EGL 102

Life& Literature
Essay – Rubric

3 2 1 0

INTRODUCTION Well-developed
introduction engages the
Thesis Statement reader and creates interest.
Contains detailed
background information
and a clear explanation of
the topic. Thesis is evident
and clear.
Introduction somewhat Introduction adequately Background details are a random
creates interest and explains the topic but collection of information, unclear, or not
contains background may lack detail. Thesis related to the topic. Thesis and/or
information. Thesis is is unclear. position is vague or unclear.
somewhat clear.

MAIN POINTS Main points are well
Body Paragraphs developed directly relate to
Evidence and Formulating Ideas the thesis. Supporting
Ideas examples are concrete and
Conclusion detailed. Conclusion
effectively wraps up and
goes beyond restating the
thesis. Commentary is
logical and well thought
out. Ideas are clear and
creative.
Main points are related Main points are present. Less than three main points, and/or poor
to the thesis, but one Evidence is not clear development of ideas. Conclusion does
may lack details. nor is it developed. not summarize main points.
Evidence is present. Topic sentences and Commentary is not present.
Topic sentences may formulation of ideas
lack substantial with support needs
development. Some development.
ideas are creative but Commentary is not
not entirely supported. present.
Conclusion effectively
summarizes topics.

ORGANIZATION Logical progression of Logical progression of Organization is a bit No discernable organization.

Structure ideas with a clear structure ideas. Transitions are unclear. Few transitions Transitions are not present.
Transitions that enhances the thesis. present equally
Transitions are mature and throughout essay.
graceful.

MECHANICS AND STYLE Writing is smooth, skillful,
Sentence flow, variety coherent (clear).
Diction (style of writing, word choice, language Sentences are strong and
use) expressive with varied
Spelling, punctuation, capitalization structure. Diction is
consistent and words well
chosen. Paper flows using
transitional phrases.
Punctuation, spelling,
capitalization are correct.
No errors.
Writing is clear and Writing is clear, but Writing is confusing, hard to follow.
sentences have varied sentences may lack Contains fragments and/or run-on
structure. Diction is variety. Diction is sentences. Inappropriate diction.
consistent. Student uses appropriate. A few Distracting errors in punctuation,
transitional phrases. errors in punctuation, spelling, capitalization.
Paper Flows. spelling, capitalization.
Punctuation, spelling, (3-4)
capitalization are
generally correct, with
few errors. (1-2)

Format Ideas are logically Missing one or more Missing two or more Does not follow directions. Essay is not
integrated into the text elements from proper elements. written in MLA format.
Follows Directions/ MLA using MLA format. formatting.
Evidence is clear and
author uses quotes and in-
text citation. Heading is in
MLA format. Pages are
formatted and works cited
page is present.

Grade Equivalent (maximum of 15 points): A = 13 - 15 points B = 10 - 12 points C = 7 - 9 points D = 4 - 6 points

Comments: What would make this essay even better? Suggestions for further development-