PARALLEL SOCIAL STUDIES ESSAY SCORING GUIDE – Updated 6/11
FOCUS
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4
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Sharp, distinct controlling
point made about a single
topic with evident
awareness of task
All parts of the question are
addressed thoroughly
Thesis statement contains
an appropriate number of
divisions and is clearly
stated in introductory
paragraph.
CONTENT (x2)
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
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Substantial, specific, and/or
illustrative details are
included to support the
thesis statement
ANALYSIS
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
Explanations demonstrate
strong development and
sophisticated ideas
Analyzes how & why the
content supports the thesis
Understands the complexity
of the question and addresses
all parts of the question
equally.
MECHANICS
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Includes explanation of all
historical terminology.
Minimal historical errors.
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3
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Apparent point made about
a single topic with sufficient
awareness of task
All parts of the question are
addressed
Thesis statement contains
an appropriate number of
divisions and is stated in
introductory paragraph.




Sufficiently developed details
are included to support
thesis
Essay includes adequate
elaboration or explanations
Includes explanation of most
historical terminology.

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Analysis may be limited.

Mostly describes.
Understands question, but
not the complexity of the
question.

May fail to equally address
all part of the question
No more than one major
historical error.
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2
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No apparent point but
evidence of a specific topic
Most parts of the question
are addressed
Thesis statement does not
contain an appropriate
number of divisions and/or
is not in the introductory
paragraph


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Limited details are included
that may or may not support
the thesis statement


Essay includes inadequate
elaboration or explanation

Includes explanation of some
historical terminology

Minimal analysis.

Listing of information
without explanation.
Simplistic approach to
question.

May occasionally wander off
topic.
Contains multiple historical
errors.
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
1
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Minimal evidence of a topic
Few to no parts of the
question are addressed
No thesis statement

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Superficial and/or minimal
content is used
Essay includes very little
elaboration of ideas
Does not explain historical
terminology
Few facts, major historical
errors.



No analysis.

No explanation.
Little understanding evident.

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Evident control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Precise, illustrative use of a
variety of words and
sentence structures to create
writer’s voice, tone and
point of view appropriate to
audience at all times
Body follows thesis
organization with subtle
transitions
Essay includes a thorough
and relevant introduction
and conclusion paragraphs
Sufficient control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Generic use of a variety of
words and sentence
structures that creates
writer’s voice, tone and
point of view appropriate to
audience most of the time
Body follows thesis
organization and uses
transitions
Essay includes a relevant
introduction and conclusion
paragraph
Limited control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Limited word choice and
control of sentence structure
that inhibit voice and tone
and point of view
Body does not follow thesis
organization OR does not
use transitions
Essay includes an
introduction and conclusion
paragraph
Minimal control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Minimal variety in word
choice and minimal control
of sentence structure and
point of view
Body does not follow thesis
organization AND does not
use transitions
Essay lacks an introduction
and/or conclusion
paragraph
SOCIAL STUDIES WRITING RUBRIC EXPLANATIONS
THE RUBRIC SAYS
THIS MEANS
Sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with
evident awareness of task
Your entire essay directly answers all parts of the question that
was asked. Your essay does not wander off topic.
Substantial, specific, and/or illustrative details are included to
support the thesis statement
You prove your point by giving specific historical names, facts,
events, or examples.
Explanations demonstrate strong development and sophisticated
ideas
You clearly explain or describe each of the specific historical
facts or examples you give. You are NOT simply LISTING facts.
Includes explanation of all historical terminology.
You use specific content vocabulary words from the course. You
then provide a clear definition of this term in your essay. Do
NOT ASSUME your teacher will know what the word means
simply because you use it.
Analyzes how & why the content supports the thesis
You make clear connections between the content of the essay and
the point you are making in your thesis. It should be obvious to
your reader why you chose that particular piece of information to
support your thesis
Understands the complexity of the question and addresses all
parts of the question equally.
Your response shows that you truly understand the level of
difficulty the question is asking. If the question is asking for
more than one thing, you should have an equal amount of
information about each part.
Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sentence
structures to create writer’s voice, tone and point of view
appropriate to audience at all times
Your sentences are clear and varied in their structure. Your
grammar does not get in the way of someone understanding your
essay. Remember this is an essay, so do not write the same way
you may speak to your friends. Do not use text lingo or slang.
You should not use 1st or 2nd person (I, me, we, you, us) unless
specifically directed to by your teacher.
Body follows thesis organization with subtle transitions
Your body paragraphs are in the same order as your thesis
divisions. When you move from point to point within a
paragraph or between paragraphs, you should transitional words
or phrases. Avoid obvious statements such as: “In this
paragraph/essay, I will...,” “First...,” “Second....,” “Last...,” “I
hope you learned...,”
Essay includes a thorough and relevant introduction and
conclusion paragraphs
Your introduction should be a FULL paragraph (4-6 sentences)
that gives background on the topic of your essay. This does NOT
mean you are restating your thesis division 4 times. Your thesis
should be at the end of your introduction.
Your conclusion should be a FULL paragraph that emphasizes
the major points you made in your essay. This should NOT be
the same as your introduction. Do NOT introduce new
information in your conclusion.