iRubric: Classification Essay rubric

Introduction and thesis statement do not state what is being classified nor the basis for classification.

Introduction and thesis statement contain what is being classified, but they do not give a clear basis for classification.

Introduction and thesis statement create interest and are fairly well developed. But they are not engaging and lack creativity and detail.

Very well developed introduction and thesis statement. They engage the reader and create interest. They clearly state what is being classified and the basis for the classification.

There is no apparent conclusion.

The concluding paragraph unifies the essay, but it may not contain the subject and/or the basis for classification.

The concluding paragraph unifies the essay around the thesis statement, but it lacks creativity and is not very interesting.

The concluding paragraph effectively unifies the essay around the thesis statement. It restates the subject and basis for classification while making an interesting and clear reason for classification.

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine. Transitions are either missing or inappropriate.

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While transitions are present they do not add to the overall effectiveness of the paragraph.

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of transitions to guide the reader.

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the paragraph. Transitions are appropriate and add to the effectiveness of the paragraph.