Grading Rubric for Essay using MLA Style
Unacceptable (Below Acceptable (Meets
Standards)
Introduction Does not appear to have a
topic. Does not list three
main points. Lacks adequate
thesis statement.
No attempt at a hook.
Focus Writing is unorganized
Difficult to comprehend
Reader cannot figure out
what is being communicated
Support & Conclusion No attempt at support or
quotes from the text. No
conclusion.
Grammar & Writing is completely unclear
and absolutely no evidence
Mechanics
that an attempt at formal
writing was made. 2+
personal pronouns and 2+
uses of slang.
No attempt to use MLA Style
formatting
MLA Style, Citations
& References
Acceptable - Good
Standards)
Conveys topic. Describes
three key points.
Contains an
understandable thesis
statement. Attempts a
hook
Most material clearly
related to one of the three
key points and main
topic. Writing is mostly
comprehensible
1-4 attempts at support or
quotes from the text.
Some attempt to
introduce or explain.
Any attempt at a
conclusion
Writing is somewhat clear
and there is evidence
that an attempt at formal
writing was made. 1
example of personal
pronouns. 1 instance of
slang.
Errors in MLA style are
noticeable. Two
references
or citations missing or
incorrectly written. Works
Cited page missing
Excellent (Exceeds
(Occasionally
Exceeds)
Conveys topic. Clearly
describes three main
points. Contains an
understandable thesis
statement. Contains a hook
All material clearly related
to three key points, main
topic and logically
organized within subtopics.
5-8 attempts at support or
quotes from the text all
quotes introduced and
explained. There is a
conclusion, but is missing a
restated thesis and final
thoughts
Writing is clear and formal
writing was used. No
personal pronouns. No
slang.
Rare errors in MLA style
that do not detract from the
paper. One reference or
citation missing or
incorrectly written
Works Cited page included
Points Possible &
Standards) Score
Strong introduction of
topic. Clearly describes
20
three main points.
Specific thesis
statement.
Contains a great hook
All material clearly related to
three key points, main topic. 20
Strong organization Strong
transitions linking subtopics
and main topic.
8 attempts at support or
quotes from the text and
20
all quotes introduced and
explained. There is a
conclusion,with a restated
thesis and final thoughts
Writing is clear and
concise. Upper level
20
vocabulary used and
formal writing was used.
No personal pronouns. No
slang.
No errors in MLA style. All
references and citations
20
are correctly written and
present.
Total Score /100