summary

Professor Carlisle, FSCJ

Rubric for DESCRIPTIVE WRITING in an academic paper

RUBRIC: DESCRIPTIVE WRITING (academic paper)

In an unacceptable, poor, or marginal

descriptive paper, In a successful descriptive paper,

A really good

descriptive paper,

descriptions are not clear or focused. The reader cannot experience or vividly picture what is being described. descriptions are unorganized or poorly organized. descriptions don’t support the thesis or are not clearly corrected to the thesis. descriptions are written in vague language or in words that lack specificity. descriptive comparisons, metaphors, and analogies are not well thought out. When imagined, comparisons don’t make sense or are distracting. descriptive language and phrasing are cliché. For example, people or objects “paint a picture,” or “draw the eye,” or “think outside of the box,” or create a “perfect storm,” or are “good to go,” or “ “fly in the face of” something, or do anything “at the end of the day,” or after anything “has been said and done.” descriptions use words that draw attention to themselves rather than to what is being described. For example, “Her bereavement left her feeling evacuated,” instead of “Her grief left her empty.” descriptions may be poorly written or grammatically incorrect.

 descriptions are clear and focused. The reader is able to vividly picture or imagine what is being descripted.

 descriptions are well organized. Their organization seems natural or helpful.

 descriptions support the thesis and their purpose, as relates to the thesis, is clear.

 descriptions are written in language that is clear and specific.

 descriptive comparisons, metaphors, and analogies are clear. What they describe is logical, natural, or otherwise makes sense.

 descriptions do NOT rely on cliché.  descriptions are well written and

grammatically correct.

exhibits the same traits as those

found in a successful descriptive

paper,

 plus a really good descriptive paper

demonstrates a more

complicated or nuanced

understanding of how to

use tone, style, and art and

expresses a profound

engagement with the

subject it is describing.