iRubric: Test Preparation Essay Test Rubric

--Thesis is original and complex. <BR>
--Answers the essay question with clarity and a defined focus. <BR>
--Introduction leads to thesis with relevant background information and essay question is hidden in the author's own words.

--Thesis is original. <BR>
--Answers the essay question with clarity and a vague focus.<BR>
--Introduction leads to thesis with some background information and essay question is paraphrased.

--Thesis is simple, and somewhat answers the essay question.<BR>
--May not have a clear focus<BR>
--Introduction is very similar to the essay question.

--Thesis is a restatement of the essay question with nothing added<BR>
--Vague focus or none at all<BR>
--Introduction provides little background information and is short.

--Each paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence<BR>
--Topic sentences relate directly to proving part of the thesis statement<BR>
--Transition sentences are used at the end of each paragraph<BR>
--Conclusion shows how thesis was proved and explain the purpose of both the essay question and the novel

--Most paragraphs begins with a topic sentence<BR>
--Topic sentences relate to the thesis statement<BR>
--Transition sentences are sometimes used at the end of each paragraph<BR>
--Conclusion shows how thesis was proved and vaguely explain the purpose of both the essay question and the novel

--Some paragraphs begin with a topic sentence<BR>
--Topic sentences sometimes relate to the thesis statement, but may be confusing<BR>
--Transition sentences are rarely or never used at the end of each paragraph<BR>
--Conclusion is a restatement of thesis statement and does not explain the purpose of both the essay question and the novel

--Few or no paragraphs begin with a topic sentence<BR>
--Transition sentences are never used<BR>
--Conclusion is missing