Rubric for Essay Based upon Bloom's Taxonomy of Higher-Order Thinking-Aug 09
4 (A) 3 (B)
(100 points)
Know- Answer is correct and Answer is correct but lacks
ledge gives concrete evidence of concrete evidence of accuracy. evidence.
accuracy and clarifying
details to support
statements.
__ 9-10 points
Com- Includes accurate details
pre- written in advanced
hension sentence formation with
elaborating details.
__ 9-10 points
Appli- Explains extended
cation meanings and
applications. Provides
example from text and
other interpretations. Uses
well-formed sentences
with clarifying
information; 5-6 well-
formed, coherent
sentences.
___17-20 points
Analy- Written in paragraph form
sis beginning with a directive
topic sentence that
answers the question.
Further explains answer,
providing multiple,
specific examples and
quotations from the text.
Concluding statement
reiterates how examples
prove the topic;
6-7 well structured
sentences, concisely
written.
___17-20 points
Synthe- Imaginatively and
sis realistically creates new
idea or scenario. Includes
details, description, and
rationale of the
conclusion, interpretation,
creation.
___17-20 points
2 (C)
(80)
Answer is vague and lacks Answers alludes to
___7-8 points
Correctly answers the
questions with one or limited
detail.
___7-8 points
Explains referenced scenarios
as appropriate but lacks
explanation as to how
selection/interpretation can be
applied; 3-4 sentences, some
formed well.
___ 15-16 points
Written in paragraph form
beginning with a topic
sentence that directly answers
the question. Further explains
answer, provides single
specific example/quotation
from the text; concludes with
how example proves the topic
(5-6 fairly written sentences).
___ 15-16 points
Realistically creates new idea
or scenario. Needs a more
detailed description. Includes
an explanation of the rationale
for the creation.
___ 15-16 points
1 (F)
(70) (50)
accuracy but shows no
evidence of clarity.
___ 6-7 points 5 or less___
Correct answer given in Alludes to correct
incomplete sentences with answer but gives no
little or no detail. clarifying information.
___ 6-7 points 5 or less___
Explains extended Briefly answers
meanings and applications question with no
without specificity or supporting details or
reference to text; 1-3 evidence of
sentences inadequately understanding.
structured.
___ 11-14 points ___ 10 or less
Answer given without Briefly answers
structure or clarification. question with no
While sentences may be supporting details.
soundly written, they lack
explanation and specific
examples or clarifying
conclusions, detail,
support, etc.
___ 11-14 points ___ 10 or less
Plausible but somewhat Idea or scenario is
unrealistic idea or within the realm of
scenario. Includes an possibility. No
explanation of the explanation, rationale,
rationale for the creation or specifying
but lacks specificity. details/rationale
included.
___ 11-14 points ___ 10 or less
 Rubric for Essay Based upon Bloom's Taxonomy of Higher-Order Thinking-Aug 09

4 (A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 1 (F)

(100 points) (80) (70) (50)
Evalu- Written in paragraph form Written in paragraph form Answer given without Briefly answers
ation beginning with a topic beginning with a topic structure or insight. question with no
sentence that directly sentence that directly answers Further explanation supporting details or
answers the the question. Further explains required. clarification.
question/connects to the answer, provides single
driving thesis. Further specific example (quotation)
explains answer, provides from text, and concludes with
multiple, specific how example proves the topic.
examples (quotations) Includes rationale; 5-6
from text, and concludes sentences.
with how example proves
the topic. Includes
rationale; 7-8 well
structured sentences.
___17-20 points ___ 15-16 points ___ 11-14 points ___ 10 or less

Please note that this is a general rubric that will be used in assessing formal essays, including exams.
All essays must be written in standard format (introduction/thesis, five to six body paragraphs, and a
conclusion). Be sure to provide evidence to support your conclusions.

Comments

Points: Knowledge____
Comprehension____
Application_____
Analysis___
Synthesis___
Evaluation___

TOTAL SCORE
Rubric for Essay Based upon Bloom's Taxonomy of Higher-Order Thinking-Aug 09