iRubric: 5 paragraph essay rubric

The thesis statement is contained within one sentence. Parallel construction is used. The 3 main points are listed in order. No "I" statements are included.

The thesis statement is good. However, there are minor structural and/or content problems.

There is a clear attempt at a thesis statement. However, there are major structural and/or content problems.

There is no evidence of a thesis statement within the introductory paragraph.

Statement sentences clearly correspond to the main points of the topic sentences of the paragraphs in the same order as presented in the topic sentences.

The statement sentences connect to the topic sentences; however, there are minor structural and/or content problems.

The statement sentences have been attempted; however, there are major structural and/or content problems.

There is no clear evidence of statement sentences in most or all of the paragraphs.

The summary sentences are clear, and concise. They restate the topic sentences in a new way and support the thesis statement.

There are summary sentences present. However, there are minor structural and/or content problems.

There are major structural and/or content problems pertaining to the summary sentences.

There is no evidence of summary sentences in the body paragraphs.

Information from reading, if not directly quoted, has been effectively paraphrased or summarized (faithful to the ideas of the author but completely in your own words and utilizing different sentence structures than those of the author). Paraphrases and summaries, just as with direct quotes from the reading, are followed by a parenthetical citation.

There is some evidence of paraphrase or summary

There is little evidence of paraphrase or summary.

There is no evidence of effective paraphrase or summary of material from reading. The information has been copied word-for-word, and is therefore considered plagiarism. This essay cannot be given a grade.

A variety of sentence structures (openers, dress-ups, etc.) is used throughout the essay.

A variety of sentence structures (openers, dress-ups, etc.) is often used in the essay.

A variety of sentence structures (openers, dress-ups, etc.) is occasionally used in the essay.

A variety of sentence structures (openers, dress-ups, etc.) is rarely used in the essay.

Strong verbs that vividly describe an action and/or evoke a powerful image or feeling are appropriately used throughout the essay.

Strong verbs that vividly describe an action and/or evoke a powerful image or feeling are often used in the essay.

Strong verbs that vividly describe an action and/or evoke a powerful image or feeling are occasionally used in the essay.

Strong verbs that vividly describe an action and/or evoke a powerful image or feeling are rarely used in the essay.

The correct point-of-view is used throughout the essay.

There are a few problems with using the correct point-of-view within the essay.

There are several problems with using the correct point-of-view within the essay.

Problems with using the correct point-of-view are found throughout the essay.

There are no capitalization or punctuation errors found in the essay.

A few capitalization and/or punctuation errors are found in the essay.

A number of capitalization and/or punctuation errors are found in the essay.

Capitalization and/or puctuation errors are found throughout the essay.

Paper adheres to MLA-style formatting rules, including 1-inch margins, 12-pt type, Times New Roman font, double-spacing, and the employment of a running header.

Most of the formatting rules have been followed, while some have not.

Some formatting rules have been followed, while others have not

No attempt at formatting is in evidence.