iRubric: How-to Essay rubric

The introduction contains a clearly stated topic sentence (in a paragraph) or clearly stated thesis sentence (in an essay); the body fully and clearly explains the steps involved in doing or making something; the conclusion effectively ends the writing with the last step, with the author's perspective on the activity, or with a clincher statement.

The introduction contains a topic sentence (in a paragraph) or thesis sentence (in an essay); the body explains the steps involved in doing or making something; the conclusion presents the last step or another logical ending.

The introduction contains a topic sentence (in a paragraph) or thesis sentence (in an essay), but the sentence may be unclear, imprecise, or undeveloped; the body explains only some of the steps involved in doing or making something; the conclusion does not present the last step or any other logical reflection on the process.

The introduction lacks a topic sentence (in a prapgraph) or thesis sentence (in an essay); the body does not break the process into steps; the conclusion is missing or repetitive.

There are few or no errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling.

There are some errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling.

Errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling interfere with the audience's understanding of the process.

Serious and numerous errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling block the audience's understanding of the process.