Essay Rubric

4.To exceed the standard, the essay should meet the following guidelines for a “3” and most of the following as well:

  • Strong analysis/commentary that explain the correct details
  • Supporting details are highlighted
  • Strong use of transitions that contribute to the flow of the writing
  • Complex and varied sentence structure
  • Strong vocabulary usage
  • 8-10 complete sentences(honors)
  • Body paragraphs focused and well developed
  • Conclusion summarizes entire essay

3. To meet the standard, the essay should meet the following guidelines:

  • There is a thesis statement in the introduction
  • There are multiple paragraphs in the form of an introduction, body, and conclusion. There should be a minimum of 3body paragraphs
  • Body paragraphs have a clear topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph
  • Paragraphs contain examples that are related to the main idea stated in the topic sentence
  • An attempt is made at analysis/commentary
  • Mechanical errors do not interfere with the reader’s understanding of the author’s meaning
  • Essay addresses the entire prompt

2.To score below the standard, the essay may do most of the following:

  • Contain an unclear or unfocused thesis, or the thesis may be located somewhere other than the introduction of the essay
  • The focus of the body paragraphs may stray from the main idea or have an incomplete development of the essay
  • The structure of the essay does not fit the introduction/body/conclusion format
  • Essay strays from the prompt
  • Examples used to support the thesis have only a weak connection or are developed so as to make the connection unclear
  • Mechanical errors may impede the reader’s understanding of the author’s meaning

1. To be far below the standard, the essay will do one or more of the following:

  • Contain plot summary rather than analysis
  • Fail to maintain a focus supporting a thesis, although the thesis may be present
  • Be totally off the assigned topic
  • Contains only one paragraph
  • Contains mechanical errors so great that the reader’s understanding of meaning is severely impeded.