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Colby Writing Project Writing Assessment Rubric
1. Statement of thesis
Exceeds Expectations: This essay makes a central claim that is substantive and articulately stated. The goal of this essay is very clear.
Meets Expectations:This essay makes a central claim, but it could be more substantive, or better stated. The goal of the essay is hinted at but not clear.
Below Expectations: The essay has a claim, but it is a very weak or uninteresting one. The goal of the essay is ambiguous or contradictory.
Unsatisfactory: This essay makes no central claim or one that is irrelevant, unclear, or self-evident. The goal for this essay is missing or vague.
2.Development of the thesis
Exceeds Expectations: The thesis is supported by logical, sequenced arguments with clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas. Evidence, analogies, or examples are provided.
Meets Expectations:The thesis is supported by arguments, but not consistently, and/or the arrangement manifests minor lapses in logic and sequencing. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas exist, but could be stronger. Some evidence, analogies, or examples are provided.
Below Expectations: The thesis is supported haphazardly. Transitions are mostly absent. Very little supporting evidence is provided.
Unsatisfactory: The thesis is not supported by arguments, or the arrangement of the arguments manifests flaws in logic and sequencing. Transitions are absent. No supporting evidence.
3. Paragraph development
Exceeds Expectations: Paragraphs are structured around a clearly stated, well-positioned central point/thesis. The sentences are sharp, clearly linked to each other, and focused on the central point/thesis.
Meets Expectations:Paragraphs are structured around a central point/thesis, but the organization could be clearer or more orderly. The sentences may show minor lapses in their relation to one another and lack focus.
Below Expectations: Some paragraphs are not structured around a central point/thesis, and the organization is sloppy. Sentences are often not well-focused and/or are unconnected to one another.
Unsatisfactory: The paragraphs do not state a central point/thesis or don’t address it even if they do. The sentences show major lapses in connection and focus..
4.Command of written English
Exceeds Expectations: The essay is free or nearly free of errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. The writer’s voice is engaging and the prose fluent.
Meets Expectations:The essay manifests minor, occasional errors in grammar, punctuation, or mechanics. The writer’s voice is appropriate and the prose competent.
Below Expectations: The essay has frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, or mechanics. The writer’s voice is not always appropriate. The prose is average at best.
Unsatisfactory: The essaycontains major, persistent errors in grammar, punctuation, or mechanics. The writer’s voice is inappropriate or inconsistent, and the prose is substandard.
5. Holistic Assessment
Exceeds Expectations: The essay impresses. The discussion is intricate,well-written, and original, stretching well beyond the obvious.
Meets Expectations:The essay is adequate, and at times impressive. The discussion is competent, adequately composed, and mildly original, but it does not stretch, or stretches very little beyond what is immediately apparent.
Below Expectations: The essay is barely adequate. The discussion is trivial or thin, not original, or it does not go beyond a few obvious points.
Unsatisfactory: The essay is unsuccessful. The discussion is oversimplified, very poorly written, unoriginal, or self-evident.
Colby Writing Project Writing Assessment RubricVersion: May 17, 2011