5-PARAGRAPH

ESSAY RUBRIC

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Introduction paragraph

Generalizes. Sets the tone. Draws the reader in. Contains thesis statement

Generalizes. Sets the tone. Less developed. Contains thesis statement

Generalizes briefly. Contains thesis statement

Plunges in. Goes straight to the thesis statement.

Thesis statement

States your position clearly, pointedly, and concisely

States position clearly and pointedly

States position vaguely or ambiguously

Position not clearly stated

Topic sentences

Introduce the essential ideas addressed in their body paragraphs with clarity and originality

Introduce the essential ideas addressed in their body paragraphs

Introduce one of the main paragraph ideas, but don’t cover all that is discussed

Simply begin their paragraphs without pointing toward ideas mentioned within

Body paragraphs

Provide convincing support for the thesis statement. They stay focused on the topic sentence subject. Give  specific examples from the book. Use an appropriate quote when and where necessary

Provide convincing support for thesis statement. Attempt to stay focused on topic sentence subject Gives some specific examples from the book. Use a quote when and where necessary

Provides support for thesis statement. Strays beyond the scope of the topic sentence.

Underdeveloped

Does not tie into the thesis statement. Is desultory and underdeveloped

Conclusion

Generalizes. Makes comprehensive closing statements based on issues discussed in the essay. Gives readers a sense of satisfaction

Generalizes. Makes comprehensive closing statements on issues discussed in the essay. Is less developed. Attempts to give readers a sense of satisfaction 

Generalizes. Makes closing statements. Is less developed and doesn’t clearly spring from the essay topics

Closes abruptly

Grammar & mechanics

Is free of sentence faults

Contains minor faults that do not disrupt the flow of reading

Contains significant faults – fragments, run-ons, misspellings, punctuation errors – that disrupt the flow of reading

Seriously flawed

External organization

Document has proper heading, original title, proper indentation, adequate (double) spacing and margins, and is visually appealing. Contains a cover page if required.

Document has proper heading, a title, and adequate margins.

Document has incomplete heading, lacks a title, has margin errors

Document is illegible and indefinable