Grading Rubric for Classification Papers
Name: ____________________________________________
Inadequate
Developing
Proficient
Exemplary
Paper does
something other than
classifying (describes,
narrates, etc.) or an
inappropriate topic
chosen.
Paper attempts classification, but
there are significant problems
(incomplete system, lots of
overlap) or a significant amount
of material that does not
contribute to the paper’s
purpose.
The paper identifies a topic and
categories. Definition/description
of the categories is generally clear,
and the system is complete without
a lot of overlap (possibly minor
problems).
Paper offers a clear,
well-defined system of
classification with a
strong sense of purpose
and audience. No
material is included that
does not contribute to
the paper’s purpose.
Little or no detail to
explain and illustrate
categories.
Some examples and details are
included to explain the
categories. Some points may not
be developed, or the
development overall may lack
clarity and specificity.
Categories are explained and
illustrated with examples or details.
Possibly, development is uneven—
strong on some points but weak on
others.
Explanation, examples,
and details are
consistently rich and
appropriate.
Paragraphs are
typically or frequently
unfocused.
Paragraphs are
typically too long or
too short.
Some paragraphs are clearly
focused and an appropriate
length. There may be some
paragraphs that lack focus or
seem too long or short.
Generally, each paragraph is
focused on a single point (typically
one of the categories, possibly
multiple paragraphs per category
with slight shifts of focus).
Paragraph length is appropriate for
the target audience.
Consistently focused
paragraphs of
appropriate length.
Order & transitions
No evident
organizational
pattern; seems
jumbled or
confusing.
An organizational pattern is
evident; possibly not very
effective. Transitions may be
absent or inappropriate.
An organizational pattern is evident;
possibly not very effective.
Appropriate transitions are used.
Framing
No clear introduction Introduction and conclusion
or conclusion.
present, may not be clearly
identified or highly effective.
Title may be weak or missing.
Content (purple comments)
Topic & thesis
(focus)
Development
Structure (black comments)
Paragraphs
Clear and effective
order, helpful transitions
to show the organizing
principle and
relationships between
categories.
Introduction and conclusion present Clear, effective
and distinct from the body of the
introduction,
paper. An appropriate title is
conclusion, and title,
included.
giving a sense of the
purpose and audience.
Wordsmithing
Sentences
(green markings)
Words
(blue markings)
Formatting
Grade: _________
There are a
significant number of
unclear or
ungrammatical
sentences.
Errors in punctuation
are serious or
numerous enough to
interfere with
understanding.
Some sentences may be
ungrammatical, but can be
understood. There may be
monotony in sentence structures
suggesting a limited range of
options. There may be errors in
punctuation, enough to distract
from the content but not prevent
understanding.
Most sentences are clear and
grammatical. There is some
evidence of ability to adapt sentence
structure for emphasis and
indicating relationships between
ideas, though some longer or more
complicated sentences may not be
fully controlled (ungrammatical or
unclear). Any punctuation errors
are few and relatively minor.
No sentences are
ungrammatical.
Sentence structures
demonstrate the ability
to suit sentences to local
needs of emphasis,
cohesiveness, etc.
Errors in punctuation
are rare and minor.
Word choice and/or
spelling is frequently
poor or significantly
impairs
understanding.
Some evident effort to choose
words appropriate for the
audience. There may be some
errors in word choice or spelling,
but not severe enough to block
communication.
Word choice is generally
appropriate for the audience and
type of writing. There may be a few
words used incorrectly, imprecisely,
or inappropriately. Spelling errors
may be present, but not enough to
impede the reader
Word choice is
consistently precise and
well-suited to the
audience and type of
writing. There are no
errors, or very few
errors, such as can
escape even careful
proofreading.
Multiple conventions
not observed
Departs from requested
formatting three or four ways.
Departs from requested formatting
one or two ways.
Perfect
Revision assignment:
Comments:
Revision grade: ______