Idea Book Rubric
SCORE
Content/
Depth of Ideas
Writing Style/
Rhetoric/Argument
Voice/
Originality
5
The Idea Book essay meets the
expectations described below AND
goes “above and beyond” with
engaged analysis, critical
thinking, and metacognition; may
include new insights or changes in
perspective based on inquiry
The Idea Book essay demonstrates
a sophisticated discussion and/or
investigation of global, literary, or
cultural issues and ideas, as
evidenced by:
• a clear and consistent
perspective that indicates analysis
and critical thinking
• a thesis or message supported
by appropriate evidence and
examples
• accurate content information
including specific details
• a synthesis of ideas
• a thorough and thoughtful
answer to the prompt
The Idea Book essay meets the
expectations described below AND
shows a clear mastery of language
(sophisticated devices and
strategies incorporated with
ease).
The Idea Book essay meets the
expectations described below AND
shows:
• a mature and confident writer’s
voice that includes originality and
innovation
The Idea Book essay is
exceptionally well-written, as
evidenced by:
• logical and “flowing”
sense of organization
• powerful introductions
• thought-provoking conclusions
• sophisticated and varied syntax
• effective and purposeful diction
• “hooked” transitions between
ideas
• attempted imagery and literary
devices
• balance of rhetorical strategies
• command of grammatical and
mechanical conventions
• obvious revision, proofreading,
polish
• accurate citations using MLA
format (if applicable)
The Idea Book essay conveys:
• a strong writer’s voice
• an appropriate relationship with
the audience
• a clear tone, established by the
writer’s craft
• the reader may discern the
writer’s personality behind the
words
• originality, creativity, or
innovation
• emotion (conviction, humor,
suspense, liveliness, etc.)
The Idea Book essay investigates
global, literary, or cultural issues,
and may address many of the
descriptors above. B-level
descriptors include:
• critical thinking may not be
evident
• thesis/message may need more
clarity or support
• examples may be vague
• responses rely mostly on
personal examples and make few
connections to content
• may not address all components
of the prompt, or may answer the
prompt without synthesis or
connections to further ideas
The Idea Book essay makes sense
to the reader and may attempt
many of the descriptors above. Blevel Idea Books essays may also
include:
• jumps in logic (lack of transition
or organization)
• weaker introductions or abrupt
conclusions
• lacks variety of syntax and
diction
• more reliance on “telling” than
“showing” – few literary devices
• some distracting errors in
grammar, usage, and mechanics
• cited textual evidence, but with
some MLA formatting errors (if
applicable)
The Idea Book essay may be
difficult to read due to:
• an accumulation of errors in
grammar, usage, or grammar that
impedes understanding
• missing portions
• limited control of syntax and/or
reliance on basic vocabulary
• inaccurate MLA citations (if
applicable)
The Idea Book essay conveys some
voice or personality, but it may be
inconsistent. B-level descriptors
include:
• the reader can detect voice,
tone, or personality, but it is
inconsistent and fledgling
• writer’s voice may be only
tentative
• may sound mechanical or
formulaic
• writer’s tone may be unclear or
inappropriate for some prompts
“A+”
4
“A”
95
3
“B”
85
2
“C”
75
The Idea Book essay struggles
with depth and complexity of
ideas:
• thesis or message may be
missing or lack support
• key questions in prompt may not
be addressed
• responses may be simplistic and
superficial
• responses may contain multiple
content-related errors
Voice and originality may be
difficult to detect in The Idea Book
essay. C-level descriptors
include:
• sounds very mechanical or
formulaic
• mimics class lectures or
textbooks and may not capture the
writer behind the ideas
• is not original, creative, or
innovative
1
“F”
This assignment should be very difficult to fail. Most Idea Book essays that receive failing grades are
those that are entirely too brief, are submitted several days late, or that have copied/plagiarized
others’ ideas. Plagiarism will immediately result in a zero.
Typical Comments
SCORE
5
“A+”
4
“A”
95
3
“B”
85
2
“C”
75
1
50
___ Above and beyond – excellent risk-taking with an amazing result.
___ Wow! Mind-blowing! I want to BE you.
___ Please share your Idea Book with others.
___ Your Idea Book includes interesting ideas, strong voice, and skilled writing. 
___ Essay is insightful, thought-provoking, or attention-grabbing.
___ You are a great storyteller – nice incorporation of devices (details, imagery, metaphor, etc.)
___ Your Idea Book essay goes beyond the textbook or class lectures to convey new knowledge or ideas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(A-) ___ Your Idea Book is strong in two categories (depth of ideas, writing style, or voice), but one
category needs to be further developed.
___ Proofreading errors indicate a lack of polish; spend more time on the writing process.
(B+) ___ Your Idea Book is very strong in one category (depth of ideas, writing style, or voice), but two
categories need to be further developed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------___ Dig deeper – you are on the right track, but parts of the essay are “surface level” responses.
___ Provide more evidence to back up your ideas (prove your assertions).
___ Go beyond the textbook, class lectures, and basic internet searches to convey your insights.
___ Focus on diction and tone to develop your voice as a writer (some parts may sound robotic).
___ Spend more time crafting introductions so that you grab the reader’s attention.
___ Examples are vague or general – give the reader specifics.
___ Essay ends abruptly – bring closure to your reader/leave them thinking at the end.
___ Remove “I think,” “I believe,” or “I feel” statements – this weakens your stance.
___ Avoid unnecessary wordiness – there is beauty in simplicity, at times.
___ Avoid 2nd person (you) – it sounds preachy.
___ Avoid 1st person (I, me) in academic or analytical writing.
___ Focus attention on syntax (avoid run-ons and fragments; properly punctuate sentences.)
___ Eliminate unnecessary repetition (consider first word revision strategies).
___ Most examples are from your personal experience; include evidence from other sources, too.
___ Most examples are from other sources; include personal reflection, too.
___ Essay is a “laundry list” of facts – connect content information with analysis and commentary.
___ Sources are cited, but MLA format may be inaccurate.
___ Book titles should be underlined or italicized; short stories and articles should be in quotation marks.
___ Multiple writing errors detract from the great ideas you are trying to share.
___ Dig deeper and expand your writing – you are on the right track, but your essay is incomplete. You may
not have provided enough writing for the reader to find meaning.
___ Essay shows very little revision or proofreading.
___ Spend more time on organization of your ideas – your essay jumps from topic to topic with
no transition between ideas or connections between ideas.
___ Spend more time on mechanics/grammar/usage – multiple errors make your work difficult to read.
(Consider a writing conference before you turn in your next Idea Book.)
This Idea Book is incomplete. Plan to attend tutorials during the next grading period so you can work on
drafts early and benefit from writing conferences.
15 = 100
14 = 98
13 = 96
12 = 95
11 = 90
10 = 88
9 = 85
8 = 80
7 = 78
6 = 75