Rubric used to grade essays

1. Rubric for Evaluation of the Essay
Point Value 6 points 4 points 2 points 0 points
Thesis Statement Interesting, original thesis
statement, reflecting thought and
insight; focused on one
interesting main idea that
outlines the flow of the essay.
Clearly stated thesis statement
presents one main idea and
outlines the flow of the essay.
Acceptable topic sentence
presents one idea, does not
outline the flow of the essay.
Missing, invalid, or inappropriate
topic sentence; main idea is
missing.
Type of Essay Exceptionally uses the type of
essay assigned and develops the
writing accordingly in all
sentences.
Develops the essay satisfactorily
in accordance to the type of
essay assigned.
Develops the essay acceptably
but it is not the essay assigned.
Does not develop the essay
satisfactorily or in accordance to the
type of essay assigned.
Supporting Details Interesting, concrete and
descriptive examples and details
with explanations that relate to
the topic.
Examples and details relate to
the topic and some explanation
is included.
Sufficient number of examples
and details that relate to the
topic.
Insufficient, vague, or undeveloped
examples.
Organization and
Transitions
Thoughtful, logical progression
of supporting examples; Mature
transitions between ideas. Uses
transitional phrases
exceptionally.
Details are arranged in a logical
progression; appropriate
transitions. Uses transitional
phrases for the most part.
Acceptable arrangement of
examples; transitions may be
weak.
No discernible pattern of
organization; Unrelated details; no
transitions.
Style Appropriate tone, distinctive
voice; pleasing variety in
sentence structure; Vivid
diction, precise word choices.
Appropriate tone; Clear
sentences with varied structures;
Effective diction.
Acceptable tone; some variety
in sentence structures;
Adequate diction and word
choices.
Inconsistent or Inappropriate tone;
Awkward, unclear, or incomplete
sentences; Bland diction, poor word
choice.
Mechanics Consistent standard English
usage, spelling, and punctuation.
No errors.
Some errors, but none major, in
usage, spelling, or punctuation.
(1-2)
A few errors in usage, spelling,
or punctuation (3-4)
Distracting errors in usage, spelling,
or punctuation
Addressing &
Answering the Prompt
Essay fully addressed or
answered the prompt. Reader
saw much relatability to the
prompt or the subject of the
essay
Essay mostly addressed or
answered the given prompt.
Reader saw relatability to the
prompt or the subject of the
essay
Essay somewhat addressed or
answered the given prompt.
Reader saw some relatability to
the prompt or the subject of the
essay
Essay did not address or answer the
given prompt. Reader didn’t see
any relatability to the prompt or the
subject of the essay
Thesis Statement ______
Type of Essay ______
Supporting Details ______
Organization/Transitions ______
Style ______
Mechanics ______
Addressing the Prompt ______
Total Points ______