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Definition Essay 
Definition Essay
Students will combine the three elements of effective arguments and identify their audience to write a definition essay. A definition essay is writing that explains the meaning of a term or descriptive phrase connected with the student’s chosen topic. This essay is the first building block of the argument research paper due second semester; in addition, the ability to define is a necessary skill for the AP exam
Rubric Code: J65353
By tjenkins1983
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: Undergraduate

Powered by iRubric Definition Essay
Students are to write a 2 to 3 page essay defining a word or concept that is crucial to their chosen issue.
  Meets Expectations

Achieves excellence in all stated objectives in each of the components of the Definition Essay.

4 pts

Developing

Satisfactorily meets all stated objectives in each component of the Definition Essay.

3 pts

Needs Improvement

Meets some but not all of the stated objectives for each component of the Definition Essay.

2 pts

Below Expectations

Very few, if any, objectives of the stated components are met in the Definition Essay

1 pts

Thesis

Meets Expectations

Thesis statement follows the formula for thesis development in addition to embodying the essence of the definition. Thesis demonstrates writer's invested opinion
Developing

Thesis statement follows the thesis development formula and provides a start for developing the essence of the definition.
Needs Improvement

Thesis statement does not follow the formula for thesis development

- OR-

Thesis does not capture the essence of the definition.
Below Expectations

Vague idea of what the thesis will be.
Introduction

Focus is on the introduction and/or narration pieces of the essay and understanding of prompt.
Meets Expectations

Introduction is skillfully written to engage the audience and make them receptive. Prompt is clearly understood and addressed in a sophisticated manner. The central claim is skillfully crafted, clearly stated, argumentative in nature, and clearly expresses the author's position on the word in a more eloquent fashion than an 3 response. All necessary background information is included.
Developing

Introduction is well written and somewhat engages the audience. Topic is understood and addressed in an somewhat original manner. The central claim takes a position expressing the author’s position on the word. Most necessary background information is included
Needs Improvement

Introduction attempts to engage the audience and/or make them receptive. Topic is somewhat understood and addressed. The central claim takes a position expresses the author's position on the word, but may be awkward. Some background information is included.
Below Expectations

Attempt to engage the audience awkward. Topic is misunderstood or partially addressed. The central claim is inappropriate, weak, or unclear. Little to no background information.
Definition

Meets Expectations

Details in the paragraph are concrete and specific, and they define the term with unique characteristics. There are enough details, and they relate to the topic sentence.
Developing

Details are concrete and specific, but they are not unique. They may also lack clarity.
Needs Improvement

There are details, but they are either not concrete and specific, or there are not enough of them to adequately define the term.
Below Expectations

Details are either wrong or lacking, or they are not related to the topic sentence.
Conclusion

Focus is on the concluding paragraph and its tie back to the thesis.
Meets Expectations

Makes a sophisticated and eloquent summary of the arguments and reinforces thesis. Arouses sympathy for the topic and motivates the audience to action. Effectively enhances rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos or pathos)
Developing

Makes a clear summary of the arguments and reinforces the thesis. Arouses sympathy for the topic and motivates the audience to action. Use of rhetorical appeals is evident.
Needs Improvement

Attempts to summarize the arguments and reinforce the thesis. Motivates the audience to action. Makes a limited attempt to enhance rhetorical appeals.
Below Expectations

Summary of the arguments is limited or nonexistent. Awkward tie back to thesis. Ineffective attempt to appeal to audience in any fashion.
Organization

Meets Expectations

Establishes a clear and logical organization to define the targeted concept.
Developing

Although organization does not establish a clear and logical scheme, it uses an identifiable
organizational plan for developing the essay.
Needs Improvement

Shows some evidence of an organizational plan for developing the essay, but is not logical or easily identifiable.”
Below Expectations

Fails to organize ideas logically to develop the definition.
Word Choice

Meets Expectations

Exhibits varied and precise word choice.
Developing

Exhibits appropriate word choice.
Needs Improvement

Exhibits a narrow range of word choice, often including
inappropriate selections.
Below Expectations

Exhibits little variety of word usage, words are redundant.
Spelling and Punctuation

Meets Expectations

Essay contains one or two errors.
Developing

Essay contains a few errors, but they are not distracting to the reader. 3-4 errors noted.
Needs Improvement

Essay contains several errors, most are not distracting to the reader. 5 or more errors noted.
Below Expectations

The overall presentation of the essay displays a lack of proofreading and attention to detail. While the essay MIGHT be readable, it is uncomfortable and unprofessional.
Style & Voice

Focus is on the patterns of organization, methods of persuasion employed, effectiveness of tone, and overall implementation of rhetorical strategies.
Meets Expectations

Sophisticated sense of audience. Artfully incorporates a wide variety of rhetorical strategies. Consistently conveys a highly academic tone, always addressing both hostile and receptive audiences with respect. Skillfully asserts authority on the topic.
Developing

Effective sense of audience. Incorporates a decent variety of rhetorical strategies. Consistently conveys a highly academic tone, always addressing both hostile and receptive audiences with respect. Asserts authority on the topic.
Needs Improvement

Somewhat understands the audience. Incorporates some rhetorical strategies. Somewhat consistently conveys an academic and respectful tone. Does little to come across as an authority on the topic.
Below Expectations

Makes a limited attempt to understand the audience. One or two rhetorical strategies are used. Tone is elementary and/or inconsistent. Does not come across as an authority on the topic.
Incorporation of noun

Is the abstract noun the centerpiece of the essay?
Meets Expectations

Abstract noun is firmly connected to the thesis statement. The noun takes the center stage of the argument.
Developing

Abstract noun is used in the thesis, but the connection is loose.
Needs Improvement

Abstract noun is mentioned, but has no connection to the thesis.
Below Expectations

Abstract noun is not mentioned in the essay.



Keywords:
  • writing, essay, definition

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