Expository Essay Rubrics

Excellent

Satisfactory

Needs Improvement

C
O
N
T
E
N
T

A
N
D

O
R
G
A
N
I
Z
A
T
I
O
N

Response to topic/Thesis

Makes a strong, perceptive statement (i.e., thesis) that compliments the topic explicitly and moves beyond the predictable; takes a risk and explores issues understandingly and in depth

Shows some insight into the topic, but the statement is predictable or merely reflects class ideas

Creates perplexity about the topic, ignores significant picture of the problem; lacks concentration or demonstrates confused perception

Supportive Detail

Uses important, rich facts & figures which serve as detail for the proof of thesis; essay contains at least 3 significant major ideas that support thesis.

Uses some details or examples, but could be extended to show more understanding and/or support

Lacks real, pertinent details or quotation marks that provide unsubstantial evidence for thesis; provides unsophisticated generalization; unclear

Commentary/
Analysis

Creative & Original commentary examines and interprets particulars, quotes, and cases, demonstrating how they compliment the thesis in relevance.

Elaborates importance of particulars, but interpretation & analysis could be expanded to show firm connection to thesis or provide more insight about the details or particulars.

Commentary is deficient or is predictable and incoherent, summarizing instead of analyzing importance; demonstrates no clear connection of details to thesis

Use of quotes

*Supports the theses by using 3 quotations.
*Correctly introduces the quotation by maintaining the context of the theme and the speaker.
*Explains the significance of the quotes clearly.

*Uses 3 quotations
*Remarks on quotes compliments issue fairly, but could be gone in depth more.

*Uses less than 3 quotes OR topic is not supported by quotes
*Quotes need to be clarified by more clear commentary.
*Introduction of quotes is incorrect or poor

Organization

*Is clearly organized showing sophistication and relevance in the paragraphs with respect to the thesis.

*Paragraph parts flow flawlessly.

*Has sufficient organization
*Almost all key parts are shown in paragraph.

*Weak and unclear organization makes argument difficult to follow; body paragraphs need clearer relation to thesis;
*Paragraphs parts flow imperfectly and also missing key parts

Transitions

Uses thoughtful transitions between all ideas at the essay and paragraph levels for the smooth progression of ideas

Uses transitions between and within paragraphs, but they may seem awkward or forced

Has inconsistent transitions at either the paragraph or essay level

Introduction/
Conclusion

*Has an introduction that grabs reader’s attention
*Has a conclusion that provokes further thought

*Has introduction, but it may not draw reader in;
*Has a conclusion, but it may not tie up loose ends

Introduction and/or conclusion is simplistic and could be more engaging and/or clearer OR lacks an introduction and/or conclusion

S
T
Y
L
E

Command of Language (Voice)

Language is natural and captures the writer’s “voice”

Language is adequate, but doesn’t reflect unique voice

Language is formulaic and contains use of passive voice and/or 2nd person “you”

Word Choice

Striking, vivid words catch the reader’s eye; strong use of action verbs

Some use of active verbs and strong words; lapses into “to be” verbs at times

Includes wordy expressions, repetition of the verbs “is” and “has”

Sentence Variety

Shows mastery over a variety of sentence openers and structures and uses them appropriately

Contains some varied sentence structure; most sentences follow subject-verb pattern

Does not contain much sentence variety

Grammar

*Has no BIG 5 errors or other grammar errors
*Uses present tense to discuss literature
*Proofreading is present

*Grammar errors do not disrupt the flow of the paper
*Some proofreading is present

*1 or more BIG 5 error
*Fails to use present tense to discuss literature

Score = 6

Excellent

• Develops dynamic ideas and uses relevant specifics in detail throughout the essay
• Is well organized with explicit transition; maintaining focus of the theme.
• Upholds diverse sentence structure.
• Exhibits many specific words options.
• Contains no error in grammar, composition & conventions; errors don’t interfere with understanding.

Persuasive mood

• Clearly states the position and efficiently convinces the reader of argument’s validity.

Score = 5

Skillful

• Develops dynamic ideas with some specific relevant detail.
• Is well organized maintaining focus of the theme but essay may lack clear transition.
• Exhibits a few diverse sentence structures.
• Exhibits some specific words options.
• Contains a very few light errors in grammar, composition & conventions; errors don’t interfere with understanding.

Persuasive mood

• Clearly states the position and convinces the reader.

Score = 4

Sufficient

• Develops ideas sparsely; may have few details
• Pieces of information organized in clear sequences that are generally related to each other.
• Exhibition of some control over sentence structure that are generally simple.
• Displays many of simple words choices but may contain specific words options.
• Contains error in grammar, composition & conventions; that don’t interfere with understanding.

Persuasive mood

• Fairly states the position and makes some attempts to persuade the reader.

Score = 3

Uneven

• Provides limited or incomplete details & information having the quality of an outline or a list-like form.
• Is not well organized with implicit transition disturbing the sequence.
• Shows uneven control over sentence structure.
• May have some inappropriate or inaccurate words choices.
• Contains error in grammar, composition & conventions; that sometimes interfere with understanding.

Persuasive mood

• The position is stated in an unclear and undeveloped manner.

Score = 2

Insufficient

• Provides a very little amount of information and makes little effort in development.
• Is absolutely disorganized or too scattered to detect organization.
• Displays insufficient control over sentence structure.
• Exhibits inaccurate choices of words throughout the essay.
• Constitutes missing words, misspellings and wrong word order; errors in grammar, composition and conventions are severe enough to make perception difficult & complicated in much of the essay.

Persuasive mood

• States the position in a very unclear way or a very little effort is made on persuasion.

Score = 1

Unsatisfactory

• Attempts to make a response by only paraphrasing the prompt or be extremely brief.
• Shows absolutely no control over organization.
• Displays no control over sentence structure.
• Contains wrong words choices throughout the essays
• Constitutes missing words, misspellings and wrong word order; errors in grammar, composition and conventions are severe enough to make perception & understanding very difficult & complicated in much of the essay.

Persuasive mood

• Very little convincing attempt is made because the absence of position taken or support given.