Advanced Studies Laureate Program

Advanced Studies Laureate Essay Rubric

6

Thesis
The thesis is exceptional; it
clearly communicates the
major areas of focus and
provides an insightful
argument.

The thesis is sound; it

articulates the major areas of
focus and clearly states the
candidates argument.

The thesis is adequate and

presents the candidates
position.

The essay contains a thesis

but one that lacks clear
focus, disregards some
aspects of the argument, and
contains extraneous
information.
Essays of 3 or below do not
meet the minimum
requirements of an
Advanced Studies Laureate
Essay.

Organization as Argument
The essay exemplifies a keen
understanding of the topic,
effectively refutes
counterarguments, builds the
argument for the thesis
logically, and provides a
well-structured and
thoughtful analysis.
The essay shows a thorough
understanding of the topic,
acknowledges points in
opposition and refutes them,
builds the argument for the
thesis logically, and provides
sufficient analysis.
The essay shows an adequate
understanding of the topic
and addresses some of the
arguments against the
writers position but lacks
thoroughness.
The essay lacks strong
understanding of the topic
and does not acknowledge
the most important points of
opposition and refute them.

Content/Support
The essay has outstanding
content. It coherently presents
well-chosen examples and
details in support of each main
point of the argument.

Conventions
The essay exhibits
stylistic maturity
and excellent
control of diction,
syntax, structure,
transitions, and
mechanics.

Documentation
The writer not only
consistently acknowledges
his or her sources but also
effectively establishes the
credentials of the sources.

Overall Impression
The writer conveys deep
understanding of the
subject, acute insight,
obvious command of the
language, and lively
presentation of ideas.

The essay has strong evidence

in support of each main point
of the argument.

The essay expresses

the writers ideas
clearly and
showcases a strong
command of
conventions.

The writer consistently

acknowledges and
establishes the credentials
of his or her sources.

The writer creates a

clear, comprehensive
essay.

Support is adequate and covers

all main points. The essay may
present slightly weaker support
of one area or lack exceptional
depth of analysis or insight.

The essay complies

with the
conventions of
grammar, usage,
and mechanics.

The writer acknowledges

his or her sources but may
not clearly establish the
credentials of the sources.

The essay offers minimal

support of the thesis. The
writer needs additional
information to develop the
argument.

The essay shows

some weakness of
control over
conventions.

The writers
acknowledgement of
sources is barely adequate
and fails to establish the
sources credentials.

The writer creates an

adequate essay that
meets the minimum
standards of an
acceptable Advanced
Studies Laureate Essay.
The writer creates an
essay that is not
adequate. The essay still
shows need of
significant development
and revision.