Truth Essay Rubric: The Crucible
Grade
Organization
Clear thesis stated in the
introduction
A
Transitions are clear and
make the paper flow
Focus
Established in the
introduction,
maintained through
the body paragraphs,
and is emphasized in
the conclusion.
Quotations have context
Topic sentences
have a direct
connection to the
thesis statement
B
Clear thesis stated in the
intro; may be unclear in
places
Some transitions needed;
transitions may be repetitive
or overused.
Clear focus in the
intro, but could be
clearer throughout
the essay. OR
Unclear focus in the
intro but the focus
becomes clarified as
the paper continues.
Quotations have context
Most topic sentences
have a direct
connection to the
thesis.
C
Thesis is somewhat clear, but
ideas seem jumbled and
unorganized.
Several transitions are
needed.
Some quotations are not
introduced properly.
Focus is generally
clear, but the focus
is not maintained
throughout the
essay. Subtopics
may detract from the
essay’s main focus.
Few topic sentences
have a direct
connection to the
thesis.
Unclear purpose; may lack a
thesis
Unclear focus
throughout the essay
Several transitions needed
Quotations do not have
context
Topic sentences are
not connected to the
thesis or are missing
entirely.
Completely unclear or
missing thesis.
Unclear focus
throughout the essay
Many transitions needed
Topic sentences are
missing or unrelated
D
F
No quotes present or quotes
may be used incorrectly
Development
Body paragraphs
build on one another
and do not repeat the
same information
Grammar/Style/Mechanics
Few spelling, grammatical, mechanical
errors
Specific details
enhance the writing
Quotations are cited properly and
formatted correctly.
Clear syntax
Quotations support
the thesis
Analysis throughout
explicates the theme
stated in the thesis
Some repetition in
body paragraphs.
Most details are
specific (some may
be general).
Few spelling, grammatical, mechanical
errors.
Mostly clear syntax.
Quotations are cited properly and
formatted correctly.
Most quotes support
or relate to the
thesis. Some quotes
could better support
the thesis.
Analysis in places
explicates the theme
stated in the thesis.
Frequent repetition
of ideas throughout
the essay.
Several spelling, grammatical,
mechanical errors.
Unclear syntax.
Details are general
(not specific)
Several quotations are not cited properly
or formatted correctly.
Some quotes do not
relate to the thesis.
Analysis is present,
but is superficial and
does not explicate
the theme.
Frequent repetition
of ideas throughout
the essay; Little to
no analysis
Numerous spelling, grammatical,
mechanical errors
Unclear syntax
Details and/or
quotes are general or
are missing entirely
The essay lacks any
new ideas; details
are missing entirely.
Several quotations are not cited properly
or formatted correctly
Quotes are missing
or do not support the
thesis at all.
Unclear syntax
Analysis is absent
Numerous spelling, grammatical,
mechanical errors; seriously inhibits
meaning
Several quotations are not cited properly
or formatted correctly.