In-Class Essay Rubric

A+, A (9, 8)
This is a superior essay that responds to all parts of the question, includes
analysis and demonstrates insight. The essay has a clear statement of
position, thoughtful support, convincing examples, and stylistic maturity
(diction, sentence structure, organiation). The voice is honest and has
authority. !lear, fresh assertions are supported "y precise evidence,
including "rief, #ell$chosen quotations #hen necessary and appropriate.
The essay is #ritten in present tense. Although there may "e a fe# minor
grammar or spelling errors, the author demonstrates a superior control of
language.
A$, %+ (&)
This is an excellent essay that responds to the question and provides
analysis. 'o#ever, it has a thesis that lac(s the specific and convincing
proof of the superior essays. The author)s #riting style is less mature, and
thus has occasional lapses of diction, tone, syntax or organiation. The
voice is honest and mature. *aragraphs and overall organiation are sound
and flexi"le. +ost assertions are supported "y sound evidence, including
"rief, #ell$chosen quotations #hen necessary and appropriate. The essay is
#ritten in present tense. Although there may "e errors in spelling and
grammar, the author demonstrates adequate control of language.
%, %$ (,)
This essay responds #ell to the question. -t is clear and sho#s some insight
"ut #ithout the depth of thought or precision of a higher scoring essay. -f
the #riting is particularly good, some parts of the question may "e
neglected. Assertions, #hile sound, are more o"vious than insightful and
may "e less than fully supported "y evidence. The essay is generally #ell
#ritten and engaged.
!+, ! (., /)
These are mediocre, "ut adequate, essays. The thesis may not "e quite
clear, the argument not as #ell developed, and the organiation not
especially effective. 0vidence may "e a"sent, #ea( or misapplied at times.
!$, 1+ (2)
The essay is #ea( and may summarie rather than analye. 3enerally,
evidence is a"sent or misapplied. +eaningful commentary is not
developed. There is oversimplification or overgeneraliation of the issues.
There may "e su"stantial repetition of ideas or passages of empty language.
An incorrect point of vie# is employed consistently. There are grammar
and spelling errors that distract from content.
1, 1$ (4)
This is a #ea( essay. The voice may "e immature or unengaged. There is
oversimplification or overgeneraliation of the issues. This essay lac(s clear
organiation and adequate support.
0 (5)
This is a poorly #ritten essay. Although it may mention the question, it
reveals no depth of thought, lac(s clarity, and has little or no supporting
evidence. This is "adly #ritten, unaccepta"ly "rief, or off topic entirely.
9 50 5 39-38 1 29
8 47-49 4 37 0 0-28
7 45-46 3 34-36
6 40-44 2 30-33
Conversion Chart for 9 Point Scale