Draft Rubric: Pre/Post Assessment, Informative Essay
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and
information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
Essay Criteria
CCSS.ELA
16-17
80-89%
/105
Final Score:
14-15
70-79%
12-13
60-69%
11 or below
Comments
Introduction (20 pts)
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.
W.9-10.2.A
A well-structured and engaging
introduction includes a hook,
introduces the subject, provides
background information, and
transitions into a strong and
clear thesis that focuses the
essay. The introduction is
exemplary.
The introduction includes a
hook, introduces the subject,
provides background
information, and transitions into
a strong and clear thesis.
The introduction may be
missing one of the criteria
and/or it may lack organization
and clarity. Includes a thesis
statement.
The introduction is missing two
or more of the criteria, and/or it
may lack organization and
clarity. Includes a thesis
statement.
The introduction is missing
three or more criteria and/or
lacks a thesis statement.
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Three concrete details per
paragraph with commentary
that supports the topic sentence
and develops the thesis. The
analysis goes beyond description
and into examination and
explanation. Analysis provided in
each paragraph is exemplary.
Two concrete details per
paragraph with commentary
that supports the topic
sentence and develops the
thesis. The analysis goes
beyond description and into
examination and explanation.
Two concrete details and
commentary; however, the
analysis is incomplete and does
not go beyond description and
into examination and
explanation.
Lack of concrete detail, and/or
little to no commentary.
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Paragraph structure, including
strong topic sentences,
transitions, and concluding
sentences, demonstrates
mastery
Paragraph structure, including
strong topic sentences,
transitions, and concluding
sentences follows assigned
format.
One or more paragraphs is
missing key criteria such as a
strong topic sentence,
transitions, and a concluding
sentence.
Two or more paragraphs are
disorganized and lack unity.
Lack of organization in
paragraphs indicates minimal
skill or effort in using assigned
format.
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Outstanding conclusion utilizes
creativity and insight that
stresses the importance of the
thesis statement, gives the essay
a sense of completeness, and
leaves a final impression on the
reader.
The conclusion relates clearly
to the thesis statement, gives
the essay a sense of
completeness, and leaves a final
impression on the reader.
The conclusion is missing some
of the criteria.
Learner writes a limited
conclusion that does not meet
the stated criteria.
Introduce a topic; organize complex
ideas, concepts, and information to
make important connections and
distinctions; include formatting (e.g.,
headings), graphics (e.g., figures,
tables), and multimedia when useful
to aiding comprehension.
Body: Organization of
Ideas (20 pts)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.
W.9-10.2.B
CONTENT
18-20
90-100%
Name:
Develop the topic with well-chosen,
relevant, and sufficient facts,
extended definitions, concrete
details, quotations, or other
information and examples
appropriate to the audience’s
knowledge of the topic.
Body: Flows Easily (20 pts)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2.C
Use appropriate and varied
transitions to link the major sections
of the text, create cohesion, and
clarify the relationships among
complex ideas and concepts.
Conclusion (20 pts)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.
W.9-10.2.F
Provide a concluding statement
or section that follows from and
supports the information or
explanation presented (e.g.,
articulating implications or the
significance of the topic).
Essay Criteria
4
3
2
1
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Without errors, varied sentence
structure demonstrates mastery
of grammar; strong and
engaging word choice
Varied sentence structure with
minimal errors, demonstrates
knowledge of grammar, strong
word choice.
Some variety in sentence
structure, but there are
grammatical mistakes
throughout the essay (a pattern
of run-on sentences, sentence
fragments, etc.).
Sentence structure does not
vary. Most sentences are
simple. Numerous errors in
grammar, and word choice
confuse or distract the reader
from the content.
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.
L.9-10.2
Demonstrate command of the
conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and
spelling when writing.
Minimal to no errors in
capitalization, punctuation, and
spelling rules
1 – 2 errors in capitalization,
punctuation, spelling rules
3 – 4 errors in capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling rules
may cause confusion
More than 4 errors in
capitalization, punctuation, and
spelling confuse or distract the
reader from the content
MLA Format (15 pts)
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Page Layout
Assigned format is followed
without errors
1 – 2 errors in use of assigned
format
3 – 4 errors in use of assigned
format
More than 4 errors in use of
assigned format
Numerous errors indicate
minimal skill or effort in using
assigned format.
Internal Citations
All citations are formatted as
assigned for source material
without errors
1 -2 errors in assigned citation
format for source material
3 – 4 errors in assigned citation
format for source material
More than 4 errors in assigned
citation format for source
material
No internal citations for source
material
Works Cited
Assigned format is followed
without errors
1 -2 errors in assigned format
3 – 4 errors in assigned format
More than 4 errors in assigned
format
No Works Cited page
Grammar (5 pts)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.
L.9-10.1
Demonstrate command of the
conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when
writing or speaking.
Conventions (5 pts)
CONVENTIONS
5
Page Layout:
Essay is typed and double space (only) all lines
Margin is one-inch from all sides
Name, Teacher, Course, Due Date double-spaced at top left
Title Centered
Running head
Paragraphs indented ½”
(Two-sided pages ok)
Internal Citations:
Parenthesis appropriately used
Punctuation is correct
Content within citation is complete and accurate
References a specific source in Works Cited page
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Works Cited Page:
Each citation is formatted as assigned
Running Head
Works Cited centered at top of page
All lines double-spaced
Alphabetized list
Hanging (Reverse) Indentation