Rubric Made Using:

RubiStar ( http://rubistar.4teachers.org )

CATEGORY

10 - Above Standards

8 - Meets Standards

6 - Approaching Standards

4 & Below - Below Standards

Score

Attention Grabber

The introductory paragraph has a strong hook or attention grabber that is appropriate for the audience. This could be a strong statement, a relevant quotation, statistic, or question addressed to the reader.

The introductory paragraph has a hook or attention grabber, but it is weak, rambling or inappropriate for the audience.

The author has an interesting introductory paragraph but the connection to the topic is not clear.

The introductory paragraph is not interesting AND is not relevant to the topic.

 

Focus or Thesis Statement

The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and outlines the main points to be discussed.

The thesis statement names the topic of the essay.

The thesis statement outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does not name the topic.

The thesis statement does not name the topic AND does not preview what will be discussed.

 

Evidence and Examples

All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.

Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.

At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author's position.

Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained.

 

Transitions

A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected

Transitions show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety

Some transitions work well, but some connections between ideas are fuzzy.

The transitions between ideas are unclear OR nonexistent.

 

Closing paragraph

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph.

The conclusion is recognizable. The author's position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing paragraph.

The author's position is restated within the closing paragraph, but not near the beginning.

There is no conclusion - the paper just ends.

 

Audience

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the potential reader and uses appropriate vocabulary and arguments. Anticipates reader's questions and provides thorough answers appropriate for that audience.

Demonstrates a general understanding of the potential reader and uses vocabulary and arguments appropriate for that audience.

Demonstrates some understanding of the potential reader and uses arguments appropriate for that audience.

It is not clear who the author is writing for.

 

Grammar & Spelling

Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Author makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

 

Other Mechanics

Paper is typed, double-spaced, and five paragraphs long. The outline is also included.

Paper is typed, but not double-spaced. The essay is four to five paragraphs long. The outline is included.

Paper is not typed, but is double-spaced. The essay is four to five paragraphs long. The outline may or may not be included.

Paper is not typed and not double-spaced. The essay is less than five paragraphs and the outline may or may not be included.