All-purpose

Essay Outline and Rubric

Directions:

Below, please find an all-purpose essay outline and a corresponding rubric. The outline is written to
create a basic 4 paragraph essay. If your task requires more body paragraphs, simply copy and repeat
the structure provided. The rubric is written as a checklist because I think less words are easier for
children to follow. To flush out your feedback, write comments in the white space left between lines.

The essay terminology used below is a combination of the common core and my own experience and is
named in order to make three acronyms that will jog a childs memory. ANT introduction paragraphs
start with an Attention grabber, or what most authors call a hook. Next comes the Necessary
information in which students define the topic and task of their essay. And the paragraph of course ends
with a Thesis statement. Body paragraphs are based on the popular ACE formula. Students start with
their Answer, ie the topic sentence, then go on to Cite and Explain their evidence. ROC conclusions are
essentially a reverse of the intro, with students Restating their thesis, providing an Overview of the topic
and task, and then wrapping up with a Concluding thought.

And finally, if youve found this useful tell your friends! And check out the other materials Ive posted,
particularly my slowly expanding universe of Shakespeare units.

-Paul
Shakespeareinabox@gmail.com

Paul M. Gerber


Name:

Essay Outline

Date:

Attention grabber:

Necessary information:
Topic:

Task:

Thesis statement:

Answer

Cite evidence

Explain evidence

Paul M. Gerber

Answer

Cite evidence

Explain evidence

Restate thesis:

Overview:
Topic:

Task:

Concluding statement:

Paul M. Gerber



Name:

Date:

Essay Rubric

INTRODUCTION
Attention Grabber: Uses an effective opening to draw in the reader; it is broad,
appealing, and does not give away too much.





______/5pts


Necessary Information: Background information that helps the reader understand
the topic better. Explains both the topic and the writing task.


______/5pts


Thesis Statement: Outlines the main purpose of the essay; includes supporting reasons













______/10pts

BODY PARAGRAPHS
Answer: Clearly answers the question, outlines the purpose of the paragraph,
and ties back to the thesis statement






______/15pts


Cite: Provides substantial evidence to support the answer; evidence/quote
is well selected, properly integrated, and cited




______/15pts


Explanation: Insight and analysis into what the evidence/quote means AND
how it is related to the topic of the paragraph and the thesis



______/15pts

CONCLUSION
Re-state your thesis: States the main point one more time


______/5pts


Overview of topic: Pulls back out of the thesis to a broader topic and task

______/5pts


Closing Remark: End with thoughtful closing that relates back to the reader
______/5pts


CONVENTIONS








______/10pts


PRESENTATION








______/10pts






Total: ____________/ 100 points

Paul M. Gerber