Essay rubric

CONTENT & DEVELOPMENT (What you are telling the reader)

Excellent (10). Strongly develops the thesis, or main idea, of the particular essay
you were assigned to write. The assignment is well developed, logical, and complete
with good clear, concrete language. There is proper usage of English vocabulary
throughout.
Very Good (9)/ Good (8). Defends or supports the main idea for writing. Maybe the
assignment is short of the details or examples needed to illustrate the main idea.
There are a few minor vocabulary errors.
Average (7). Uses a main idea to complete the assignment but the body does not
completely convince the reader that the writer understood the assignment fully.
There are more than a few errors in vocabulary.
Poor (6). The writers reason for writing is not clear.

ORGANIZATION (How are you telling it)

Excellent (10). A main idea is clearly presented in the introduction, and it is logically
supported in the body paragraphs. A conclusion smoothly brings the assignment to
a close, reflecting on the beginning once more.

Very Good (9)/ Good (8). There is an introduction containing a main idea, a body and
an attempted conclusion to the assignment. The body paragraphs, but maybe not
perfectly, are distinct in their content and presentation of information.

Average (7). There is a clear introduction with separate body of information.

However, the body may not be adequately divided into separate paragraphs, or the
information may have been better presented in a different order. Poor (6). The
assignment is confusing to the reader because of illogical ordering of information.
The above two elements are the main determiners of your grade for any particular
assignment. However, your grade can also be affected by your grasp of English
grammar. Errors in grammar and mechanics will cause a deduction in your grade.

GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

Excellent (10). There are virtually no errors in grammar, spelling, and mechanics
and the assignment has been completed using the proper format as outlined in the
textbook. In other words, there are only a few minor errors, for example, with
prepositions. Verb tenses and subject-verb agreement are error free.
Very Good (9). Some minor errors in grammar and mechanics only one run-on or
fragment or misspelled word used the proper format for the particular assignment.
One or two small errors with verbs.
Good (8). A few minor errors in grammar and mechanics and spelling. A couple of
errors with verbs and run-on sentences or fragments that may distract the readers
enjoyment.
Average (7). Has three or more run-on sentences or fragments or misspelled words.
May have some other minor errors and verb problems or problems with the format.
Poor (6). Too many errors to even count and interfere with writers meaning. Needs
to be proofread, edited, and spell-checked, lacks proper format.