included.
There are a number of
errors. However, the reader
can still understand the
point of the writing piece.
Some of the evidence and
research are sound and use
credible sources. May be
lacking some citations.
1
The content does not address
the question or prompt. The
content is off topic.
The writing piece is not
organized into paragraphs.
The writing piece is very
difficult to follow. It lacks
any transitions.
The writing piece does not
have a clear thesis
statement.
The writing piece uses lower
level vocabulary words. The
piece uses frequent informal
language.
There are frequent errors in
grammar and conventions.
The errors prohibit the
reader from understanding
the piece.
The piece is lacking
supporting evidence. No
credible sources were used.
_____/______