Essay Rubric – 50 points
Criteria
Focus and
Details
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence
Structure,
Grammar,
Mechanics, &
Spelling
Excellent
(8-10 points)
There is one specific, well-focused
topic. Main ideas are clear and are
well supported by detailed and
accurate information.
(8-10 points)
The introduction is inviting, states
the main topic, and provides an
overview of the argument.
Information is relevant and
presented in logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
(7-10 points)
The author’s purpose of writing is
very clear, and there is strong
evidence of attention to audience.
The author’s knowledge of and/or
experience with the topic is
evident.
(8-10 points)
The author uses vivid words and
phrases. The choice and
placement of words seems
accurate, natural, and
appropriate.
(8-10 points)
All sentences are well-constructed
and have varied structure and
length. The author makes very few
errors in grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Levels of Achievement
Good
Fair
(6-7 points)
(4-5 points)
There is one clear, well-focused There is one topic, but main ideas
topic. Main ideas are clear but
are not especially clear.
are not supported by detailed
information or facts.
(6-7 points)
(4-5 points)
The introduction states the
The introduction states the main
main topic and provides an
topic. A conclusion is included, but
overview of the paper. A
is not especially
conclusion is included, but does
relevant/supportive.
not strengthen the
argument/position.
(5-6 points)
(3-4 points)
The author’s purpose of writing The author’s purpose of writing is
is somewhat clear, and there is
somewhat clear, and there is
some evidence of attention to
evidence of attention to audience.
audience. The author’s
The author’s knowledge of the
knowledge of and/or experience topic seems limited.
with the topic is evident.
(6-7 points)
(3-5 points)
The author uses vivid words and The author uses words that
phrases. The choice and
communicate clearly, but the
placement of words is
writing lacks variety and seems
inaccurate at times and/or
inappropriate to the subject
seems overdone or
matter.
inappropriate for the subject
matter.
(6-7 points)
(3-5 points)
Most sentences are well
Most sentences are well
constructed and have varied
constructed, but they have a
structure and length. The author similar structure and/or length.
makes a few errors in grammar, The author makes several errors in
mechanics, and/or spelling, but
grammar, mechanics, and/or
these mistakes do not interfere
spelling that interfere with
with understanding.
understanding.
Poor
(0-3 points)
The topic and main ideas are not
clear.
(0-3 points)
There is no clear
introduction, structure, or
conclusion.
(0-2 points)
The author’s purpose of writing is
unclear.
(0-2 points)
The writer uses a
limited vocabulary.
Jargon or clichés are not used
properly and detract from the
meaning.
(0-2 points)
Sentences sound
awkward, are distractingly
repetitive, or are difficult to
understand. The author
makes numerous errors
in grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling
that interfere with
understanding.