Option #1 Rubric

 
Criterion ​Points Possible Points Earned 
 
Writing/Mechanics Points (25 points)  
 
Punctuation:​ Is punctuation (especially commas, 
semicolons, and colons) used correctly? 10 __________ 
 
Other Grammar:​ Are there run-ons/fragments? Marker 
issues? Other errors? 5 __________   
 
Smoothness of the Writing: ​Does it flow well  
and sound good? 10 __________   
 
Key Essay Elements (45 points) 
 
Is there an interesting, clear, and arguable thesis? 10 __________ 
 
Introduction/Conclusion​: Does the introduction engage the 
reader, give all important information, and end with a thesis? 
Does the conclusion recap key ideas and explode out? 10 __________ 
 
Topic Sentences​: Does it have clear topic sentences that  
give specific and different reasons your argument is true? 5 __________ 
 
Quotes​: Are there well chosen quotes from the 
book that support your point? Do you set up each quote  
with who, when, and where? Is it formatted correctly? 10 __________ 
 
Organization​: Does each body paragraph only have one major  
idea? Are there any ideas out of place? Do they flow well? 10 __________ 
 
Thinking (30 points) 
 
Quality of Ideas: ​Are the ideas insightful? Are the points fully  
argued? Is it deep enough? Does it work?  30 __________ 
 

Total 100 __________

 
 Option #2 Rubric
 
Criterion ​Points Possible Points Earned 
 
Writing/Mechanics Points (25 points)  
 
Punctuation:​ Is punctuation (especially commas, 
semicolons, and colons) used correctly? 10 __________ 
 
Other Grammar:​ Are there run-ons/fragments? Marker 
issues? Other errors? 5 __________   
 
Smoothness of the Writing: ​Does it flow well  
and sound good? 10 __________   
 
Key Essay Elements (45 points) 
 
Is there an interesting, clear central idea? 10 __________ 
 
Introduction/Conclusion​: Does the introduction engage the 
reader and establish the key ideas? Does the conclusion  
recap key ideas and discuss the bigger picture of why it  
matters? 10 __________ 
 
Evidence​: Are there well chosen quotes from the 
book that support your point? Are there interesting and 
specific examples from your own life? Are all pieces of  
evidence setup clearly? 15 __________ 
 
Organization​: Does each paragraph have only one major  
idea? Are there any ideas out of place? Does it all fit  
together well?  10 __________ 
 
Thinking (30 points) 
 
Quality of Ideas: Do you come to interesting conclusions? 
Are your insights involving the book interesting? Are your 
points fully argued? Is it deep enough? Does it work?  30 __________ 
 

Total 100 __________

 
Option #3 Rubric
 
Criterion ​Points Possible Points Earned 
 
Writing/Mechanics Points (25 points)  
 
Punctuation:​ Is punctuation (especially commas, 
semicolons, and colons) used correctly? 10 __________ 
 
Other Grammar:​ Are there run-ons/fragments? Marker 
issues? Other errors? 5 __________   
 
Smoothness of the Writing: ​Does it flow well  
and sound good? 10 __________   
 
Key Story Elements (75 points) 
 
Setting, Rising Action, Climax, and Resolution: Does the  
setting grab the reader, make a promise, and gets us asking  
questions? Do you have a clear problem that builds to a climax  
and ends with a resolution that ties up all the loose ends? Are  
There any sudden shifts? 15 pts.   ________  
 
The Writing: Do your description and details make me care? 
Do you have imagery and use the right details that  
have the most “punch per square inch”? Are the words  
Well chosen? Is there dialogue ? Do you use literary  
devices? 15 pts.   ________  
 
Characterization: Are you characters clearly portrayed? Do 
you use indirect characterization? Did you describe them 
with the right details? 15 pts. ________ 
 
Theme: Is there a clear message at the heart of the story about 
obstacles in our lives? Is it well developed? 15 pts. ________ 
 
Does it work? Does it all work together? Is the story clear and  
easy to follow? Does the paper flow well?  15 pts. ________ 
 
Total: 100 pts.   ________