Developing a Rubric

Category

Excellent

Proficient

Basic

Below Basic

Introduction

Gives a direct introduction to the topic, inviting, and has a clear thesis statement

Gives a clear introduction to the topic, and has a clear thesis statement

Gives somewhat a clear introduction to the topic, and has a fairly clear thesis statement

Poor introduction to the topic, and has unclear thesis statement

Examples

Examples are specific, significant, and have a clear connection directly to the thesis

Examples are specific, and have a reasonable connection to the thesis

Examples are fair and insufficient, they have a fair connection to the thesis

Examples are unclear and insufficient, they have a poor connection to the thesis

Conclusion

Conclusion clearly restates the thesis, reinforces the main ideas and makes a broader statement about the topic

Conclusion sums up the thesis well and reinforces the main ideas

Conclusion does not sum up or reinforce the thesis

Conclusion sum up the thesis poorly with little or no reinforcement

Spelling\Grammar\ Punctuation

Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are accurate and almost perfect

Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly accurate with little errors

Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are fair with some noticeable error

Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are poor with many errors