History Essay Rubric 100 Points Possible
Introduction
Setting
Thesis Statement
Road Map
3 clear map
points/subtopics
Topic Sentences
Should be mini
versions of the thesis
statement and
comparative
statements if necessary
“A” Excellent
Introduction places the essay in
specific time and place, begins with a
broad opening statement, has a clear,
accurate, and analytical thesis and a
detailed organizational statement.
In addition, thesis is specific and
comprehensive (fully answers the
question/ answers all parts of the
question.) 28-30 Points
“B” Good
The Introduction contains an
acceptable thesis AND a detailed
organizational statement.
Thesis is clear, analytical, and
completely and accurately answers
the question.
26-27 Points
“C” Fair
The introduction contains an
acceptable thesis OR a
detailed organizational
statement.
Thesis is clear but simplistic.
24-25 Points
“D” Poor
The introduction does not
give the reader a clear idea of
the argument or it does not
give the reader a roadmap.
Thesis is attempted but not
clear or sufficient.
21-23 Points
All topic sentences are accurate,
specific, clearly answer the question,
clearly support the thesis, and follow
the pattern in the organizational
statement, and contain analysis. 1920 Points
There is an abundant amount of
supporting evidence that is accurate,
relevant, and clearly supports the
thesis statement and topic sentences.
Relevant evidence is thoroughly
explained and analyzed. (6-8
supporting facts per paragraph) 2830 Points
Most of the topic sentences are
accurate, clearly answer the
question, clearly support the thesis,
and contain analysis.
17-18 Points
Topic sentences are accurate,
clearly support the thesis, but
lacks analysis or specificity.
Topic sentences are too
vague.
16 Points
There is some supporting
evidence that is accurate and
somewhat supports the thesis
statement and topic
sentences. Evidence is
explained but needs more
analysis. 24 -25Points
Topic sentences are
attempted but are unclear, or
do not clearly support the
thesis or do not clearly
answer the question.
14-15 Points
There is little supporting
evidence that is accurate or
connection between the
thesis statement and topic
sentences are not clear.
Evidence is merely listed and
not adequately explained or
analyzed. 21 -23Points
“F”
There is an adequate amount of
supporting evidence. Most of the
supporting evidence is accurate,
relevant, and supports the thesis
Accurate
statement and topic sentences.
Relevant
There is some relevant explanation
Sufficient Amount
and analysis. (3-5 supporting facts
per paragraph)
26-27 Points
Each body paragraph contains a
Each body paragraph contains a
Each body paragraph
Transition or clincher
transition sentence that makes a clear transition sentence but does not
contains a transition sentence sentences are attempted but
connection between the two
make a clear connection between
that lets the reader know the
not clear or are incomplete.
Transition/ Clincher
paragraphs. The last body paragraph
the two paragraphs. The last body
topic of the next body
Sentences
7 Points
has a clincher sentence that clearly
paragraph has a clincher sentence
paragraph or a clincher
sums up the information in that
that clearly sums up the
sentence that clearly sums up
paragraph.
information in that paragraph. 9
the information in that
paragraph. 8 Points
10 points
Points
The conclusion clearly re-states the
The conclusion clearly re-states the The conclusion simply reConclusion is attempted but
thesis, summarizes the main points of thesis and summarizes the main
states the thesis.
not clear or is incomplete.
Conclusion
the essay and mirrors the intro w/o
points of the essay.
8 Points
7 Points
repeating it verbatim. 10 points
9 Points
**Analysis means to explain how or why. **Clearly should be interpreted as free of grammatical and stylistic errors. **Essay should be written in the active voice
and in the past tense. Do NOT use contractions; Write in the third person/ Do NOT use “I” or “you;” IS=Incomplete Sentence; - = missing; check = present; TS= Topic
Sentence; CS – Clincher Sentence; TR=Transition Sentence; WC=Word Choice; RP= Re-phrase; AWK=Sentence Structure is Awkward; ? = I don’t understand what
you are trying to say/ confusing/ not clear; ok=okay, average, could be better; 1= 1st subtopic/map point; 2= 2nd subtopic/map point; 3= 3rd subtopic/map point; AV=
use the active voice; SV= subject/verb agreement;
Evidence