Religion
Essay Rubric
CriticalThinking.1.A -
Critical Thinking
Use reason to arrive at
conclusions or theories that
are logical.
21st Century Skill
CriticalThinking.1.B -
Critical Thinking
Apply systems thinking
when forming ideas or
creating solutions.
21st Century Skill
CriticalThinking.1.C -
Critical Thinking
Apply reasonable and
thoughtful judgment when
making decisions.
21st Century Skill
1. Standard Not Met
Formed ideas that do not
make sense based on
information that is
available.
Struggled to accurately
identify a problem as a part
of a larger system.
Made decisions without
consulting background
information OR was unable
to interpret information to
support making decisions.
2. Approaching Standard
Formed assumptions that
are logical or valid based on
available information.
Identified a problem as a
part of a larger system.
Understood and synthesized
available information to
inform decisions.
3. Standard Met
Applied deductive or
inductive reasoning to arrive
at conclusions or theories
that are logical or valid.
Recognized and identified a
problem as a part of a
larger system. Explained
how a part of the system
affects the whole system.
Used a process of making
judgments that included;
analyzing available
information, evaluating the
importance and value of
that information, and
synthesizing learned
information into an
understanding strong
enough to make an
informed decision.
4. Exceeding Standard
Applied deductive or
inductive reasoning to
arrive at conclusions or
theories that are logical or
valid. Recognized and
accounted for personal bias.
Recognized and identified
problems as a part of a
larger system. Evaluated
and explained how the part
of the system affects the
whole system. Proposes
how the larger system
would be affected if
particular changes were
made to a specific part.
Used a process of making
judgments that included;
analyzing available
information, evaluating the
importance and value of
that information, and
synthesizing learned
information into an
understanding strong
enough to make an
informed decision. Reflected
on the decision made and
checked the judgment
against further information
and interpretations.
WHST.11-12.1.A -
Writing in History and
Social Studies
Introduce precise,
knowledgeable claim(s),
establish the significance of
the claim(s), distinguish the
claim(s) from alternate or
opposing claims, and create
an organization that
logically sequences the
claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence.
WHST.11-12.1.C -
Writing in History and
Social Studies
Use words, phrases, and
clauses as well as varied
syntax to link the major
sections of the text, create
cohesion, and clarify the
relationships between
claim(s) and reasons,
between reasons and
evidence, and between
claim(s) and counterclaims.
WHST.11-12.1.D -
Writing in History and
Social Studies
Establish and maintain a
formal style and objective
tone while attending to the
norms and conventions of
the discipline in which they
are writing.
Introduced the claim(s),
acknowledging alternate or
opposing claims. Provided
reasons and evidence that
were clear.
Used words, phrases, and
clauses to create cohesion
and clearly show how the
reasons support the
claim(s).
Maintained a formal style
through most of the writing.
Introduced the claim(s),
acknowledging and
distinguishing the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing
claims. Provided reasons
and evidence that were
organized logically.
Used words, phrases, and
clauses to create strong
cohesion and very clearly
show the relationships
between reasons support
the claim(s) counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence.
Maintained a formal style of
writing.
Introduced and established
the significance of precise,
knowledgeable claim(s).
Acknowledged and
distinguished the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing
claims. Provided
organization that showed
clear connections between
claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence.
Used words, phrases, and
clauses as well as varied
syntax to create strong
cohesion and very clearly
show the relationships
between claim(s) and
reasons, between reasons
and evidence, and between
claim(s) and counterclaims.
Established and maintained
a formal style and objective
tone appropriate to the
discipline of the writing.
Very effectively introduced
and established the
significance of precise,
knowledgeable claim(s).
Acknowledged and
distinguished the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing
claims. Organization showed
very clear connections
between claim(s),
counterclaims, reasons, and
evidence.
Expertly used words,
phrases, and clauses as well
as varied syntax to create
strong cohesion and very
clearly show the
relationships between
claim(s) and reasons,
between reasons and
evidence, and between
claim(s) and counterclaims.
Established and maintained
a formal style and objective
tone most appropriate to
the discipline of the writing
and targeted audience.
 WHST.11-12.1.E -
Writing in History and
Social Studies
Provide a concluding
statement or section that
follows from or supports the
argument presented.
Provided a concluding
statement or section that
related to the argument
presented but did not
contribute to the argument.
Provided a concluding
statement or section that
follows from the argument
presented.
Provided a concluding Provided a concluding
statement or section that statement or section that
follows from and supports follows from and supports
the argument presented. the argument presented.
Conclusion could lead to the
reader taking action.

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