iRubric: English 1301 Cause & Effect Essay Rubric

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses around one point.
Details/examples in the body paragraphs are clear and well developed, and there are enough details to create vivid images in the reader's mind with the use of vivid/ sense language that creates a dominant impression.

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses on one point.
Details/examples are clear and presented from general to specific, but they are not well developed. Vivid/sense language is not used as effectively as it could be used to create imagery for the reader.

Some body paragraphs don't contain a clear topic sentence or might not have as strong a topic sentence as is needed. There are details/examples in each paragraph, but they might be either unclear or not presented from general to specific. Vivid/sense language is not used effectively, or the details do not create a dominant impression in the paragraph.

The writer did not provide enough details and examples to support the cause and effect of the topic.
The details in the overall essay focus on one sense, when other details could be offered to enrich the experience.

Body paragraphs do not contain a topic sentence.
Details/examples are either wrong or lacking. No vivid/sense language is used. There is no dominant impression created in the paragraph.

Details are placed in a logical order;presentation effectively keeps the interest of the reader.

A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how the ideas are connected.

The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience. The author shows ownership and conviction regarding the ideas presented.

Most details are placed in a logical order, and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.

The writer seems to be writing from some experience but lacks passion regarding the issue.

Some details may not be in a logical order or expected order, and this distracts the reader.There is little sense that the writing is organized.
Some transitions work well; but connections between other ideas are unclear.

The writer relates some knowledge but adds little to the topic discussed.

Writing appears rushed or underdeveloped as the transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistent.

The writer relates very little knowledge and doesn't add to the topic discussed.

Writing is confusing and hard to follow.

The writer is not knowledgeable of the topic being discussed and doesn't show any experience in the matter nor discusses it.