0349 Grading Rubric
Name ____________________ Date __________ Assignment # ________ Grade __________
Content, Development, and Organization
_____ 46-50
This essay is thoroughly developed with
significant content. The thesis is clear and
specific. It is well-organized, with a strong
focus. Paragraphs are unified with topics
sentences and specific, outstanding support. The
introduction engages the reader’s attention, and
the conclusion gives the essay appropriate
closure. Essay content, development, and
organization are excellent
_____ 40-45
This essay is well-developed with
appropriate content; however, it is not as
developed as it could be. The thesis is clear and
the topic sentences support the thesis, but the
supporting details are not as strong.
Organization is clear and appropriate. The
introduction and conclusion are adequate.
Assignment requirements have been met
satisfactorily. Content, development, and
organization are good.
_____ 35-39
This essay fulfills the minimum
assignment requirements, but paragraphs, or the
essay as a whole, may not always be focused,
unified, or fully developed. More support is
needed. The introduction and/or the conclusion
need work. This essay, although acceptable,
needs significant improvement in content,
development, and organization.
25-34
This essay is poorly developed and
organized. It either lacks a thesis or the thesis is
vague. There is no obvious pattern of
organization. The introduction and/or the
conclusion are weak and ineffective. The essay
does not follow the assigned topic, or is
completely off-topic. This essay does not meet
the content, development, and organization
criteria for a college level course.
Grammar, Vocabulary, and Mechanics
_____ 46-50
This essay has no significant grammar
or mechanical errors. There are no major
sentence structure errors or awkward wording.
Verb forms and tenses are used appropriately and
consistently. Word forms are correctly chosen.
Article and prepositional errors are minimal.
Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation are
almost perfect. Format is appropriate.
_____ 40-45
While this essay contains generally
strong sentence structure and usage, there may
some awkward phrasing, vague references, or
occasionally weak vocabulary. Verb tenses and
verb forms are mostly correct, with occasional
errors. Word forms are generally correct. Article
and preposition errors frequently distract reader.
There may be some spelling, capitalization, or
punctuation errors, which hinder communication.
Format is acceptable.
_____ 35-39
This essay contains enough sentence
structure errors that communication is disrupted
(several comma-splices, run-ons, fragments, or
occurrences of awkward phrasing). Verb tense is
mostly correct and consistent, but verb forms are
often incorrectly chosen or written. Word form
and word choice errors are frequent. There are
many article and preposition errors. Spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation errors distract the
reader. Some format errors occur.
_____
_____ 20-24 This essay does not meet the
minimum standards for acceptance.
_____
25-34
This essay shows little understanding of
English grammar and syntax. There are serious
construction problems. Awkward, garbled
sentences and word choice indicate non-standard
written English. Verb tenses and form choices
are usually incorrect. Word form errors hinder
effective communication. Articles and
preposition use are generally absent or incorrect.
Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation do not
follow the rules of written English and greatly
distract the reader. Format is incorrect or
inappropriate.
_____ 20-24 Minimum standards for grammar
at this level are not met.