iRubric: Short Essay rubric

The introduction does not clearly state the topic, and/or no thesis statement is present.

The introduction states the topic and includes a thesis statement, but the thesis is either flawed or does not provide a preview of the main points of the essay.

The introduction clearly states the topic and includes an adequate thesis statement that provides a preview of the main points of the essay.

The introduction is very interesting, clearly states the topic that will be developed in the essay, and includes a well-constructed thesis statement that provides a preview of the main points of the paper.

The writer is unclear about the topic he or she is writing about. The discussion is not focused.

The writer shows an understanding of the topic, but some ideas are not fully developed.

The writer has a good control of the topic he or she is writing about. Main ideas are adequately developed.

The author demonstrates a superior understanding of the topic he or she is writing about. Main ideas are fully developed.

The paper lacks internal paragraph coherence. Some ideas do not relate to the thesis and/or a few paragraphs lack topic sentences.

The paper, at times, does not flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph. A few topic sentences are either general or flawed.

Proper transitions are used. Every paragraph contains a clear topic sentence. Ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next.

Excellent transitions and topic sentences are used in the paper to guide readers through the progression of ideas. Readers can see how one idea is developed from the previous one.

Less than 360 or more than 740 words

Less than 380 or more than 720 words

Less than 400 or more than 700 words

400-700 words