“Flowers for Algernon” Essay Rubric
Total points: 100
Each section will be entered as a separate 20 point grade
Weak (7-10)
The thesis is unclear. It
may not relate to the rest of
the essay at all.
There is no clear
introduction or conclusion.
No or almost no support
from the text. Very unclear
arguments.
Almost no transition words
are used, and this creates
confusion for the reader.
Satisfactory (11-15)
The thesis is somewhat
related to the topic of the
essay. It is either too
specific or too broad.
The introduction does not
pertain to the rest of the
essay, and it does not
clearly explain the
background information to
the reader.
The arguments used are
weak or do not pertain to
the thesis statement. Some
arguments are supported by
the text.
A few transition words are
used, sometimes
incorrectly, in the essay.
Proficient (16-18)
The thesis is
understandable, but not
strong. Most of the essay
relates back to the thesis.
The introduction is good but
perhaps not completely
relevant to the essay. The
conclusion does not
summarize the whole essay,
and it might contain new
information.
Some of the arguments are
clear, thorough, and
convincing while some are
weak. Most arguments are
supported by the text.
Transition words are used
correctly in some parts of
the essay to enhance and
clarify the content and flow
Excellent (19-20)
The thesis is strong, clear,
and succinct. It is an
accurate summary of the
content of the essay.
The introduction is
interesting, relevant, and
succinct. It gives adequate
background information to
the reader. The conclusion
succinctly and freshly
summarizes the essay and
restates the thesis without
adding any new information
to the essay.
Clear, thorough, and
convincing arguments are
used to persuade the reader
of the accuracy of the
author’s thesis. These
arguments are supported by
the text.
Transition words are used
correctly throughout the
essay to enhance and clarify
the content and flow of the
 of the piece. piece.
Almost no word Some word combinations Most word combinations are Collocations: The best
combinations are correct. are correct. correct. correct combinations of
words and correct word
order are used throughout
the essay.