Grid Grading Rubric
Dr. K. Kerr
Exceptional (4)
Content This paper demonstrates a
significant understanding of
the subject and expresses
this understanding through
the development of a
sophisticated, perceptive,
and/or original central idea.
Information is presented
completely, concisely, and
clearly.
Organization Shows exceptional
construction and
organization of sentences
and paragraphs
Style Uses striking words and
phrases; demonstrates a
sure sense of purpose,
Skillful (3)
This paper demonstrates a
good understanding of the
subject and expresses this
understanding through the
competent development of
a clear central idea.
Information is well
presented. Clearly meets
assignment requirements
Skillfully constructed and
organized at the sentence
and paragraph level has a
clearly stated thesis and is
logically and adequately
developed.
Paper uses clear words
and phrases; demonstrates
a definite sense of purpose,
Competent (2)
This paper demonstrates
average content. It is
competent, but somewhat
superficial. It meets the
requirements of the
assignment, but is not very
original. Writer does not
appear to have critically
examined the issue.
The paper has a clearly
stated central idea and is
organized clearly enough to
convey its purpose to the
reader, although there is
some disjointedness or lack
of purpose in individual
paragraphs.
The paper is clear but lacks
vigor of thought and
expression. Style is
Weak (1) Incompetent (0)
This paper Does not match
demonstrates below assignment criteria.
average quality in
content. It fails to Content is irrelevant,
present a central idea or factually incorrect, overly
to develop it adequately biased, and/or
(including length) and/or unsuitable for an
may be flawed by academic audience.
unacceptable reasoning
or unconvincing
evidence. Minimally
meets requirements
The paper lacks Fails to demonstrate any
organization and sure understanding of
transitions and at times audience or purpose,
may be incoherent. state a main idea, or
Paragraphs do not flow provide supporting
well, topic sentences not information.
apparent.
Exhibits low-level word
choice and little or no
concept of basic
paragraphing.
The paper exhibits Language is
difficulty in maintaining unsophisticated and
control of the language,
 role, and audience. role, and audience.
GUM Paper is error free. The paper demonstrates
clear expressions of ideas,
and is comparatively free of
errors in the use of
Standard English.
Overall This paper exhibits This paper demonstrates
impression outstanding quality in skillful writing ability and/or
several areas including critical thinking. Although
content, arrangement, there may be some
style, format, and inconsistencies, it has the
mechanics. appearance of solid college
writing.
0= 50, 1=55, 2=57, 3=59, 4=61, 5=63, 6=67, 7=69, 8=71, 9=73, 10=75, 11=77, 12=79, 13=81, 14=83, 15=85, 16=87, 17=90, 18=92,
19=95, 20=100
competent but
unremarkable.
The paper avoids serious
errors in the use of English;
the errors which do occur
do not impede meaning.
Paper is properly formatted.
The paper is of average
quality in content,
arrangement, style, format,
and/or mechanics. It is
characterized by careful
consideration, but lacks
vigor of thought and
expression.
including errors in word
choice, awkward syntax,
slang and cliché
constructions, and
abbreviations. Tone is
too informal.
Sentence structure,
usage, and mechanics
interfere with readability.
Too many errors slow
reading. Paper is
improperly formatted.
Overall, this paper is not
up to the standards of a
college-level writing.
unacceptable.
Demonstrates a definite
lack of understanding of
stylistic qualities of an
academic paper.
This paper is
characterized by serious
and frequent errors in
sentence structure,
usage, and mechanics,
giving the impression of
distinctly inferior writing
This paper exhibits
unacceptable quality in
content, organization,
style, format, and
mechanics.
.