iRubric: Compare/Contrast Essay rubric

Body paragraph contains a clearly focused topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement.
Details in the paragraphs are clear and specific, and there are enough details to create vivid images for a thorough comparison or contrast. The details clearly support the author's point for the comparison/contrast.

20

Body paragraph contains a topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement.
Details are clear and specific, but they do not vividly support the author's point for the comparison/contrast.

18

Topic sentence is not clear nor does it relate to the thesis statement.
There are details, but they are not clear, specific, and vivid, or both subjects are not given roughly the same amount of space.

16

There are no apparent topic sentence for the body paragraph.
Details are either wrong or lacking. No vivid sense language is used. Or the details do not fit the author's point for the comparison/contrast.

10

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the essay. Transitions are appropriate and add to the effectiveness of the essay.

10

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of transitions to guide the reader.

8

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While transitions are present they do not add to the overall effectiveness of the essay.

6

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine. Transitions are either missing or inappropriate.

3