Essay Scoring Rubric


Context and Position
10 points Clear position statement is supported through a well-organized essay; provides a reasoned (clear and consistent) argument with supporting data; deals will all significant issues; offers analysis and reaches plausible conclusions; no conceptual errors.
9 points Thesis statement is supported by an argument that may need better organization; uses contextual information from some of the collected data to support most of the arguments; offers analysis and reaches plausible conclusions; few conceptual errors.
8 points Presents a thesis or a position; organized argument; offers analysis but with limited support; errors do not detract from conceptual understanding.
7 points Thesis or position is not clearly defined or is missing altogether; little or no analysis; limited, if any, support provided; errors detract from conceptual understanding.
6 points Does not provide a context or take a position. Rambles and does not refer to the context of the essay.

Thoroughness
10 points Even coverage of all areas of study in the essay; where appropriate analyzes and summarizes various points of view; provides complete understanding of the issues and complexity involved.
9 points Covers most areas of study in the essay; summarizes some different points of view; gives some evidence of knowledge of the issues and complexity involved.
8 points Adequately covers most areas of the topic; provides sketchy evidence of knowledge of the issues and complexity involved.
7 points Inadequately covers the topic or may cover only portions of the topic; incomplete and inaccurate evidence of knowledge of the issues and complexity involved.
6 points Does little more than mention or repeat portions of the topic; simply restates the question.

Documentation
10 points Provides relevant and specific examples and data; goes into depth; adds considerable, pertinent information.
9 points Provides appropriate examples and data; goes into some depth.
8 points Provides somewhat appropriate examples and data.
7 points Provides limited examples and data; data is used ineffectively or inappropriately.
6 points Most of the examples and data mentioned are accurate; student has failed to comprehend the issue.

Presentation
(This is on a five-point rather than a 10-point scale because the other categories are much more meaningful in this assessment tool)
5 points Well organized; effective writing enhances the response; uses clear, precise, and/or vivid language.
4 points Organized and fluent essay.
3 points Some organization; mechanical errors may hinder comprehension.
2 points Little organization; mechanical errors hinder comprehension.
1 point No apparent organization; mechanical errors seriously impede comprehension.