Student: _________________________________________
Class Period: ________
The Crucible Final Essay Test Rubric
INTRODUCTORY
PARAGRAPH
Clear Thesis Statement /
Topic Sentence
5
4
3
1
Thesis statement/ topic
sentence clearly defines
the purpose and focus of
the paper
Thesis statement / topic
sentence adequately
defines the purpose and
focus of the paper
Thesis statement / topic sentence is
unclear or difficult to find
The beginning of the
writing effectively draws
the reader in
Three Topics Introduced
The beginning of the
writing creatively draws
the reader in with
originality and flair
The paragraph includes
brief, but effective
mention of the three
topics to be discussed in
the upcoming body
paragraphs
Thesis statement/topic
sentence is present but
leaves some question
concerning the purpose
and focus of the paper
The beginning of the
writing is bland and
ordinary, but introduces
the reader to the topic
The paragraph does not
adequately mention the
three topics, but an
attempt is made
BODY PARAGRAPHS
5
4
Skillfully focuses on one
aspect, contains a topic
sentence and all sentences
support the topic sentence
Focuses on one aspect,
contains a topic sentence
and most sentences
support the topic sentence
Hook
The paragraph mentions
the three topics to be
discussed in the upcoming
body paragraphs
3
The beginning of the writing minimally
introduces the topic with little regard
to the reader
The paragraph makes no attempt to
introduce the three topics
1
Lacks some focus but
attempts to discuss one
aspect. Topic sentence is
not clear.
No focus, no topic sentence, basically
rambling
3
1
The conclusion attempts
to wrap things up, but the
technique is simple and
predictable
The conclusion is rough and seems
tacked on as an afterthought. Not
effective at all.
BP 1
BP 2
BP 3
CONCLUSION
5
The conclusion skillfully
brings thing to a close
while subtly repeating the
points discussed in the
body of the paper
4
The conclusion wraps
things up and brings the
paper to an obvious and
comfortable close
SURFACE FEATURES
CONTENT CORRECTNESS
5
4
3
1
There are no evident
mistakes in spelling,
grammar, punctuation,
usage, or sentence
structure
A few errors exist, but do
not hinder the reading of
or the effectiveness of the
paper
There are numerous errors
that hinder the
effectiveness of the paper
Too many errors relative to the length
of the paper
10
8
5
3
The response makes
reasonable claims that are
proven and supported
with examples from “The
Crucible.” The response
shows a clear
understanding and
connection with the play.
The response makes
reasonable claims that are
somewhat supported with
evidence from the play.
The response attempts to
address the prompt but
makes some incorrect or
inadequate points.
Evidence is minimal or
incorrect.
The response shows little to no
understanding of the play.
SUBSCORES
Introductory Paragraph
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion
Surface Features
Content Corrections
TOTAL
PERCENT
LETTER GRADE
/15
/15
/5
/5
/10
/50