iRubric: Basic essay grading rubric 9-12

Attempt to engage the audience awkward or vague. Prompt is somewhat misunderstood but partially addressed. The central claim is inappropriate, weak, or unclear. No background information.

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

Introduction contains a thesis statement. The thesis creates interest and is fairly well developed. But it is not very engaging.

Very well-developed introduction wtih a clear thesis statement that introduces the topic and is engaging to readers.

Student presents one or two weak points of

Student presents two or three points

Student presents two clear pointsast

Student presents three (or more) clear points

The student did not attempt to organize the writing for this essay

The student attempts to organize the essay. the organization attempt may be missing introduction, body paragraph(s) or conclusion

Student has the essay organized into easily recognizable elements: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, using transitions to separate each element

Student uses exceptional organization: point by point OR block subjects
- points are discussed in the same order throughout
- clear into, body, conclusion
- trasntions between each point and paragraph

Conclusion is not present. Essay just ends.

Conclusion is present but not effective. It does not provide closure for the essay.

Conclusion provides a sense of closure but does not qualify as excellent.

Conclusion is effective and gives readers a sense of closure.