Expository

Essay Assessment Rubric

Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2)
Provides minimal background information Thesis is somewhat unclear or lacking in logic Support, explanation, and evidence are minimal Minimal analysis, development and insight

Deficient (1)
Lacks minimal background information Thesis is unclear and lacking in logic Insufficient support and evidence Weak analysis, development and insight

Content
(as expressed in your writing)

Provides all essential Provides most essential background information background information Thesis is clear and insightful Thesis is clear and logical Support, explanation, and evidence are comprehensive Exceptional analysis, development, and insight Support, explanation, and evidence are fairly thorough Strong analysis, development, and insight

Exemplary (4)
Introduction creates interest, provides direction, and shows engagement with topic Paragraphs reflect highly unified thinking, strongly promote the essay's flow and effectively present details Conclusion thoughtfully and effectively ends paper - goes beyond mere summary Transitions between paragraphs and sentences are logical and enhance meaning

Proficient (3)
Introduction creates some interest, provides fair direction, and shows some engagement with topic

Developing (2)

Deficient (1)
Introduction lacks interest, direction, and engagement with topic Paragraphs lack unified thinking, limit the essay's flow, and lack effective details Conclusion is either missing or lacks even a basic summary Lack of consistent transition between sentences and paragraphs significantly limits meaning

Organization

Introduction creates little interest, provides limited direction, shows little engagement with topic Paragraphs reflect unified Paragraphs reflect limited thinking, promote the thinking, somewhat essay's flow and present promote the essay's flow, details somewhat effectively and present some, but not enough details Conclusion effectively ends Conclusion ends the essay the the essay and includes with summary and some observation beyond repetition only mere summary Transitions between Transitions between paragraphs and sentences paragraphs and sentences are logical but do not are inconsistent or enhance meaning insufficient

Expository Essay Assessment Rubric

Exemplary (4)
Variety and quality of sentences consistently enhance the essay Rich, effective vocabulary and language use Voice and tone are engaging and appropriate for the purpose of the essay

Proficient (3)
Variety and quality of sentences are evident in the essay Effective vocabulary and language use Voice and tone are appropriate for the purpose of the essay

Developing (2)
Some sentence variety but relies too heavily on a few simple patterns Simple vocabulary and language use Voice and tone must better match the purpose of the essay

Deficient (1)
Little sentence variety relies on a few simple patterns Vocabulary errors and misuse of language limit meaning Voice and tone are inappropriate for the purpose of the essay

Style

Exemplary (4)
Very few or no errors Spelling, punctuation, capitalization enhance clarity Usage (tense, agreement, etc.) enhances clarity

Proficient (3)
Few errors Spelling, punctuation, capitalization are mostly correct Usage is mostly correct

Developing (2)
Errors but meaning is clear Some errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization diminish clarity Some errors in usage diminish clarity

Deficient (1)
Errors interfere with meaning Errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization seriously diminish clarity Usage errors seriously diminish clarity

Basic Writing Skills

Exemplary (4)
All citations and reference materials are authoritative, credible, and presented in the correct format.

Proficient (3)
Most citations and reference materials are authoritative, credible and presented in the correct format. Most reference materials have been used and formatted correctly, but some irregularities and/or inconsistencies are apparent.

Developing (2)
A varied number of citations appear throughout the essay, but they are of rather dubious origin and quality. Padding is evident and there are some inconsistencies in the referencing system being used.

Deficient (1)
A limited number of citations appear, padding is evident and there is no consistency in the referencing style being used.

Content (research)