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iRubric: The Outsiders Essay Rubric

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The Outsiders Essay Rubric 
The Outsiders Essay Rubric
English 8 - Mr. Mense
Rubric Code: U2WA348
By emense
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 6-8

Powered by iRubric The Outsiders: Essay Rubric
  Excellent

10 pts

Good

9 pts

Basic/Average

7 pts

Below Average

5 pts

Thesis/Introduction

Excellent

Uses a strong thesis to focus the paper. Introduction is clear and includes title and author as well as original, well-crafted sentences. First sentence is a hook to entice the reader into the thesis topic. A well-stated transition utilized b/t hook and thesis is provided.
Good

Uses a good thesis, although perhaps a bit broad. Hook is present but not polished or doesn't quite introduce the thesis and topic. Transition used b/t hook and thesis.
Basic/Average

Thesis is basic and may be a bit too general. Introduction is missing necessary information to be effective. Hook and transition may be missing or not related to the thesis.
Below Average

Thesis is ill-defined or missing. Introduction is disorganized or undeveloped. Missing information, specifically a poorly constructed or missing hook and/or transition to the thesis.
Examples and Quotations

Excellent

Analyzes and interprets information with a high degree of effectiveness. Uses at least 2 direct quotes and examples from the novel smoothly, integrating them with proper citation. Anchored to the thesis. No repetitive words used in body paragraphs.
Good

Analyzes and interprets information with considerable effectiveness. Uses some examples from the text and 2 direct quotes from the book that are integrated smoothly, cited properly, and support thesis. Very few repetitive words used.
Basic/Average

Analyzes and interprets information with some effectivenes. Essay does not use many/any examples from the text. One or two quotes from the book that try to support the thesis, are cited incorrectly, and/or are not smoothly integrated.
Below Average

Analyzes and interprets information with limited effectiveness and little to no evidence from the text. One or two direct quotes from the book that may or may not be supportive, smoothly integrated or properly cited. Does not connect to thesis.
Development

Excellent

Essay follows a logical progression of ideas. Three solid body paragraphs, each with 5+ original, well-crafted sentences & a strong topic sentence. Excellent transitions and connections to thesis/ topic. Voice is present tense and engaging with a terrific flow.
Good

Good organization of paper. Paragraphs include 5+ solid, original sentences per paragraph with a good topic sentence. Transitions and reflection of thesis are somewhat present or vague. Voice is mostly present tense and somewaht engaging, but perhaps a bit too casual.
Basic/Average

Some disorganization and/or short paragraphs less than 5 original sentences; sentences are basic or do not vary style, not all paragraphs have a topic sentence. Paragraphs contain missing or weak transitions. Voice does not sound like the writer. May move from present to past tense, and sentences may be a bit choppy.
Below Average

Paragraphs are vague and less than 5 original sentences; most/all paragraphs are missing a topic sentence and/or transitions. Little or no connections to thesis or topic. Voice is not present, and word flow is choppy and not engaging to the reader.
Style/Language

Excellent

Meaning and intent are clear and engaging. Demonstrates a strong sense of purpose. Uses sophisticated vocabulary & varies sentence styles. Sentences utilize active, vivid verbs as well as terrific descriptive language throughout the essay.
Good

Meaning and intent are clear. Demonstrates a good sense of purpose. Attempts at using emerging vocabulary and varying sentence style. Majority of essay utilizes active/vivid verbs (little to no linking verbs or basic verbs) with descriptive language in most of essay.
Basic/Average

Meaning and intent are sometimes unclear. Some sense of purpose. Casual tone or conversational. Vocabulary and sentence styles are basic with little variation. Essay utilizes a great number of linking verbs or lacks vivid, active verbs. Essay could use more descriptive language to help the reader develop the essay and it's meaning.
Below Average

Meaning and intent are frequently unclear. Demonstrating a limited sense of purpose with a lack of comprehension and focus. Little use of active verbs and descriptive language.
Format/Guidelines

Excellent

Uses a correct heading, interesting, creative title, 12 point (appropriate) font, double-spaced, interesting title
Heading includes: Name, Teacher/Class, Type of Essay, and Complete date.
Good

Uses a correct heading, creative title, 12 point (appropriate) font, double-spaced. Heading included with all but one part.
Basic/Average

Missing one or more of these elements: a correct heading, interesting title, 12 point appropriate font, double-spacedHeading includes: (double spaced) Name, Teacher/Class, Type of Essay, and Date (full)
Below Average

Missing many elements.
Grammar & Spelling

Excellent

Paper is virtually error free, or the errors that are present don't interfere with the meaning of the essay and aren't due to carelessness.
Good

There are a few minor errors, but these don't interfere with the meaning of the essay and are not careless.
Basic/Average

There are several errors present, and some interfere with the meaning of the essay or demonstrate a lack of proofreading/carelessness.
Below Average

There are many errors present which interfere with the meaning of the essay and demonstrate carelessness.
Conclusion

Excellent

Five or more well-crafted sentences beginning with the thesis or hook reworded; excellent transition from specific point of essay to general thought and obvious end statement. Essay does not end with a question, but it provides a call to action or wows the reader in some way.
Good

Five or less well-crafted sentences beginning with the thesis reworded; good transition from specific point of essay to general thought and obvious end of paper statement.
Basic/Average

Five sentences beginning with the thesis reworded; fair transitions from specific point of essay to general thought and attempt at ending statement. Final sentence may be weak or does not reference the topic or adds a little bit of new information.
Below Average

Less than five sentences. Lacks clarity, organization, and/or is repetitive; ending is abrupt or missing; new information is introduced (do not introduce new information in the conclusion).




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