Rubric Made Using:

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

CATEGORY

100-90

89-80

79-70

69-60

59-50

Title

Title is unique and catches the reader's attention. It pertains to the content of the essay.

Title pertains to the content of the essay.

Title does not pertain to subject and does not catch attention or contain any rhetorical figure.

Insufficient title but is there

There is no title.

Thesis statement

Thesis is clearly formulated in introductory paragraph.

Thesis statement is stated but is not clear in its relation to the content of the essay.

Thesis is confusing.

Thesis is unrecognizable and/or is incorrectly placed.

There is no thesis statement.

Introduction

Introduction is clearly formulated and anticipates the content of the essay.

Introduction anticipates the content of the essay but is not clearly formulated.

Introduction is not fully formulated.

There is not much of an introduction.

There is no introduction

Definitions

Definitions explain symbols and exemplify relevance to the content of the essay.

Definitions explain symbols.

Definitions are confusing and do not show relevance to content of the essay.

Minimal definitions; little relevance.

There are no definitions

Support/evidence

There is ample support for statements, and they clearly relate to the overall content of the essay.

There is support for the statements and sometimes relate to overall content.

There is little support for the statements. Need more evidence to relate to overall content.

Minimal support; does not relate to overall content.

There is no support.

Background Knowledge

Background knowledge is properly places within essay and aids in understanding of overall content.

Background knowledge pertains to overall content and is properly placed within essay.

Background knowledge states background but does not pertain to overall content.

Minimal background knowledge; difficult to understand its relevance.

There is no background knowledge.

Analysis

Analysis is objective and reflects deeper understanding of the content.

Analysis is objective and pertains to overall content.

Analysis is mixture of subjective and objective.

Analysis has little objectivity and does not reflect understanding of the content.

There is no analysis.

Closing Paragraph

Closing paragraph refers back to the introduction and rounds off the essay.

Closing paragraph frames the essay.

Closing paragraph simply summarizes the essay.

Closing paragraph is unclear.

There is no closing paragraph.

Transitions

Transitions help the essay to flow and connect ideas well.

Transitions connect ideas in the essay.

Transitions are used but seem to be placed post hoc.

Writer does not seem to understand use of transitions; they are incorrectly placed.

There are no transitions used.

Grammar and mechanics

There are no grammar mistakes, punctuation mistakes, or other mistakes of mechanics. The essay was well-written.

There are few mistakes in grammar and mechanics. Overall, the essay was well-written.

There are many mistakes in grammar and mechanics. Writer needs to proof-read.

Mistakes in grammar and mechanics are rampant in essay; the essay is hard to read.

The essay was incoherent because of the many grammar and mechanics.

Format requirement

The essay was at least 3 pages long, was written in Times New Roman 12 font, and was turned in on time. It fully analyzed the topic.

The essay was at least 3 pages long, was written in Times New Roman 12 font, and was turned in on time.

The essay was barely 3 pages long and/or was not turned in on time.

The essay was shorter than 3 pages and/or was turned in late.

The essay did not fulfill any of the requirements.