Skip to main content
iRubric: Essay Rubric

iRubric: Essay Rubric

find rubric

edit   print   share   Copy to my rubrics   Bookmark   test run   assess...   delete   Do more...
Basic writing rubric for an essay to be used in an introductory writing course or with 9th graders.
Rubric Code: SA6669
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Essay
  Excellent

100 pts

Good

85 pts

Fair

70 pts

Needs Improvement

50 pts

Introduction
15 %

Excellent

The essay has a strong opening with an engaging attention getter and a logical progression to a strong thesis sentence.
Good

The introduction is functional, but not very engaging. It has an attention getter and a thesis statement.
Fair

The introduction is poorly developed; a thesis is included, but may be weak. The intro. may be too brief or too wordy and unorganized.
Needs Improvement

The essay does not have a full introduction. Major components are missing.
Body Paragraphs
40 %

Excellent

Each paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence that clearly relates to the thesis. Specific details and examples fully support the main ideas and are well-developed and fully explained. If quotes are used, they are fully explained and properly punctuated.
Good

Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence, but may have a weak connection to the thesis. Details and examples are included, but may not be fully developed and explained. If quotes are included, they are somewhat explained and have very few punctuation errors.
Fair

Most paragraphs start with a topic sentence, but no clear link to the thesis is made. Some details and examples are included, but not enough to fully support the main idea. If quotes are used, they may not be fully explained or punctuated correctly.
Needs Improvement

Missing topic sentences and/or not enough supporting details and examples. Or the supporting details may be off-topic.
Organization
10 %

Excellent

The paper has a clear organizational structure. Transitions are used to effectively move the reader from point to point.
Good

The paper attempts an organizational structure, but has minor errors. Transitions are used but may not always be successful.
Fair

Organization is somewhat apparent, but weak. Student tried to write an introduction, body, and conclusion, but was only partially successful. Transitions are lacking.
Needs Improvement

No clear structure or organization apparent. Student does not have a separate introduction, body and/or conclusion. It may be written as one long paragraph.
Conclusion
15 %

Excellent

Wraps up the essay by restating the thesis, reviewing the main points, and leaving the reader thinking. The conclusion is creative and/or thoughtful.
Good

Restates thesis and main points and leaves the reader with something to think about.
Fair

Ends the essay with some final thoughts, but doesn't clearly restate thesis and/or main points. Additional information may be added. Does not end with a memorable statement.
Needs Improvement

Essay ends abruptly or the conclusion does not fit with the essay. It's off topic or confusing.
Mechanics
10 %

Excellent

Only one or two minor errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Good

A few errors (3-5) in spelling, grammar, or punctuation. These errors do not distract or prevent understanding.
Fair

Multiple errors (6-10) in spelling, grammar or punctuation that begin to make the essay difficult to read; may cause some confusion.
Needs Improvement

Several errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation. Essay is difficult to read and could be difficult to understand.
MLA formatting
10 %

Excellent

The paper follows MLA formatting guidelines with no errors.
Good

The paper has minor MLA formatting errors.
Fair

Student attempted MLA formatting but has many errors.
Needs Improvement

No MLA formatting indicated.




Subjects:

Types:





Do more with this rubric:

Preview

Preview this rubric.

Edit

Modify this rubric.

Copy

Make a copy of this rubric and begin editing the copy.


Print

Show a printable version of this rubric.

Categorize

Add this rubric to multiple categories.

Bookmark

Bookmark this rubric for future reference.
Assess

Test run

Test this rubric or perform an ad-hoc assessment.

Grade

Build a gradebook to assess students.

Collaborate

Apply this rubric to any object and invite others to assess.
Share

Publish

Link, embed, and showcase your rubrics on your website.

Email

Email this rubric to a friend.

Discuss

Discuss this rubric with other members.
 

Do more with rubrics than ever imagined possible.

Only with iRubrictm.



Copyright © 2024 Reazon Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
n16