Analysis

ENGL110

Essay Rubric

Proficient

Skilled

Developing

Novice

Score

Essay Setup

5%

Paper is formatted in

perfect MLA, APA, or Chicago style (margins, spacing, header, etc.).

1-2 Errors in

formatting exist.

3-4 Errors in

formatting exist.

Inconsistent

formatting or no discernible pattern.

Introduction

10%

Introduction is engaging, properly introduces the thesis statement, and is well

developed.

Introduction is engaging and relates to the thesis but is too

short or missing elements that connect it organically to

the thesis.

Introduction is mildly engaging, somewhat relates to the thesis, too short,

and is missing elements that connect it organically to the thesis.

Introduction is not engaging or related to the thesis. No serious

attempt.

Thesis

10%

Thesis clearly articulates the position, scope, and specific elements that

will be covered in the essay.

Thesis articulates the position, scope, and specific

elements that will be covered in the essay with some challenges in wording/focus.

Thesis is attempted but has issues with clarity.

Thesis is irrelevant, unclear, too narrow, or too broad. No serious

attempt.

Topic

Sentences

10%

All body paragraphs’ topic sentences coordinate closely with the thesis.

All body paragraphs’ topic sentences

coordinate loosely with the

thesis, or most of the topic sentences relate directly.

Body paragraphs’ topic sentences are generic or indirectly

connected with thesis.

Characterized by weak transitions.

Weak transitions and indirect connections

characterize poorly-constructed

topic sentences.

Body

Paragraphs

15%

All body paragraphs are well developed. All sentences support their respective topic sentences.

Body

paragraphs are fairly developed. Most sentences support their respective topic

sentences.

Only one body

paragraph is developed. Some sentences support their respective topic sentences.

Body paragraphs

are present but are too short and do not support their respective topic sentences.

Grammar

20%

There are no grammatical errors.

1-2 grammatical errors/patterns present, but they do not

hinder readability of text.

3-5 grammatical errors/patterns present; mild disruption of readability of text.

6 or more grammatical errors present that disrupt understanding of

text.

Conclusion

10%

Conclusion is

effective, paraphrases

the thesis, and is

well developed.

Conclusion is

effective and paraphrases the thesis but is too short.

Conclusion is mildly

effective, somewhat paraphrases the thesis, and is too short.

Conclusion is not

effective, does

not paraphrase the

thesis, and is too

short.

In-text

Citations

10%

Signal phrases and parenthetical

references (when

required) indicate clearly when the ideas, constructions, methods, or “exact” words of others are

used. All are formatted according to citation style.

Signal phrases and

parenthetical

references are generally, but not perfectly, used according to appropriate

citation style.

Signal phrases or parenthetical

references are

attempted but inconsistent; may not be formatted to align with citation style.

Signal phrases and parenthetical

references are

lacking and don’t align with citation style.

References or

Works Cited

10%

Students correctly and appropriately

used requisite number of resources from APUS library and professional organizations.

1-3 Errors are present, but

student used requisite number of resources from APUS library

and professional

organizations.

4 or more errors are present, or

student did not use requisite number of resources from APUS library and professional

organizations.

Excessive formatting errors,

and student did not use requisite number of resources from APUS library and

professional

organizations.

Total