iRubric: Formal Essay Rubric

The topic and main ideas are not clear. The title does not convey the topic.

There is one clear, wellfocused topic. Main ideas are clear but are not well supported by detailed information. Title does not clearly convey the topic.

There is one topic. Main ideas are somewhat clear. Title conveys topic.

There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main ideas are clear and are well supported by detailed & accurate information. Title conveys topic in interesting and/or captivating way.

The author’s purpose of
writing is unclear.

The author’s purpose
of writing is somewhat
clear, and there is some
evidence of attention
to audience. The
author’s knowledge
and/or experience with
the topic is/are evident.

The author’s purpose
of writing is somewhat
clear, and there is
evidence of attention
to audience. The
author’s knowledge
and/or experience with
the topic is/are limited.

The author’s purpose
of writing is very clear, and there is strong
evidence of attention
to audience. The
author’s extensive
knowledge and/or
experience with the
topic is/are evident.

Sentences sound
awkward, are repetitive, or difficult to understand. The author makes multiple errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that interfere with understanding.

Most sentences are
well constructed and
have varied structure
and length. The author
makes a few errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling, but
they do not interfere
with understanding.

Most sentences are well
constructed, but they
have a similar structure
and/or length. The
author makes several
errors in grammar,
mechanics, and/or
spelling that interfere
with understanding.

All sentences are well
constructed and have
varied structure and
length. The author
makes no errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.