Rubric for Informative / Explanatory Essays

Rubric for Informative / Explanatory Essays

A (90-100%) Exceeds Expectations

Establishes a clear, original, insightful thesis and introduces topic meaningfully and with comprehensive context.

Develops topic thoroughly and supports thesis with well-chosen, relevant and sufficient details.

Maintains a formal, sophisticated style and an objective, academic tone consistently throughout the writing; follows standard English language conventions (in general, minimal errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation)

B (80-89%) Meets Expectations

Establishes a clear thesis and introduces topic with sufficient context.

Develops the topic effectively and supports the thesis with relevant details.

Maintains a formal style and an objective tone throughout the writing; follows standard English language conventions (in general few errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation)

C (70-79%) Needs Improvement

Establishes an identifiable thesis and introduces topic with some context.

Develops the topic and supports the thesis, but details may not be consistently relevant, sufficient and / or accurate

May not maintain formal style and objective tone throughout the writing; noticeable errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation.

D (60-69%) Warning

Thesis is unclear or not identifiable and topic is not contextualized.

Topic is not developed and thesis is not supported; details are not relevant, sufficient or accurate.