Directions: Your essay will be graded based on this rubric.

Consequently, use this rubric as a guide when writing your essay and check it again before you
submit your essay.

Traits 4 3 2 1
There is one clear, well- focused There is one clear, well- focused
topic. Main ideas are clear and topic. Main ideas are clear but are There is one topic. Main ideas are The topic and main ideas are not
Focus & Details
are well supported by detailed not well supported by detailed somewhat clear. clear.
and accurate information. information.
The introduction is inviting,
states the main topic, and
provides The introduction states the main
The introduction states the main There is no clear introduction,
Organization an overview of the paper. topic and provides an overview of
topic. A conclusion is included. structure, or conclusion.
Information is relevant and the paper. A conclusion is included.
presented in a logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
The author’s purpose of writing The author’s purpose of writing is The author’s purpose of writing is
is very clear, and there is strong somewhat clear, and there is some somewhat clear, and there is
evidence of attention to audience. evidence of attention to audience. evidence of attention to audience. The author’s purpose of writing
Voice
The author’s extensive The author’s knowledge and/or The author’s knowledge and/or is unclear.
knowledge and/or experience experience with the topic is/are experience with the topic is/are
with the topic is/are evident. evident. limited.
The author uses vivid words and The author uses vivid words and The writer uses a limited
The author uses words that
phrases. The choice and phrases. The choice and placement vocabulary. Jargon or clichés
Word Choice communicate clearly, but the writing
placement of words seems of words is inaccurate at times may be present and detract from
lacks variety.
accurate, natural, and not forced. and/or seems overdone. the meaning.
Sentences sound awkward, are
Most sentences are well constructed Most sentences are well constructed, distractingly repetitive, or are
Sentence All sentences are well difficult to understand. The
and have varied structure and length. but they have a similar structure
Structure, constructed and have varied author makes numerous errors in
The author makes a few errors in and/or length. The author makes
Grammar, structure and length. The author grammar, mechanics, and/or
Mechanics, &
grammar, mechanics, and/or several errors in grammar,
makes no errors in grammar, spelling
Spelling spelling, but they do not interfere mechanics, and/or spelling that
mechanics, and/or spelling.
with understanding. interfere with understanding.
that interfere with understanding.