ESSAY WRITING RUBRIC

SCORE DESCRIPTION

An essay at this level:

o Effectively addresses the topic and task
4 o Has 175-225 words
(Outstanding) o Well organized with a strong beginning, middle, and end
o The information is divided into paragraphs
o No spelling mistakes
o Advanced vocabulary used
o Sentence structures are consistently varied and clear

An essay at this level:

o Addresses the topic and task well, though some points may not be fully elaborated
3 o Has 175-225 words
(Excellent) o Very few or no grammar, spelling punctuation, or capitalization errors.
o Language works in service of the argument.
o Word choice is precise.
o Sentence structures are clear and varied often.
o The information is divided into paragraphs

An essay at this level:

o Addresses the topic and task using somewhat developed explanations,

2 exemplifications and/or details
(Good) o Has 175-225 words
o Relatively few grammar, spelling, punctuation, or capitalization errors.
o Most sentences are complete and simple; attempts are made at varying sentence
length.
o The information is divided into paragraphs

An essay at this level:

1 o Limited development in response to the topic and task.

(Needs o Serious disorganization or underdevelopment
improvement) o Has 174-225 words
o The information is not divided into paragraphs
o Some sentences are not complete, little variety.
o Some grammar, spelling punctuation, or capitalization errors

An essay at this level:

o Less than 175 words

0 o Ideas not connected to the topic
(Unsatisfactory) o Does not have a begging, ending, middle or end.
o Repeats the same words
o No complete sentence
o Many grammar, spelling, punctuation, or capitalization errors