Outcome Exceeds Expectations- 4 Meets Expectations- 3 Developing-2 Does Not Meet- 1
Introduction and Thesis
*Argument is engaging *
Thesis demonstrates a
strong position and
previews structure of paper
* Argument is present
*Thesis demonstrates a
position and previews
structure of paper
* Argument is
apparent
* Thesis is broad, yet
previews structure of
paper
* Little to no sense of
purpose *Thesis fails to
state a position or preview
structure of paper
* Developed ideas * Developed ideas *
Relevant evidence used
* Ideas support thesis
but not fully
developed
* Absence of main points,
support and / or evidence
* Relevant evidence
used
* Attempt to synthesize
ideas
* Some evidence is
present * Ideas are incoherent
* Ideas are synthesized * Paper is still free of
fallacious reasoning
* Paper contains some
fallacious reasoning
* Fallacious reasoning
evident
* Paper is free of fallacious
reasoning
* Organization is logical /
coherent
* Paragraphs are
organized and
developed
* Unsuccessful
organization
* Paragraphs * Transitions attempt to
connect ideas
* Lack of paragraph and
idea development
developed * No transitions
* Transitions connect ideas
* Obvious variation
between sentence length
and style
* Sentences are
effective and varied
* Sentences lack
variation and
effectiveness
* Sentences are simple and
not varied
* Free of sentence errors * Still free of sentence
errors
* Sentence errors do
not obstruct meaning
* Frequent sentence errors
interfere with meaning
Grammar / Spelling /
Mechanics
* Writing is free of major
grammar, punctuation,
spelling and capitalization
errors
Writing contains
occasional grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
and capitalization errors
that do not interfere
with meaning
Writing contains
occasional grammar,
punctuation, spelling
and capitalization
errors that interfere
with meaning
* Writing contains the
most serious grammar,
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization errors and
meaning is obstructed
Sources and Format * Student uses correct
format (MLA or APA) *
Sources meet guidelines *
Meets page length
requirements
* Student uses correct
format (MLA or APA) *
Sources mostly meet
guidelines * Fails to
meet page length
requirements
* Student struggles to
meet format and
guidelines for (MLA or
APA) *Sources do not
meet guidelines *
Fails page length
* Student fails to use
correct format (MLA or
APA)
* Word choice and
vocabulary meet
expectations
* Word choice and
vocabulary are
consistent
* Words and
vocabulary are
inconsistent
* Words are misused
* Uses gender inclusive
language
* Uses gender inclusive
language
* Awareness of gender
inclusive language
* No gender inclusive
language
Language and Word Choice
MacMurray College Writing Rubric
Content
Organization / Structure
* Limited organization
and development
* Transitions used