Personal Essay

Writing Rubric – Personal Essay

Exemplary Accomplished Developing Beginning No evidence 4 pts 3 pts 2 pts 1pt 0 pts

Academic Skill Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter in the assignment. Assignment shows an impressive level of depth of student’s ability to relate assignment details to practical examples and applications. Student provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence.

Student exhibits above average usage of subject matter in assignment. Student demonstrates above average ability in relating assignment details by offering supporting evidence by providing examples and references. Student provides a satisfactory analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence.

The submission reveals that the student has a general, fundamental understanding of the assignment. However, there are areas of some concern in the linkages provided between facts and supporting statements. Student generally explains concepts, but only meets the minimum requirements in this area.

Student tries to explain some concepts, but overlooks critical details. Assignment appears vague or incomplete in various segments. Student presents concepts in isolation and does not perceive to have a logical sequencing of ideas.

The student does not attempt to explain concepts, and does not seem to grasp the material even in the most basic way.

Communication Student demonstrates an excellent command of grammar, as well as presents research in a clear and concise writing style. Presents a thorough, extensive understanding of word usage. Assignment is error-free and reflects student’s ability to prepare a high-quality academic assignment.

Student provides an effective display of good writing and grammar. Assignment reflects student’s ability to select appropriate word usage and present an above average presentation of a given topic or issue. Assignment appears to be well written with no more than 3-5 errors. Student provides a final written product that covers the above-minimal requirements.

Assignment reflects basic writing and grammar, but contains more than 5 errors. Key terms and concepts are somewhat vague and not completely explained by student. Student uses a basic vocabulary in assignment. Student’s writing ability is average, but demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject matter.

Topics, concepts, and ideas are not coherently discussed or expressed in assignment. Student’s writing style is weak and needs improvement, along with numerous proofreading errors. Assignment lacks clarity, consistency, and correctness. Student needs to review and revise assignment.

Assignment is completely unclear or unrelated to the expectations of the assignment.

Critical Thinking Student provides a strategic

approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which are not immediately obvious. Student provides well-supported ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment. Student presents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout assignment.

Student exhibits a good command of critical thinking skills in the presentation of material and supporting statements. Assignment demonstrates the student’s above average use of relating concepts by using a variety of factors. Overall, student provides adequate conclusions.

Student takes a common, conventional approach in guiding the reader through various linkages and connections presented in assignment. However, student presents a limited perspective on key concepts throughout assignment. Student appears to have problems applying information in a problem- solving manner.

Student demonstrates beginning understanding of key concepts, but overlooks critical details. Learner is unable to apply information in a problem-solving fashion. Student presents confusing statements and facts in assignment. There is little evidence of critical thinking skills.

The student demonstrates no evidence of understanding key concepts or critical thinking skills.

Information Literacy

Student demonstrates an exemplary working knowledge of computer applications. Resources used in the assignment are satisfactory and exceed assignment requirements.

Student demonstrates a good working knowledge of computer applications. Resources used in the assignment are satisfactory and meet assignment requirements.

Student demonstrates a basic knowledge of computer applications. Resources used in assignment are limited. Student may need to obtain further help in the use of computer applications and Internet research.

Student demonstrates a basic knowledge of computer applications. Research and resources presented in the assignment are limited. Student needs to expand research scope.

Student demonstrates minimal knowledge of computer applications. The research presented is unrelated, inappropriate, or misappropriated.

Lifelong Learning (preparation for)

The student seems to invest significant effort in learning. The student makes exemplary use of their resources and acquired knowledge to produce this assignment.

The student makes good use of their resources and acquired knowledge to produce this assignment.

The student uses easily available resources to complete the assignment but does not make the effort to strive for superior academic work.

The student makes little effort to use readily available resources and appears to have put minimal effort into the assignment.

The student has not made any effort to complete the assignment or has been irresponsible in some way with regard to scholarship, assessment practices, and/or use of data.

Final score for Personal Essay Assignment: Total number of points earned from rubric above times five = Pts x 5 =

(Final score out of 100 possible)