Writing Rubric

Criteria

Focus

1) The essay clearly communicates an

arguable, compelling claim that can be

supported by facts (argumentative essay)

OR

the essay clearly states a precise, limited

topic (informational essay) in one sentence.

2) The entire essay is controlled by the thesis

statement (no. 1 above).

3) The author has made rhetorical choices that

fit the specific needs of the designated

audience or assignment.

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Coherence

1) The essay contains transitions from sentence

to sentence and paragraph to paragraph.

2) The content is presented in a way that is

logical and clear. Connections are

explicitly made (i.e., you connect the "dots"

on your paper).

3) The essay is organized around a specific line

of reasoning that unifies the whole essay.

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Content

1) The essay develops specific content to

support claims.

2) Where appropriate, quotes are used to offer

proof for claims. (Think of quotes as

paintings in a museum. You are the tour

guide. Give a guided tour of the quote.)

3) Quotes are introduced with a signal phrase

and are integrated into the grammatical

structure of your own writing.

4) Paragraph development is deductive. The

paragraph moves from the general to the

specific without needless repetition.

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Conventions

1) The essay follows the rules of standard

English grammar.

2) The author observes the proper use of

mechanics.

3) The author observes proper MLA formatting

and documentation if rhetorically

appropriate.