Middle School
English Language School
Name: __________________________________
Date: ________________________
Grade: ___________
Compare & Contrast Essay Rubric
Purpose &
Supporting
Details
Organization
& Structure
Paragraphing
Grammar &
Spelling
(Conventions)
4
3
2
1
The paper compares
and contrasts items
clearly. The paper
points to specific
examples to illustrate
the comparison. The
paper includes only
the information
relevant to the
comparison.
The paper compares
and contrasts items
clearly, but the
supporting
information is general.
The paper includes
information relevant
to the comparison.
The paper compares
and contrasts items,
but the supporting
information is
incomplete. The paper
may include
information that is not
relevant to the
comparison.
The paper compares or
contrasts, but does not
do both. There is no
supporting
information or
support is incomplete.
The paper follows a
consistent order when
discussing the
comparison.
The paper may not
follow a consistent
order when discussing
the comparison.
Some information in
the paper is in the
wrong section. Some
details are not in a
logical or expected
order which distracts
the reader.
Many details are not
in a logical or
expected order. There
is little sense that the
writing is organized.
The paper consists of
four clear paragraphs
with an introduction
and a conclusion.
The paper consists of
three clear paragraphs
with an introduction
and a conclusion.
The paper consists of
two paragraphs. The
introduction or the
conclusion may be
missing.
The paper consists of
only one paragraph.
Consistently uses
punctuation correctly.
Consistently follows
the rules of
capitalization. Grade
level words are spelled
correctly. Contains
very few misspelling
that do not detract
from the writing.
Consistently follows
rules of grammar.
Punctuation is used
correctly most of the
time. Follows the rules
of capitalization.
Contains some
misspellings that do
not detract from the
writing. Most
grammar rules are
followed correctly.
Punctuation is seldom
used correctly Follows
some capitalization
rules. Contains
spelling errors that
detract from the
writing. Grammar
errors detract from the
writing.
Random or no use of
punctuation.
Random or no use of
capitalization.
Spelling errors make
the writing difficult to
read. Many grammar
errors make the
writing difficult.
Total
Criteria