Writing Rubric General Writing
	90-100 A-/A	84-89 B/B+	77-83 C+/B-	70-76 C-/C
Content Quality of Ideas Interpretation and Explanation	Thesis is restricted, unified and precise. It artfully presents a specific topic and a clear analytics angle The introduction artfully draws the reader into the argument. The essay’s content/body provides deep, incisive and logical analysis. Ideas are fully and artfully demonstrated with examples. Inferences are drawn from the examples given. Ideas are not left dangling, nor are they summed up in a perfunctory manner.	Thesis presents an insightful topic, but it does job in a functional but unspectacular manner. Or some aspect of the thesis is flawed or underdeveloped. Or parts of the argument are not included in the thesis. This introduction is competent, even polished, but not outstanding. Content makes the argument's significance clear, and ideas are easy to follow, but more inferences could be drawn from examples. While some paragraphs present interpretations that are nuanced and insightful, others lack unity, coherence and/or sufficient support	Thesis has right parts but is weak for a number of reasons: 1) The writer’s terms or the argument itself lack definition. 2) Argument is superficial or overly broad. 3) Controlling idea presents a "muddled" or a vague argument Content and interpretation can be plausible, making the significance of the argument or experience clear. However, the content does not consistently develop its argument or reflect deep interpretation. Main ideas may lack unity, supporting examples and/or coherence	The thesis has major weaknesses: 1) Terms, topic and point of view are not clearly defined. 2) The thesis is based on illogical or flawed premises. 3) The thesis is simplistic or facile—lacking depth of thought Content struggles at times to articulate essay’s argument because ideas lack unity, coherence and support. Content may be simplistic and lacking depth. More examples are needed and more conclusions need to be drawn from the examples that are present.
Mechanics and Organization	Essay's ideas flow smoothly; subtle and/or artful transitions are employed. The argument is structured in a manner that is clear, logical and persuasive. Topic sentences are precise. Transitions are clear. There are few or no grammatical errors.	Essay is clearly organized. Transitions may be slightly awkward at times. Structure is appropriate, but it could be improved to enhance content. Grammatical and mechanical errors may be a bit distracting.	Essay is occasionally hard to follow because of weak transitions. Ideas may need to be delineated more clearly. Structure does not always complement content. It may be formulaic and/or demonstrate a limited repertoire of skills. Grammatical errors can be a distraction.	The argument is not built on logical evidence and conclusions. Ideas may be "lumped" into cumbersome paragraphs. Structure does not help reader follow argument. It may be formulaic and/or demonstrate a limited repertoire of skills. Grammatical errors can be a distraction.
Expression	The first lines grab reader's attention and the introduction orients the reader in a creative and entertaining manner. The writer’s approach reveals a flexible understanding of subject material and is tailored to the task at hand. The writing is concise, artful, well crafted and entertains the reader as it informs. This paper communicates a highly sophisticated understanding of the task and topic. The essay has “sizzle.” It maturely explores what is unique, different or unusual. The conclusion, like the introduction, grabs the reader's attention.	First line and intro are clear, but possibly a bit "flat." The reader may not be oriented or fully engaged by content or the manner in which it's presented. The writing may be concise and well developed, but some ideas and/or paragraphs may struggle to be clear and thorough. The writing shows rhetorical competence but is not polished or especially artful. A well-developed but not sophisticated understanding of the task and topic is communicated. An array of developed writing skills are on display in this essay. This writing may be less successful in establishing atmosphere, narrating experience and engaging the reader.	Introduction sets the tone, but content is not effectively engaging reader or setting up the essay. The assignment lacks focus; its purpose needs to be articulated more effectively. Parts of the essay may be lucid and engaging, but sections are unfocused, wordy or underdeveloped. The prose is occasionally stilted and clumsy. Language may, at times, fail to illuminate main ideas. Weak diction and awkwardness may disengage reader.	The intro is a bit confusing. Hook or content is not effective and may impact essay's development. The assignment dos not effectively engage the task at hand. Perhaps, none of only part of the assigned topic is addressed. The paper is sloppy in form and content. Ideas are not well developed. Prose is stilted and clumsy. Diction problems and awkwardness negatively impact essay.