iRubric: Definition Essay - What is a Hero? rubric

The concept of heroism is uniquely and clearly defined.


Three strategies of definition are skillfully employed.

A variety of relevant details from text, personal experience, and/or historical or current society richly enhance the writer's definition. All commentary convincingly develops the thesis.

Students will skillfully embed at least 6 quotations that fully support their concept of heroism.

The concept of heroism is adequately defined.

Two strategies of definition are employed.

Relevant details from text, personal experience, and/or historical or current society are used to support the writer's definition.

Students will embed at least 4 quotes that adequately support the concept of heroism.

Most commentary develops the thesis.

The concept of heroism is uniquely and clearly defined.

One strategy of definition is employed.

A variety of relevant details from text, personal experience, and/or historical or current society may be present, but they lack or may not be concrete enough to give a full understanding of the concept.

Students will embed at least 2 quotes that may or may not support their concept of heroism.

Commentary does not develop the thesis or may be missing.

Writing is smooth, skillful and coherent throughout the essay.

Diction is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic audience.

Writing is smooth and coherent throughout most of the essay.

Diction is appropriate for an academic essay.

Writing is incoherent throughout the essay. Diction is repetitive, vague, or inappropriate for an academic essay.

There is extensive evidence that the essay reflects the various stages of the writing process.

There is some evidence that the essay reflects the various stages of the writing process.

There is little or no evidence that the essays has undergone stages of the writing process.