Name: _____________________________________
Mod: ____
Essay Assignment: __________________________________________
English III Level II Period 8 Writing Rubric
FOCUS
Strong thesis claim and each paragraph
relates to essay topic/thesis claim
4
FOCUS
Staying on topic the whole entire
time with no rambling, or
distractions.
 Thesis uses strong verb and
presents a provable approach
 Authors’ names and titles
stated in introduction
 Entire essay remains focused
on proving thesis point
3
Pretty much stayed on topic, little
problems
 Thesis may be present but verb
is weak, missing points or
authors’ names and titles not
stated in intro
2
No specific point, but there’s a
general topic
 Thesis lacks strong verb,
points or thesis is not provable
and authors’ names and titles
not stated in intro
1
Jumping from point to point with no
real topic
 Unclear which sentence is
thesis; thesis is missing
 Essay deviates from thesis pt.




CONTENT
Ideas and knowledge of given topic
evident; thesis claim is fully proven
ORGANIZATION
Having information flow
throughout the writing with
use of transitions
STYLE
Variety of words and sentence structures
used, giving the essay character and
appropriate tone and voice
CONVENTIONS
Correct formation of sentences,
punctuation, spelling, grammar, and
citations
CONTENT
Contains enough, very specific,
image-generating content which
shows strong development and well
thought-out ideas
 Strong topic sentences, which
relate to your thesis
 Sufficient evidence
(quotations/paraphrases) per
body paragraph
 All quotes/paraphrases are
incorporated and fully
interpreted
Decently creates the content of the
paper with average explanation of
details
 One interpretation is
underdeveloped
 Topic sentences lack
connection to thesis
Average content with below average
explanations
 Two interpretations are
underdeveloped
 Topic sentences unclear
ORGANIZATION
Content is in a logical order
with smooth transitions
 Intro, body, and
conclusion fully
developed
 Transitions present to
move the reader from
one idea to the next
STYLE
Illustrative use of varied words and
sentence types to create the writer’s voice
and tone that is correctly addressing the
audience
 Strong verbs, active voice, clear
ideas; sentences flow clearly- no
wordiness/awkwardness
 Formal writing (no “I,” “you,” “me,”
“quote,” slang, contractions, etc.)
 All quotes are introduced (no
dropped quotes)
CONVENTIONS
Extraordinary grammar, spelling,
punctuation, and citations
 No more than 3 total errors in:
-Grammar
-Spelling
-Punctuation
-Parenthetical citations
Most of the content is in a
logical order but the
transitions are missing.
 Introduction or
conclusion needs
organization
 Some transitions needed
Half of the content is in the
wrong places and transitions
are rough.

Introduction and
conclusion need
organization
Average usage of varied words and
sentences that may not create the writer’s
voice and tone

1 rubric bullet point violated
Not enough content throughout the
paper to prove thesis claim

Underdeveloped
interpretations / Missing
interpretations
The content is in the wrong
place and transitions are very
abrupt.
 Missing organization,
missing paragraphs
 No transitions present
Misuse of words and limited control of
sentences that restrain voice and tone.

3 rubric bullet points violated
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
citations are missing in some spots
or used improperly.
 No more than 6 errors in
grammar, spelling, and
punctuation or incorrect intext citations
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
citations are missing in many spots
or used improperly.
 No more than 9 errors in
grammar, spelling, and
punctuation and incorrect intext citations
You kind of are really bad at
spelling and grammar, or so this
essay suggests.
 Ten or more errors in
grammar, spelling, and
punctuation or no in-text
citations
NON-SCOREABLE
Incomprehensible
Incoherent
Not enough information given
Blank paper submitted


Poor variety of word choice and sentence
structures.

2 rubric bullets point violated
OFF-PROMPT
The thing explains itself; off topic, or does not answer the question
Essay does not correspond to the assignment prompt