Category
Organization
Style
Mechanics
Content
MLA
Documentation
and Format
Writing Process
and Formal
Essay Format
Exceeds Expectations
(20 points)
Meets Expectations
(15 points)
Approaches
Expectations
(10 points)
Intro paragraph should
be more effective.
Organization is hard to
follow; there is little
progression of ideas.
Little or no transitions
between paragraphs.
Conclusion does not
restate thesis and/or
offer closure. Need to
more effectively weave
thesis throughout and
relate body paragraphs
back to thesis.
Formulaic writing, i.e.
“in conclusion,”
“another example is….”
Does Not Meet
Expectations
(5 points)
Intro paragraph severely
lacking. Serious lack of
organization. Body
paragraphs do not refer
back to or relate to
thesis. Conclusion does
not refer back to thesis
and/ or does not offer
closure. Writing is
formulaic, i.e. “in
conclusion,” “another
example is….”
Intro paragraph captures
the reader’s attention.
Ideas & arguments are
effectively structured.
Thoughtful progression
of ideas and details.
Sound transitions
between paragraphs.
Conclusion restates
thesis, offers closure,
and leaves the reader
thinking. Thesis is
effectively woven
throughout every body
paragraph, with ideas
always related back to
thesis to prove
argument.
Sentence variety is
effective and
sophisticated. Tone is
appropriate and
consistent. Diction/
vocabulary is
sophisticated and
effective. Language is
academic. Writing is
clear, concise, and
strong.
Sentences demonstrate
correct usage,
punctuation, and
capitalization. There are
no spelling errors, runons, and/or fragments,
etc. Correct and
consistent verb tense.
The last sentence of the
intro paragraph is a
thesis statement that is
clear, sophisticated, and
insightful. Maintains a
consistent focus
throughout, with
effective, specific,
relevant examples and
details to back up major
points in each body
paragraph. The theme
identified and
thoroughly explained.
Clear reflection on the
evidence is referenced
from the text.
Two appropriate quotes
are used in each body
paragraph to support
thesis and information,
with correct
parenthetical
documentation.
Demonstrates
thoughtful consideration
of the task: drafting,
Intro paragraph is
effective, but could have
more punch to capture
reader’s attention.
Paragraphs are generally
well organized. Better
transitions needed. The
progression of ideas could
be more thoughtful.
Conclusion restates thesis
and offers closure. Body
paragraphs relate back to
thesis to prove argument.
Sentence variety is
adequate. Tone is
appropriate. Diction is
clear, but could be more
effective. Language is
academic, and writing is
clear and effective. Very
little or no unclear or
awkward phrasing.
Needs more sentence
variety. Attention
needed with diction.
Contains informal
language or
conversational tone, or
uses “I” or “you.”
Unclear or awkward
phrasing.
Generally good usage.
There are few errors in
punctuation,
capitalization, spelling,
incorrect or inconsistent
verb tense, run-ons, or
fragments.
There are multiple
errors in punctuation,
capitalization, spelling,
incorrect or inconsistent
verb tense, run-ons, or
fragments.
The last sentence of the
intro paragraph is a thesis
statement that is clear and
sophisticated.
Maintains a consistent
focus with adequate,
effective examples
throughout body
paragraphs. Some points
could be made in more
depth or be elaborated
upon with more details,
examples, or explanation.
The theme correctly
identified and explained.
Reflection is present.
The last sentence of the
intro paragraph is a
thesis statement, but
thesis needs to be
clarified or refined.
Generally complete;
however, more depth is
needed. More examples,
details, or explanation is
needed. Need to expand
analysis/ go into more
depth. Theme is
incorrectly identified, or
not completely
explained, and/or little/
no reflection is included.
Needs more sentence
variety. Little or no
thought given to
diction. Tone or
language is
conversational. Contains
much informal
language. Uses “I” or
“you.” Contains many
examples of unclear or
awkward phrasing.
Multiple errors in:
punctuation,
capitalization, spelling,
incorrect or inconsistent
verb tense, run-ons, and
fragments. The clarity
may be impacted by
grammatical errors.
There is no thesis
statement as the last
sentence of the intro
paragraph, or the thesis
is not clear. The writeup is too short or off
topic, and the reader is
left with questions. Few
if any examples or
details are used. Little or
no explanation or
analysis. Theme is
incorrectly identified, or
not explained, and/or
no real reflection is
included.
One appropriate quote
used in each body
paragraph, with correct
parenthetical
documentation. May
contain minor errors.
Only one or two
appropriate quotes used
throughout.
Parenthetical
documentation contains
several errors or is
missing.
More effort needed in
the writing process:
drafting, editing,
Demonstrates
consideration of the task,
though could be more
No appropriate quotes
used.
Little effort apparent in
the writing process:
drafting, editing,
editing, revising, and
rewriting. All steps are
included, along with
rubric.
Write-up follows all
formatting guidelines,
including: 12 point
Times New Roman font;
double-spaced; left
justified, 1 inch margins;
heading with name, class
period, and date. Does
not skip lines between
paragraphs.
thoughtful in drafting,
editing, revising, and/or
rewriting.
There is one error in the
formatting guidelines.
revising, and rewriting.
revising, and rewriting.
There are several errors
in the formatting
guidelines or directions
were not followed.
Few if any of the
formatting guidelines
were followed, or
assignment directions
were not followed.