Basic Essay Rubric
Fall 2008 LAMC
G. Ladinsky, Instructor
Student Name: ________________________________ Class: ________
Criteria
Structure
Score = 10
Essay has a
specific and
appropriate
thesis.
Paragraphs and
transitions are
clear and
appropriate with
clearly written
topic sentences.
Competent and
effective
discussion of
topic assigned.
Ample details
support main
points.
Score = 8
Essay has an
adequate
thesis.
Paragraphs and
transitions are
satisfactory.
Topic
sentences are
adequate.
Intro and
conclusion are
amply
developed
Paper is the
length specified
on prompt
Mechanics
No major errors
in word
selection and
use, sentence
structure,
spelling,
punctuation, and
capitalization.
Peer Review
Sheets
Two sheets
present + 5 pts.
Relatively free
of errors in
word selection
and use,
sentence
structure,
spelling,
punctuation
and
capitalization.
One sheet
present + 2.5
pts.
Content
Introduction/
Conclusion
Length
Score = 7
Essay has a
thesis that is all
fact or too
general.
Paragraphs and
transitions are
deficient.
Topic
sentences are
deficient.
Attempts
discussion of
topic.
Inconsistent
support.
Score = 6
Organizational
structure and
paragraphing
have serious and
persistent errors.
Intro and
conclusion are
adequate
Intro and
conclusion are
minimal
Paper slightly
shorter than the
length
specified on
prompt
Paper is
significantly
shorter that the
length
specified on
prompt
Several major
errors in word
selection and
use, sentence
structure,
spelling,
punctuation
and
capitalization.
Intro and
conclusion do
not meet the
requirements.
Paper does not
meet the
requirements for
length.
Adequate
discussion of
topic assigned.
Adequate
details support
main points.
Minimal
discussion of
topic assigned.
Inadequate
support.
Serious and/or
persistent errors
in word selection
and use, sentence
structure,
spelling,
punctuation and
capitalization.
No sheets
present + 0 pts.
Total Pts.
Overall Grade
Comments:
Score