ELC AA Writing S13 Thayne
Classification Essay Rubric
Name: __________________________________________
AA Writing Essay 1
Classification Essay Rubric
Content and Ideas
Organization and Structure
Scores
10
Meets or exceeds all of the requirements for organization and structure. Essay
is easy to follow because of the structure.
8
Is missing a few minor elements. Essay is generally easy to follow, perhaps
with a few small issues. Organization could be improved slightly.
6
The basic essay organization exits, but the essay is hard to understand
because of missing or weak organizational requirements.
4
The basic essay organization is unclear, and the essay is missing many
organizational requirements.
2
This essay does not follow the basic organizational requirements. It is very
hard to read.
8
Meets or exceeds all of the requirements for content and ideas. Essay uses
characteristics (details) and examples (commentary) to develop the categories
and topic. Essay successfully classifies at least 3 categories.
6
Generally follows the requirements for content and ideas, but could be
strengthened in one or more areas (e.g. doesn’t have a clear principle of
classification, is lacking in support and examples, etc).
4
Struggles to follow the requirements for content and ideas. Ideas are weak
and do not have sufficient support or are not fully developed.
2
Does not fully meet any of the requirements for content and ideas. Does not
include sufficient ideas, logical ideas, or developed ideas.
Score: ________________________________/29
Requirements
 Thesis statement with 3 elements (topic, principle of
classification, and categories)
 Topic sentences use transition words and clearly connect to
the thesis statement by including the principle of
classification
 Clearly follows the block organization pattern
 2 to 4 characteristics are discussed for each category (and are
discussed in the same order).
 Uses basic transitions between characteristics as well as
paragraphs to help the reader
 Includes a basic introduction that is either a “turnabout” or
“funnel” approach
 Includes a basic conclusion that logically finishes the paper
and which does not introduce a new idea
 Classifies and describes at least three categories
 Discusses 2 to 4 distinct characteristics for each category
 Provides support for each characteristic (i.e. by using
examples)
 Includes some commentary in each paragraph
 Introduction and conclusions paragraphs strengthen the
ideas in the essay
ELC AA Writing S13 Thayne
Classification Essay Rubric
Grammar
Vocab
Format
Using Sources
Scores
5
Meets or exceeds all of the requirements for using sources. Uses 5 or more
outside sources. Uses in-text citations with enough information and generally
follows APA format.
3
Generally uses sources correctly, but does not have enough sources, or does
not meet one of the other requirements.
1
Attempts to use sources, but does not use enough and/or does not give
appropriate credit to the sources.
0
Does not use sources in essay.
3
Follows the exact format provided in class, including a title and reference
page.
2
Mostly follows the format provided in class. Some minor details missing (e.g.
Header font is not Times New Roman; reference page does not start on a new
page).
1
Is missing several important elements of the correct format (e.g. no title or
reference page; incorrect font style throughout the whole essay).
0
No indication that the essay follows the format required.
1
Uses 7% or more academic vocabulary
0
Less than 7% academic vocabulary
2
Ideas and writing are clear; grammar does not affect overall understanding of
ideas
1
Ideas are sometimes confusing because of grammar problems
0
Ideas are usually confusing because of grammar problems
Requirements
 Uses at least 5 outside sources (including one book, and only
one Wikipedia)
 Uses in-text citations when necessary with correct format
(author or title, year of publication, page or paragraph
number)
 Uses some signal phrases as part of the in-text citations
 Appropriately uses some summarizing, paraphrasing, and
quoting of credible sources
 Reference page citations include all of the required
information (author, title, year, website, etc.), even if they
are not formatted perfectly
 Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced for the
entire paper (including headers, title page, title, body, and
reference page).
 Title page (first page)
 Title
 Your name, class, teacher, due date
 Body of the essay
 Left-aligned with paragraph indent
 Title centered and at top of first body page
 Running head with shortened title and page number on
every page.
 Reference page
 Starts a new page in the document
 The word “References” centered and top
To check AWL go to http://www.lextutor.ca/vp/eng/