Name:

____________________ Date: __________________________ ESSAY RUBRIC

Traits 20 points 15 points 10 points 5 points 0

Focus and Details

There is one clear, well-focused topic (thesis statement). Main ideas are clear (topic sentences) and well supported by details.
The introduction is inviting (hook), states the main topic, and provides an overview of the paper. Information is presented in logical order. The conclusion is strong. Capitalization is accurate for sentence beginnings, proper names and titles. End punctuation, commas in series, and other varied uses for stylistic effect can be found. Grade level words and hard words are spelled accurately. Grammar and usage are correct. Consistent indentation for paragraphs is clear.

There is one clear, well focused topic. The main ideas are clear, but are NOT well supported by detailed information.
The introduction states the main topic and provides an overview of the paper. A conclusion is included.

There is one topic. Main ideas are somewhat clear.

The introduction states the main topic. A conclusion is included.

The topic and main ideas are unclear.

Organization

There is no clear introduction, structure, or conclusion.

Conventions

Word Choice

Sentence Fluency

The author uses vivid words and phrases. Vocabulary reflects precision and accuracy. Repetition is rarely present. Several sentences are present that vary in structure and length. Sentence beginnings are varied. Connective words (transitions) work smoothly.

Capitalization is somewhat accurate for sentence beginnings, proper names and titles. End punctuation, commas in series, and other varied uses for stylistic effect can be occasionally found. The author makes a few errors in grammar, usage and/or spelling, but they do not interfere with understanding.

Capitalization is seldom accurate. End punctuation, commas in series, and other varied uses for stylistic effect are seldom found. The author makes several errors in grammar, usage and spelling that interfere with understanding.

The author makes numerous errors in grammar, capitalization and spelling. The errors interfere with understanding.

The author uses vivid words and phrases. The choice and placement of words is inaccurate at times and/or seems overdone. Several sentences are present and employ more than one sentence pattern. Sentence beginnings are varied. Connective words do not interfere with the fluency.

The author uses words that communicate clearly, but writing lacks variety.
The writing provides a limited sampling of sentence patterns. Sentences do not always begin the same way. Connectives words show some variation.

The author uses a limited vocabulary.

Author incorporates repetition of safe words and phrases. Sentences sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or are difficult to understand. Sentences begin the same way.

Total: _____________/100 Comments: