ENGLISH A
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME
Write a 500-word multi-paragraph expository essay that responds to a text discussed in class. The essay should include
an introductory paragraph with a thesis, 2-4 body paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details, and a
concluding paragraph. Supporting details should include at least one direct quotation from an outside source. The essay
should use basic rules of grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation so that the writer’s ideas are clear. Essays should
follow the rules of MLA style for heading, title, running header, indentation, in-text citation, and Works Cited page.
HOLISTIC SCORING RUBIC
*Grading
Criteria
A
Superior
B
Very Good
C
Satisfactory
D
Weak
F
Poor
Thesis is strong, is
clearly focused,
and presents a
position. Essay
has a strong
introductory
paragraph, body
paragraphs with
relevant topic
sentences and
logical transitions,
and a concluding
paragraph.
Thesis is clearly
focused and
presents a
position. Essay
has an
introductory
paragraph, body
paragraphs with
topic sentences,
some transitions,
and a concluding
paragraph.
Thesis presents a
position/opinion.
Essay has a brief
introductory
paragraph, some
body paragraphs
with topic
sentences and
transition signals,
and a concluding
paragraph.
Thesis announces
the topic but does
not present a
position/opinion.
Essay has weak
introductory and
concluding
paragraphs, vague
or missing topic
sentences, and very
few transition
signals.
Thesis is never
stated. Essay
has no
introductory or
concluding
paragraphs, no
topic sentences
and/or transition
signals.
Development
and Support
Essay has specific,
thoughtful, relevant
supporting details
and includes at
least one
appropriate
quotation that is
effectively and
grammatically
incorporated.
Essay has several
relevant specific
supporting details
and includes at
least one
effectively
incorporated
quotation.
Essay has
supporting details,
but some may be
too general,
repetitious,
irrelevant, or
illogical. Essay
includes at least
one relevant
quotation
Essay has few
supporting details,
and details are
general, repetitious
and/or irrelevant. No
analysis. Essay does
not include a
relevant quotation.
Essay lacks
supporting
details and/or
has details that
are irrelevant.
Essay does not
include a
quotation.
Mechanics,
Usage, and
Grammar
Word choice is
appropriate with
college-level
vocabulary and
correct spelling.
Essay has few
grammatical or
punctuation errors,
and a reader can
easily understand
the writer’s ideas.
Word choice is
mostly appropriate
and most words
are spelled
correctly. Essay
has minor
grammatical and
punctuation errors,
but a reader can
understand the
writer’s ideas.
Word choice and
spelling may be
confusing at times.
Essay has a few
errors in grammar
and punctuation
that might prevent
a reader from
easily
understanding
some of the
writer’s ideas.
Words are frequently
misused and/or
spelled incorrectly.
Essay has so many
grammar and
punctuation errors
that a reader often
has trouble
understanding the
writer’s ideas
Words are
consistently
misused and/or
spelled
incorrectly.
Essay has so
many grammar
and punctuation
errors that a
reader cannot
understand the
writer’s ideas.
Correct MLA
format is used.
There are only a
few minor errors in
MLA format.
There are some
errors in MLA
format.
There are many
errors in MLA format.
MLA format is
not followed.
Purpose &
Organization
MLA Format
*This course is pass/no pass (P/NP). Pass is determined by the equivalent of a cumulative grade of C or better in the
course. This rubric is intended to be applied to an end-of-the-semester essay.