Guilty: Frankenstein mock trial written rubric
Typed MLA format
10-6
Final copy is neat and typed.
There are no errors in format
such as heading, page numbers,
spacing, and margins.
Thesis
Thesis is strong . It includes the
subject and the team’s opinion. It
is not a “cookie cutter” thesis
with points laid out that are then
restated in the body of the text.
Body of essay
Paragraphs include strong topic
sentences, transitions, and varied
sentence structures.
Grammar/mechanics
There are no errors in sentence
construction (fragments, run-ons,
subject-verb agreement) spelling,
etc.
Documentation
There are no errors in
parenthetical documentation for
quotes.
Depositions are complete,
explicit and insightful (not just
yes and no answers). Questions
are open-ended and require
thought on the part of the
witness.
Trial evidence is creative and
well thought out. There are
multiple types of evidence
provided.
Depositions
Evidence
5-2
Final copy is neat and typed;
however, there are some errors
in MLA format including:
page numbers, heading,
spacing, and margins.
Thesis is decent. It includes the
subject and the team’s opinion;
however, it also includes
specific reasons which are
restated later in the essay.
1-0
Final copy is not typed or is
not formatted correctly
including: page numbers,
heading, spacing, and margins.
Depositions lack specificity
and depth. Questions are
simple and don’t require
reflection. Answers are basic
and don’t elaborate.
Depositions are incomplete
and have one word answers or
yes/no questions.
Trial evidence is minimal with
little or no thought.
No evidence is provided.
Thesis is weak. It may not
include one or all of the
required parts: the subject or
the team’s opinion. The thesis
may be unclear and need more
focus.
Topic sentences and transitions There are no transitions or
may be unclear and sentence
topic sentences. There is no
structure varies some
variety in sentence structure.
throughout the paper.
There are a few errors in
There are numerous errors in
sentence construction
sentence construction, spelling,
(fragments, run-ons, subjectetc. that cause the reader to be
verb agreement), spelling, etc. unable to follow the essay.
but it doesn’t disturb the
overall flow of the essay.
There are some errors in
Essay is missing
documentation.
documentation.
Grade
Guilty: Frankenstein mock trial participation rubric
Class discussion
Trial participation
Costume
10-6
Student actively participated
during discussion by asking and
answering questions. He/she
offered ideas during planning.
Student actively participated
during the trial. If a lawyer
he/she asked multiple questions.
If a witness he or she provided
appropriate answers while
called. If a juror he or she took
notes and participated in
deliberation discussions.
Student is dressed in costume for
his or her part throughout the
trial
5-2
Student attempted to
participate. He/she offered
some ideas, but spent some of
the time not talking, doing
other work, or on a technology
device.
Student attempted to
participate. Lawyer asked one
or two questions. Witness
struggled with answers to the
questions. Jurors took some
notes and offer an idea or two
during deliberation.
Student is only in costume one
day or is only partially in
costume.
1-0
Student did not participate
during discussions and
planning. He/she sat quietly,
worked on other work, or
played on technology device.
Student did not participate
during the trial. Lawyers asked
no questions and/or didn’t give
a speech. Witness didn’t know
answers or gave unrelated
answers. Jurors did not take
notes or participate in
deliberations.
Student does not dress in
costume for the trial.
Grade