Skip to main content
iRubric: Descriptive Essay rubric

iRubric: Descriptive Essay rubric

find rubric

edit   print   share   Copy to my rubrics   Bookmark   test run   assess...   delete   Do more...
Descriptive Essay 
Descriptive Essay
Descriptive Essay Rubric
Rubric Code: V499X3
By dbargardi
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 6-8

Powered by iRubric Criteria for Essay
  4

(N/A)

3

(N/A)

2

(N/A)

1

(N/A)

Introduction/Thesis Statement

4

Very well-developed introduction with a clear thesis statement
that introduces the topic and makes a central point about it. It engages the reader and creates interest. Contains accurate and complete information regarding the topic to be described.
3

Introduction contains a thesis statement.
The thesis creates interest and is fairly well developed. But while it contains accurate and complete information regarding the topic being described, it is not very engaging.
2

Introduction contains a thesis statement, but it either does not give accurate and complete information about the topic, or it lacks detail and creativity.
1

Thesis is misleading, hard to find, or does not present a compelling argument for the description.
Body Paragraphs

4

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph around one point.
Details/examples in the body paragraphs are clear and well developed, and there are enough details to create vivid images in the reader's mind with the use of vivid/ sense language that creates a dominant impression.
3

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph on one point.
Details/examples are clear and presented from general to specific, but they are not well developed. Vivid/sense language is not used as effectively as it could be used to create imagery for the reader.
2

Some body paragraphs don't contain a clear topic sentence or might not have as strong a topic sentence as is needed. There are details/examples in each paragraph, but they might be either unclear or not presented from general to specific. Vivid/sense language is not used effectively, or the details do not create a dominant impression in the paragraph.
1

Many of the paragraphs are missing essential details or the details in the overall essay focus on one sense, when other details could be offered to enrich the experience.
Overall Organization

4

Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order that enhances the essay and provides a vivid description of the topic with appropriate and effective transitions.
3

Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order. Transitions are present, but they do not enhance the overall effectiveness of the paragraph.
2

Organization is clear. Some transitions are present, while others are either inappropriate or missing.
1

The flow of the essay from detail to detail is difficult to understand or implies that important information has been left out.
Descriptive Language

4

Writers uses metaphors and similes, paints a picture with their words
3

Writer uses metaphors and similes, is on the way to painting a picture with their words
2

Writer uses metaphors and similes, but not enough to paint a picture with their words
1

Writer doesn't use any or very little figurative language and the reader gets no real sense of what they are describing
Style: Flow, tone, word choice

4

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 paragraph. Sense language is used to "show, not tell" the reader what is being described.
3

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of sense language to create imagery.
2

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
1

Writing appears rushed or underdeveloped.
Mechanics

4

No consistent errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization.
3

A few minor consistent errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization, but they do not detract from the overall meaning and effectiveness of the paragraph.
2

A few regular errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization that. while distracting, the meaning and intent of the paragraph can still be discerned.
1

The overall presentation of the essay displays a lack of proofreading and attention to detail. While the essay MIGHT be readable, it is uncomfortable and unprofessional.
Vocabulary Words

4

Writer uses four or more vocabulary words correctly in their paper
3

Writer uses three vocabulary words correctly in their paper
2

Writer uses two vocabulary words correctly in their paper
1

Writer uses at least one vocabulary word correctly in their paper



Keywords:
  • Descriptive Paragraph, rubric, writing components

Subjects:

Types:

Discuss this rubric




Do more with this rubric:
Preview

Preview

Preview this rubric.
Edit

Edit

Modify this rubric.
Copy

Copy

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

Print

Print

Show a printable version of this rubric.
Categorize

Categorize

Add this rubric to multiple categories.
Bookmark

Bookmark

Bookmark this rubric for future reference.
Assess
Test run

Test run

Test this rubric or perform an ad-hoc assessment.
Grade

Grade

Build a gradebook to assess students.
Collaborate

Collaborate

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

Publish

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

Email

Email this rubric to a friend.
Discuss

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.
n98