CRITICAL THINKING ESSAY RUBRIC
CATEGORIES
INTRODUCTION
reader engagement
explanation of topic
TOPIC
argument
main points
supporting examples
ORGANIZATION
structure
transitions
4 points
3 points
2 points
Well-developed intro
engages reader &
creates interest.
Introduction creates
interest.
Intro is generic,
creating little interest.
Intro is collection of
random info not
related to topic.
Contains well-defined
& thorough
explanation of topic.
Argument logical &
thoughtful.
Contains an
explanation of topic.
Contains adequate
explanation of topic
but is vague.
Argument present but
weak.
Explanation of topic is
vague or unclear.
Well-developed points Main points relate to
directly relate to topic. topic but don’t go
beyond the obvious.
Some main points are
present.
Few main points, poor
development of ideas.
Supporting examples
are concrete &
detailed.
Logical progression of
ideas with a clear
structure that
enhances topic.
Supporting examples
general and/or
unspecific.
Logical progression of
ideas but structure not
always clear.
Few supporting
examples given are
weak or irrelevant.
Structure is clear but
at times is awkward
and/or distracting.
No supporting
examples given.
Transitions are
thoughtful & flow with
essay.
Writing is smooth &
skillful, with strong &
varied sentences.
Transitions are
present, but often
weak or awkward.
Writing is clear &
sentences often have
varied structure.
Some weak/poor
transitions are
present.
Writing is clear overall,
but sentences lack
variety.
No transitions are
present.
Language is direct &
concise, and words
chosen are clear &
suitable.
Language is
sometimes overly
wordy, and/or words
chosen are fillers or
artificial.
Language is often
redundant or
pompous, and/or
words chosen are
pretentious or
unsuitable.
Some errors in spelling
& grammar (4-6).
Language is chaotic
and words chosen are
inappropriate for
college-level work.
Argument present &
adequate.
STYLE & MECHANICS
sentence flow & variety
language & word choice
SPELLING & GRAMMAR
1 point
Spelling & grammar
Spelling & grammar
are correct. No errors. mainly correct, with
few errors (1-3).
Argument not present.
No discernible
structure and/or
organization.
Writing is confusing &
hard to follow with
fragments or run-on
sentences.
Distracting number of
spelling & grammar
errors.
RUBRIC TOTAL
LATE POINTS DEDUCTED (1 PER DAY LATE)
TOTAL POINTS
POINTS