Analytical Essay Scoring Rubric

The holistic rubric below divides writers into six categories in accordance with varying
levels of proficiency. Please read each description carefully as a meaningful checklist
before, during and after the writing process.
Score 6
A 6 paper commands attention because of its insightful development and mature style.
This paper includes a thought-provoking thesis, appropriate and effective organization
of body paragraphs, convincing supporting analysis with MLA citation, complex diction
and sentence structure, as well as perfect or near perfect mechanics including spelling
and punctuation. The writing perfectly accomplishes the objectives of the assignment.
Score 5
A 5 paper is clearly competent. Essay contains strong composition skills including a
clear and thought-provoking thesis, although analysis and organization of body
paragraphs, MLA citation, diction, and sentence style may suffer minor flaws. Shows
careful and acceptable use of mechanics. The writing effectively accomplishes the goals
of the assignment. A 5 paper is less fluent and lacks the analytical sophistication of a 6,
but does show that the writer can choose words accurately, vary sentences effectively,
and utilize an impactful examination of the text.
Score 4
A 4 paper is satisfactory. It presents an adequate analysis of the text to include a clear,
insightful thesis, although development may be insufficient in one area with diction and
sentence structure lacking effectiveness. Shows competence in the area of mechanics
with few errors and MLA citations are complete and accurate. Accomplishes the goal of
the assignment. A 4 paper lacks the analytical development of a 5; however, the writer
employs sufficient precision in word choice, and illustrates a variety of sentence
structures.
Score 3
A 3 paper is unsatisfactory in one or more of the following ways. The development of
ideas may be trite, assumptions may be unsupported in more than one area with
adequate analysis, the thesis is not original or complete, with diction and sentence
structure unclear or ineffective. Mechanical errors are distracting and affect clarity, and
MLA citation is inconsistent. Minimally accomplishes the goals of the assignment.
Score 2
A 2 paper shows serious weakness. Composition skills may be flawed in either the
clarity of the thesis, the development of the analysis, or the organization of body
paragraphs. Its writing is characterized by at least two of the following: simplistic or
inaccurate word choice; monotonous or fragmented sentence structure; lack of MLA
citation; many repeated errors in grammar and usage. Minimally accomplishes the goals
of the assignment.
Score 1

A 1 paper suggests severe difficulties in reading and writing conventional English. It

may disregard the topics demands, lack appropriate analysis, have a confusing
structure or development of ideas. It may be inappropriately brief. It has a pervasive
pattern of errors in word choice, sentence structure, grammar and MLA citation.