8.2–Short Essay Rubric

Grading Rubric, Short Essays

Thesis (20 points maximum)

• 5 points: The thesis is clear, concise, and insightful. It presents a strong, arguable point that reflects a deep understanding of the text.
• 4 points: The thesis is clear and arguable, reflecting a solid understanding of the text. It may lack some originality or depth.
• 3 points: The thesis is present and arguable but may be somewhat vague or simplistic. It shows a basic understanding of the text.
• 2 points: The thesis is unclear, weak, or too broad. It shows a limited understanding of the text.
• 1 point: The thesis is very unclear, overly simplistic, or off-topic. It shows minimal understanding of the text.
• 0 points: No thesis is present.

Organization/Paragraphing (25 points maximum)

• 5 points: The essay is well-organized, with a logical flow. Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and transitions smoothly to the next. Paragraphs are well-developed and cohesive.
• 4 points: The essay is organized logically, with mostly clear topic sentences and transitions. Paragraphs are generally well-developed and cohesive.
• 3 points: The essay has some organizational structure, but it may be inconsistent. Some paragraphs may lack clear topic sentences or smooth transitions.
• 2 points: The essay has limited organizational structure. Paragraphs may be underdeveloped or lack clear topic sentences and transitions.
• 1 point: The essay lacks clear organization. Paragraphs are poorly developed, and there are few or no clear transitions.
• 0 points: No discernible organization is present.

Textual Analysis (50 points maximum)

• 5 points: The analysis is insightful and thorough, with strong evidence from the text. The essay makes meaningful connections and interpretations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the text.
• 4 points: The analysis is solid, with good evidence from the text. The essay makes clear connections and interpretations, showing a good understanding of the text.
• 3 points: The analysis is basic, with some evidence from the text. The essay makes some connections and interpretations, but they may be simplistic.
• 2 points: The analysis is limited, with minimal evidence from the text. The essay makes few connections and interpretations, showing a limited understanding of the text.
• 1 point: The analysis is very weak, with little to no evidence from the text. The essay makes no meaningful connections or interpretations.
• 0 points: No analysis is present.

Grammar and Mechanics (25 points maximum)

• 5 points: The essay is free from grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. It demonstrates a strong command of language and effectively communicates ideas.
• 4 points: The essay has few minor grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. It demonstrates a good command of language and communicates ideas clearly.
• 3 points: The essay has some grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. It demonstrates a basic command of language and generally communicates ideas.
• 2 points: The essay has several grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. It demonstrates a limited command of language and hinders clear communication.
• 1 point: The essay has numerous grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. It demonstrates poor command of language and fails to communicate ideas clearly.
• 0 points: The essay is incoherent due to excessive grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.