ESSAY RUBRIC
Criteria
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Communication
Grammar
Spelling
Wording
Thorough job of proofreading
(a few minor to no errors in
spelling and grammar)
Good job of proofreading (a
few errors in spelling and
grammar that do not obscure
the meaning).
Some evidence of
proofreading (a number of
errors in spelling and
grammar – may interfere with
comprehension)
Little or no evidence of
proofreading (many errors in
spelling and grammar – it is
difficult to read and
understand)
Knowledge/
Content
Application
/Organization
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Thinking /
Planning
Well written – easy to read
and understand
Generally well written with
some awkward passages.
Strong choice of most
important information and
evidence to raise awareness
about your topic.
Basic information with some
evidence is present to raise
awareness about your topic.
May be lacking important
information and evidence, or
the information is unclear or
inaccurate.
Demonstrates an inadequate
understanding of the content
relevant to the topic
Strong suggestions for action
by the viewer AND / OR by
the govt.
Decent suggestions for
action…
Suggestions present but
unclear, or unrealistic, etc.
Lacking suggestions for
action…
Clearly stated / restated
thesis - grabs attention / adds
interest.
Thesis is stated /restated.
Thesis is stated but is unclear
or confusing.
Missing an argument or
opinion.
Attempts to explain topic.
Extremely thorough, wellorganized presentation of
information.
Organized and generally
complete presentation of
information.
Very basic with no further
information.
Somewhat organized
presentation of information.
.
Bibliography is present with
some errors.
Bibliography is present with
numerous errors.
Bibliography using MLA
format correctly – up to 1 or 2
minor errors…
Embedded Citations included
5 or more legitimate sources
Does the job but not exciting.
Information is disorganized,
incomplete, or completely
lacking in evidence
Only URL’s given.
Embedded citations not
included
4 legitimate sources
3 legitimate sources
Fewer than 3 sources or not
legitimate [eg. Wikipedia]