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iRubric: Descriptive Essay 2019 rubric

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Descriptive Essay 2019 
Descriptive essay scoring rubric.
Rubric Code: PXCCA76
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Criteria for Paragraph
DESCRIPTION
  5

Excellent

(N/A)

4

Impressive

(N/A)

3

Average

(N/A)

2

Fair

(N/A)

1

Poor

(N/A)

Dominant Impression
20 pts

Introduction and Conclusion -- The Topic

5

The topic works well for a descriptive essay and a dominant impression is clear by the end. A dominant impression is often a new realization about something or someone, including self and others. There is an interesting connection between the beginning and the end.
4

The topic works well for a descriptive essay and a dominant impression is implied by the end. A dominant impression is often a new realization about something or someone, including self and others.
3

The topic works well for a descriptive essay and a dominant impression is clear by the end, but may be simple or forced.
2

The introduction is unfocused, hard to understand. The ending never reaches a moment of awareness that is related to the introduction or is rather random.
1

The introduction and conclusion are underdeveloped, confusing or missing.
Imagery
20 pts

Sensory details, simile, metaphor, adjectives, adverbs, personification

5

Details/examples in the essay are clear and well developed, and there are enough details to create vivid images in the reader's mind with the use of vivid/ sensory language. The writer creates figurative language examples that enhance a dominant impression.
4

Details/examples are clear and form a cohesive dominant impression. Vivid/sensory language is used effectively at times to create imagery for the reader. The writer successfully attempts to include original figurative language examples.
3

There are details/examples in the essay, but they might be either unclear or jumbled. Vivid/sensory language is used ineffectively or the writer's attempt to create a dominant impression in the essay isn't particularly effective.
2

The essay is missing essential details or the details in the overall paragraph focus on one sense, when other details could be offered to enrich the experience. This essay tells a story from beginning to end with little attempt of establishing a dominant impression.
1

Details/examples are either wrong or lacking. No vivid/sensory language is used. There is no dominant impression created in the paragraph. This essay tells a story from beginning to end without attempting to establish a dominant impression.
Writing Style
20 pts

Sentence variety, structure, completeness

5

Writing is smooth, skillful, and vivid. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the essay. Sense language is used to "show, not tell" the reader what is being described.
4

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with strong good use of sensory language to create imagery. This essay shows more than it tells.
3

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While sense language is used, it is not very effective in creating imagery. This essay tells more than it shows.
2

Writing appears rushed or underdeveloped. Vocabulary is rudimentary and verbs are passive. Comma splices are plentiful and sentence structure is repetitive.
1

Writing is confusing and hard to follow and contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The word choice is simple, rudimentary and not reflective of college writing.
Paragraph Organization
20 pts

Topic Sentences and Development

5

Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order that enhances the essay. Topic sentences effectively reflect the paragraph that follows and they serve as the framework of the essay. Page length is met.
4

Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order. Topic sentences effectively reflect the paragraph that follows. Page length is met.
3

Organization is clear. Some top sentences are present, while others are either unfocused, ineffective or missing. Page length may not be met.
2

The flow of the paragraph from detail to detail is difficult to understand or implies that important information has been left out. Topic sentences barely reflect the paragraph that follows. Page length may not be met.
1

No discernable organization. Topic sentences are random and unsupported in the paragraph that follows. It looks like a rectangular blob. Page length may not be met.
Mechanics
20 pts

Spelling, punctuation, capitalization

5

No consistent errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization. It's practically perfect.
4

A few minor errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization, but they do not detract from the overall meaning and effectiveness of the essay.
3

A few regular errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization that. while distracting, the meaning and intent of the essay can still be discerned.
2

The overall presentation of the essay displays a lack of proofreading and attention to detail. For example, the letter I isn't capitalized and words with red squiggles under them are never corrected.
1

Distracting and major errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. While the essay MIGHT be readable, it is littered with errors making the overall impression unprofessional. The teacher says aloud, "Is this the draft?"




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