iRubric: 3rd Grade Compare and Contrast Writing Rubric

Remains focused on the topic.

Uses specific details to support the main idea.

Presents insight or unique perspective of the topic.

Remains focused on the topic.

Uses general details to support the main idea.

Shows clear understanding of the topic.

Generally focused on a main idea.

Has limited or unrelated details.

Shows limited understanding of the topic.

Digresses from main idea.

Has missing or irrelevant details.

Lacks understanding of the topic.

Uses various key compare and contrast words or phrases for every sentence.

Uses key compare and contrast words or phrases in every sentence, but does not vary.

Uses at least two compare and contrast words or phrases throughout the entire paragraph.

Only uses a single compare or contrast key word or phrase throughout the entire paragraph.

Uses correct capitalization.

Uses a variety of end and internal punctuation correctly (ex. apostrophes, question marks, commas)


Uses spelling that is always correct, on common words.

Uses correct capitalization most of the time.
Uses correct end punctuation


Uses spelling that is usually correct, especially on common words.

Uses inconsistent capitalization.

Uses end punctuation inconsistently.


Misspells common words.

Uses incorrect capitalization.

Uses incorrect end punctuation; or omits punctuation


Makes frequent spelling errors that significantly impair readability.