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Descriptive Essay 
Descriptive Essay scoring rubric.
Rubric Code: W5B72C
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: (none)

Powered by iRubric Criteria for Essay
  Missing or Completely Unacceptable

(N/A)

Fair

(N/A)

Good

(N/A)

Excellent

(N/A)

Introduction/Thesis Statement
20 pts

Missing or Completely Unacceptable

The introduction does not contain a thesis statement. It does not introduce the central theme of the essay.
Fair

Introduction contains a thesis statement, but it either does not give accurate and complete information about the topic, or it lacks detail and creativity.
Good

Introduction contains a thesis statement.
The thesis creates interest and is fairly well developed. But while it contains accurate and complete information regarding the topic being described, it is not very engaging.
Excellent

Very well-developed introduction with a clear thesis statement
that introduces the topic and makes a central point about it. It engages the reader and creates interest. Contains accurate and complete information regarding the topic to be described.
Body Paragraphs
20 pts

Topic Sentences & Supporting Details

Missing or Completely Unacceptable

Body paragraphs do not contain a topic sentence.
Details/examples are either wrong or lacking. No vivid/sense language is used. There is no dominant impression created in the paragraph.
Fair

Each body paragraph does NOT contain a clear topic sentence.
There are details/examples, but they are either unclear or not presented from general to specific. Vivid/sense language is not used effectively, or the details do not create a dominant impression in the paragraph.
Good

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph on one point.
Details/examples are clear and presented from general to specific, but they are not well developed. Vivid/sense language is not used as effectively as it could be used to create imagery for the reader.
Excellent

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph around one point.
Details/examples in the body paragraphs are clear and well developed, and there are enough details to create vivid images in the reader's mind with the use of vivid/ sense language that creates a dominant impression.
Conclusion
20 pts

Missing or Completely Unacceptable

There is no concluding paragraph, or it does not unify or emphasize a dominant impression of the topic being described.
Fair

The concluding paragraph makes a point about the dominant impression, but it does little to unify and emphasize the dominant impression of the topic being described.
Good

The concluding paragraph unifies the essay around the central theme. The dominant impression is followed, but it could be more vividly represented with sense language.
Excellent

The concluding paragraph effectively unifies the essay around the central theme of the thesis. The dominant impression is clearly maintained and vividly represented in sense language.
Overall Organization
20 pts

Unity & Coherence

Missing or Completely Unacceptable

No discernable organization. Transitions are not present.
Fair

Organization is clear. Some transitions are present, while others are either inappropriate or missing.
Good

Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order. Transitions are present, but they do not enhance the overall effectiveness of the paragraph.
Excellent

Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order that enhances the essay and provides a vivid description of the topic with appropriate and effective transitions.
Style: sentence flow, tone, and
10 pts

word choice.

Missing or Completely Unacceptable

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine.
The word choice is inadequate.
Fair

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While sense language is used, it is not very effective in creating imagery
Good

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of sense language to create imagery.
Excellent

Writing is smooth, skillfull, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the paragraph. Sense language is used to "show, not tell" the reader what is being described.
Mechanics
10 pts

Missing or Completely Unacceptable

Distracting and major errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
Fair

A few errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization that. while distracting, the meaning and intent of the paragraph can still be discerned.
Good

A few minor errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization, but they do not detract from the overall meaning and effectiveness of the paragraph.
Excellent

No errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization.



Keywords:
  • Descriptive Paragraph, rubric, writing components

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