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iRubric: Cause or Effect Essay rubric

iRubric: Cause or Effect Essay rubric

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Cause or Effect Essay 
Cause or Effect Essay
Cause or Effect essay scoring rubric
Rubric Code: B422AC
By irennachang
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: Undergraduate

Powered by iRubric Criteria for Essay
  Poor

2 pts

Fair

3 pts

Good

4 pts

Excellent

5 pts

Introduction/Thesis Statement
20 %

Poor

The introduction and thesis statement state what is being analyzed, but there is no apparent basis for the cause or effect analysis indicated or no thesis statement is included in the introduction.
Fair

The introduction and thesis statement state the topic being analyzed, but they do not give a reason for the analysis or do not list the causes or effects in the thesis statement.
Good

The introduction and thesis statement state the topic and include the causes or effects, but they are not very engaging or creative.
Excellent

The introduction and thesis statement engage the reader and create interest. They clearly introduce and state the topic being analyzed, and whether this essay is about causes or effects. The thesis statement includes an overview of the causes or effects that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
Body Paragraphs
20 %

Topic Sentences & Supporting Details
Poor

There are no apparent topic sentences in the paragraphs, or they do not relate to the thesis statement.
Details are either wrong or lacking, or they are not related to the topic sentence or the analysis.
Fair

Not all paragraphs have a clear topic statement that relates to the thesis statement.
There are details, but they are either not concrete and specific, or there are not enough of them to adequately analyze the topic. One or more causes or effects are not given sufficient space or details.
Good

Each paragraph contains a topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement.
There are sufficient details for the analysis, but they could be clearer or more specific.
Excellent

Each body paragraph contains a clearly focused topic sentence that relates to the thesis of the essay.
Details in the essay are concrete and specific, and they effectively explain either causes or effects related to the topic of analysis.
Conclusion
10 %

Poor

There is no concluding paragraph, or it does not unify or restate the reason for the analysis.
Fair

The concluding paragraph re-states the reason for the analysis, but it does little to unify the essay around the thesis statement.
Good

The concluding paragraph unifies the essay around the thesis statement. The reason for the analysis is clear, and results are presented clearly.
Excellent

The concluding paragraph effectively unifies the essay around the thesis statement. The reason for the analysis is clearly re-stated and the results are effectively summed up.
Overall Organization
20 %

Unity & Coherence
Poor

No discernible organizational pattern is being used to organize ideas; details are not arranged in a discernible order; or transitions are either missing or inappropriate.
Fair

Though causes or effects are arranged in no particular order or transitions between paragraphs are mechanical or look forced, main ideas are discernable.
Good

Causes or effects are arranged in an order that is suitable for the topic. While transitions are present, a few of them do not add to the overall effectiveness of the essay.
Excellent

Causes or effects are arranged in an order that is suitable for the topic: order of importance, order of interests, or order of familiarity. Transitions are appropriate and add to the effectiveness of the essay.
Style: sentence flow, tone, and
10 %

Poor

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. The tone and purpose are inconsistent and difficult to determine.
Fair

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent, or the author needs to work on word choice.
Good

Writing is clear, and sentences have varied structure. A consistent tone is used throughout the essay, and word choice, while adequate, could be better.
Excellent

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice are used throughout the paragraph.
Mechanics
10 %

Poor

Distracting and major errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
Fair

A few errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization, though distracting, the meaning and intent of the essay can still be discerned.
Good

A few minor errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization, but they do not detract readers nor hinder the overall meaning and effectiveness of the essay.
Excellent

No errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization.
Word Count
10 %

Poor

Less than 260 or more than 540 words
Fair

Less than 280 or more than 520 words
Good

Less than 300 or more than 500 words
Excellent

300-500 words



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