General Essay Rubric (1) |
Criteria |
Ratings |
Pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization (Clarity and Unity) |
5 to >4.0 pts
Content and Organization The essay is clearly organized into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Ideas are clear and related to the thesis (central idea). The main points are stated in the thesis statement or topic sentences. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Content and Organization The organization pattern is not clear. Some ideas are somewhat unclear, but the overall message is clear. |
2 to >0 pts
Content and Organization There is no clear organization pattern. Many ideas are unclear and the overall message is distorted. |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCoherence (Logical Connection of Ideas) |
5 to >4.0 pts
Content and Organization The ideas in the paragraphs are logically connected. There are clear transitions between the paragraphs. The type of essay is clear. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Content and Organization There is an attempt to fit together the details in a way that the readers can easily follow. It is partially clear what type of essay it is. |
2 to >0 pts
Content and Organization The text is not logically developed (ideas are not logically connected). The type of essay is not clear. |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction and Thesis Statement |
5 to >4.0 pts
Content and Organization The introduction has a hook, connecting information, and a clear thesis statement. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Content and Organization The thesis statement is either incomplete, confusing, or irrelevant. Main points are not very clear. |
2 to >0 pts
Content and Organization There is no identifiable thesis statement or main points (ideas). |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody/Support Development of Ideas, Topic Sentence of Paragraphs |
5 to >4.0 pts
Content and Organization The information is relevant and the main points are well developed, supported through facts, details, examples, or illustrations. Paragraphs have clear topic sentences. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Content and Organization Some ideas are irrelevant, main points are not well developed within paragraphs (insufficient support). The topic sentences are unclear. |
2 to >0 pts
Content and Organization The support is minimal, the main points are not developed. Paragraphs are missing topic sentences. |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion |
5 to >4.0 pts
Content and Organization The conclusion summarizes the key points (main ideas) and/or makes recommendations. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Content and Organization The conclusion is not logically connected to the thesis and the rest of the essay. |
2 to >0 pts
Content and Organization The conclusion is missing. |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar |
5 to >4.0 pts
Language Syntax and morphology are correct. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Language A few grammar errors might minimally distract the meaning. |
2 to >0 pts
Language The text is very distracting or almost incomprehensible due to poor grammar. |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVocabulary |
5 to >4.0 pts
Language Choice of words is appropriate and effective. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Language Some word choice is inappropriate but does not distract from meaning or distracts minimally. |
2 to >0 pts
Language Frequent use of wrong word choice makes the ideas hard to understand. |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePunctuation and Spelling |
5 to >4.0 pts
Language All or most punctuation marks are used correctly and most words are spelled correctly. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Language Some spelling or punctuation errors don’t distract from meaning or distract minimally. |
2 to >0 pts
Language Many punctuation errors (e.g. run-on sentences or comma splices) and spelling errors distract from the meaning |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting |
5 to >4.0 pts
Formatting and Overall Quality/Creativity Formatted correctly according to standard MLA conventions. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Formatting and Overall Quality/Creativity The formatting is mostly correct. |
2 to >0 pts
Formatting and Overall Quality/Creativity Serious problems with formatting. Font, Line Spacing, or Header are incorrect. |
| 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOverall Quality/Creativity |
5 to >4.0 pts
Formatting and Overall Quality/Creativity Excellent overall quality. The essay demonstrates creativity. |
4 to >2.0 pts
Formatting and Overall Quality/Creativity There is an attempt at creativity. Overall quality is sufficient. |
2 to >0 pts
Formatting and Overall Quality/Creativity Paper lacks creativity and overall quality needs improvement. |
| 5 pts |
