Writing Program Common Rubric:


  1. Structure

Thesis

Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

The essay demonstrates a logical organizing principle which may include clear, focused thesis statement or abstract that fulfills the assignment.

The essay somewhat demonstrates a logical organizing principle which may include a thesis or abstract that fulfills the assignment but could be more clear and focused.

The essay does not demonstrate a logical organizing principle.

 

 

 

Topic sentences


Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

The topic sentences are specific and focused, support the thesis, and state the main idea of the paragraph.

The topic sentences are sometimes specific and focused, sometimes support the thesis, and usually state the main idea of the paragraph.

The topic sentences are either not used or do not support the thesis or state the main idea of the paragraph.

 

 

 

Organization: one main idea per paragraph


Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

There is one clear main idea in each paragraph.

There is sometimes one clear main idea per paragraph. 

There is not a clear main idea in each paragraph.

 

 

 
  1. Outside sources

Sources

Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Sources are appropriate and support or illustrate a claim.

Sources are sometimes appropriate and somewhat support or illustrate a claim.

Sources are not relevant and do not support or illustrate a claim.

 

 

 

Quotes (if applicable)

Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Quoted sources are introduced with a signal phrase and discussed or analyzed afterwards.

Quoted sources are sometimes integrated effectively with a signal phrase and/or analysis.

Quoted sources are not integrated at all and may appear as a “dropped quote.”

 

 

 

Paraphrases/Summary (if applicable)

Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Paraphrases and/or summary are clearly identified and integrated

Paraphrases and/or summary are sometimes identified and integrated

Paraphrases and/or summary are not identified and/or  integrated

 

 

 

Citation

Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Correct citation is used.

Citation is used but may not be correct.

Citation is sometimes or always missing.

 

 

 
  1. Grammar and mechanics

 

Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

The following grammatical concerns  are correct (including, but not limited to): agreement between subject/verb and pronoun/antecedent; homophone use; apostrophes used where needed; avoids comma splices, avoids run-ons, avoids fragments.

The following grammatical concerns are typically correct approx.. 75% of the time (including, but not limited to): agreement between subject/verb and pronoun/antecedent; homophone use; apostrophes used where needed; avoids comma splices, avoids run-ons, avoids fragments.

The following grammatical concerns are often incorrect approx.. 75% of the time (including, but not limited to): agreement between subject/verb and pronoun/antecedent; homophone use; apostrophes used where needed; avoids comma splices, avoids run-ons, avoids fragments.

 

 

 
  1. Rhetorical Situation:

Language has appropriate formality


Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Language and diction are appropriate given the genre, context, and audience.

Language and diction are typically appropriate given the genre, context, and audience.

Language and diction are usually inappropriate given the genre, context, and audience.

 

 

 

Writing is focused on a clear purpose (to prove, to explain, to solve, etc.).


Target

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Writing has a clear purpose (to prove, to explain, to solve, etc.).

The writing typically has a clear purpose. 

Writing does not have a clear purpose.